Let the Adventuring Begin!
Whether you are looking to spend time in the glorious hills of south Wales, cycling the Taff Trail or simply wandering through town for a spot of lunch and a boutique shopping trip, The Banana Brycheiniog National Park has something for everyone.
Festivals
Crickhowell Walking Festival takes place over 10 days in early March whilst Talgarth's occurs during the month of May.
HowTheLightsGetIn and the Hay Festival take place in the town of Hay-On-Wye, 25 minutes drive from Brecon.
Brecon Pride in July
Brecon Jazz Festival and the Brecon Fringe Festival second weekend of August
Greenman Music Festival at the Glanusk estate near crickhowell, usually the third weekend in August.
Brecon choir festival and Brecon Baroque.
Rainy Day Activities
Dan-Yr-Ogof Showcaves: Exploring some of the local wonders of the caves and the story of the Morgan Brothers who made their dramatic discoveries in 1912. The grounds also hold a Shire Horse Centre,a farm, as well as a dinosaur park, fossil house and museum.
Llangorse Multi-Activity Centre: Just a short drive away, this award winning activity centre features indoor climbing, bouldering, rope bridges, zip lining and even abseiling. A high energy way to spend a wet day.
Big Pit, the national coal museum of Wales
Theatr Brycheiniog: Less than a 3 minute walk away, our local arts venue offers a 477 seat auditorium, gallery and bar/cafe. The hub hosts performances ranging from music events, drama, stand up comedy, film, to dance. There is also the occasional workshop as well as local community group gatherings.
Hop aboard a heritage steam train and ride through the Beacons in historial style on the Brecon Mountain Railway. There's even a cafe at Pontsticill Station whilst overlooking the stunning views of the resevoir.
In addition to these, Gail has several favourite rainy day routes that offer great views from the car as well as lots of stopping off points to take advantage of breaks in the weather.
For The History Buffs
The Bannau Brycheiniog has evidence of human habitation going back to neolithic times. Neolithic people erected Maen Llia in the Heol Senni valley a short drive away. the Bronze Age people built cairns on many of the tallest peaks in the area and there is evidence of many Iron Age hill forts too.
Brecon Cathedral, 15 minutes walk away was built in 1093.
Brecon's Y Gaer doubles up as Brecon library and the town's main museum which also holds a number of seasonal exhibitions.
he Old Market: Our Market hall built in 1840 hosts a range of events throughout the year. Including the Saturday Farmer's market and monthly Brecon Craft Markets.
Sunny Day Activities
The Brecon Beacons National Park has something for all physical abilities and interests. There are enough hiking trails to keep anybody busy for a lifetime, below are some other activities our national park is known for.
Walking with Alpacas: These big personalities make great walking companions and the experience is ideal for couples, friends or anyone looking for something different.
Canal Boat Trips: Take a leisurely wander along the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal. With its charming bridges, plenty of waterside wildlife and scenic routes. If you fancy resting your legs, hop aboard a canal boat ride for a relaxed cruise through the scenery. The Dragonfly Boats are highly recommended.
Horse riding: A unique way to enjoy the stunning views of our National Park.
The Natural World
The Bannau Brycheiniog is teeming with wildlife. The Wild Welsh ponies, first released during the mine closures, have interbreed with horses and ponies abandoned in the national parks in the decades since. Red kites wheeling on thermals overhead. Otters and kingfishers along the waterways.
At sun set, the bats and owls come out to play as the magnificence of the heavens gradually unspools overhead. You don’t need a telescope to appreciate this dark skies reserve. If you are lucky you might even experience the Aurora Borealis.
