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Why we love the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

For many travellers, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is their first glimpse of rural Wales – and oh, what a sight to behold. Its strapping peaks loom over thick forests, sheep-grazed valleys and open moors; a land laced with waterfalls, rivers and fern-filled gorges. Naturally, it’s a magnet for hikers and cyclists, campers and thrill-seekers, while its towns serve up history, culture and fabulous food. 

The national park boundary loops from the border with England, deep into South Wales, and encircles four vast mountain ranges. Here, simple pleasures are paramount: wildflower-strewn trails, country pubs with log fires, and dark skies full of stars.

From horse riding trips to hot air balloon flights, here’s how to find your own adventure in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Things to do in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Hike to the top of Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), for breathtaking views of South and Mid Wales.

Find your perfect walk on Pen y Fan

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Brecon Beacons

A group of walkers, using trekking poles, in deep snow
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Book lovers of the world flock to Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales, for its independent bookshops and famous literary festival.

Plan your visit to Hay-on-Wye

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Young woman wearing backpack walks past bookshop
Hay-on-Wye, Powys

On the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), Abergavenny is a great place to start your adventure in Wales.

Explore Abergavenny for yourself

siandibley

Abergavenny, Wales

View of lush green hills and trees at Abergavenny
Abergavenny, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), is one of Wales’s top attractions – with caves, a dinosaur exhibit and beautiful Shire horses.

Book tickets for the National Showcaves Centre for Wales

showcaves

Caves at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales
National Showcaves Centre for Wales

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

Hike to the top of Pen y Fan mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), for breathtaking views of South and Mid Wales.

Find your perfect walk on Pen y Fan

VisitBritain/Adam Burton

Brecon Beacons

A group of walkers, using trekking poles, in deep snow
Pen y Fan, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Book lovers of the world flock to Hay-on-Wye in Powys, Wales, for its independent bookshops and famous literary festival.

Plan your visit to Hay-on-Wye

VisitBritain/Helena Bradbury

Young woman wearing backpack walks past bookshop
Hay-on-Wye, Powys

On the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog), Abergavenny is a great place to start your adventure in Wales.

Explore Abergavenny for yourself

siandibley

Abergavenny, Wales

View of lush green hills and trees at Abergavenny
Abergavenny, Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog), is one of Wales’s top attractions – with caves, a dinosaur exhibit and beautiful Shire horses.

Book tickets for the National Showcaves Centre for Wales

showcaves

Caves at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales
National Showcaves Centre for Wales

For one of Britain’s best walks, trek the Beacons Way over hills and hollows in the Brecon Beacons National Park (Bannau Brycheiniog).

Hit the trail on the Beacons Way

TOM MARTIN/WALES NEWS SERVICE

Mynydd_Illtyd
The Beacons Way

Places to stay in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

Manor hotels

Fine dining, rich history, and plenty of luxury: the national park’s country house hotels are a real treat. Ideal for a few days of pure relaxation.

B&Bs and bunkhouses

On the trail? Kick off your muddy boots at a rural B&B or bunkhouse, and tuck into a big Welsh breakfast to fuel your day in the peaks.

Stargazy camping

As a Dark Sky Reserve, the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is renowned for its stargazing – so pitch up your tent for a front-row view.

Explore nearby

Step into a land of castles, world-renowned rugby and a whole host of myths and legends.

VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Cardiff

A gay couple enjoying the shopping facilities at Castle Arcade in Cardiff, Wales

For a real adventure, head to Wales’s westernmost tip. A paradise for hikers, swimmers, thrill-seekers and birdwatchers.

National Trust/Greentraveller

Pembrokeshire, Wales

Back view of two young boys in wetsuits sitting on a rock looking out to sea with blue sky

Cool creative Bristol is a must-see for art, culture and action-packed adventure.

VisitBritain/Rod Edwards

Lit up hot air balloons and fireworks in the night sky

Full of adventure from its sky-scraping peaks to plunging glacial valleys - it’s bursting with bombastic scenery.

VisitBritain/Daniel Struthers

A man jumping across a stream whilst hiking

Getting to the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog)

The national park spans the South Wales counties of Carmarthenshire, Powys and Monmouthshire. The rail stations in Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil and ​​Llandovery – all on the park’s periphery – offer direct services between Cardiff, Manchester and the Midlands. Cardiff Airport is the closest international hub, and Heathrow Airport is a two- to three-hour drive away.

Getting around

Travelling from A to B in the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) is all part of the adventure – whether you’re driving through the valleys or touring the villages by bus. Getting around on public transport can be tricky, but car hire is available from all the main towns, so it’s easy to pick up some wheels for a few days.

By car

It’s the simplest way to get around, especially in winter. Going electric? There are EV chargers in Brecon, Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil.

By public transport

Trains only serve the edge of the national park, but the bus network runs right through its heart – and all the way to Hereford and Cardiff, too.

By boat

Explore the peaceful waters of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal on a day cruise or canal boating holiday, with self-drive vessels available to hire.

Want to know more?

For more wild days out, outdoor adventures and travel tips, visit the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) website.