Looking for things to do in the Brecon Beacons this half term? There is plenty going on -here are a few of our suggestions. Enjoy!
1: Garwnant Visitor Centre offers a great day out. Explore over 400 acres of beautiful woodland. Experience the tranquil nature trails or thrilling kids’ mountain bike course and enjoy fresh local produce in our restaurant.
2. Discover Welsh gold at Dolaucothi Gold Mines
These unique gold mines are set amid wooded hillsides overlooking the beautiful Cothi Valley. 2,000 years ago, the powerful Romans left behind a glimpse of gold-mining methods. The harsh mining environment continued in the 19th and 20th centuries, ending in 1938. Go on a guided tour and be taken back, to experience the conditions of the Roman, Victorian and 1930s underground workings. Find out more here
3. Try our Welsh Whiskey. Take a tour to find out about the unique history of Welsh whisky at Penderyn Distillery. This is a fun trip where there’s plenty to see, learn and sample at Wales’ only whisky distillery. Find out more here
The Brecon Beacons has an outstanding agricultural heritage - while you're here, why not get to know some of the people who work the land and make delicious food and drink from its ingredients?
We have Black Mountian Smokery, Blaenafon Cheddar Company, Coity Bach Produce, Talgarth Mill, The Vension Centre to name a few. Make sure you pop into one of our many cafes or deli's to sample some of our local produce - find out more here.
3. Visit the Mountain Centre and Mynydd-Illtyd
The National Park Visitor Centre or ‘Mountain Centre’ is located 7km south west of Brecon and is one of the most popular visitor attractions in the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The Centre stands 1100ft (330m) above sea level and offers stunning views of our highest mountains Pen y Fan and Corn Du.
The adjacent common land, Mynydd Illtyd, offers plenty of easy walks with fantastic views of Pen y Fan and the Central Beacons. Route maps are available in the centre or go to our website.
4. Cycle the Taff Trail from Brecon to Brynich Lock
This traffic free section of the Taff Trail is perfect for the whole family it starts from the car park at Brecon Canal Basin and follows the
well-surfaced tow path of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal
for 3 easy miles down to the first lock at Brynich find out more here
Don't forget to have a look around the market town of Brecon, there are plenty of cafes and shops.
Find more traffic free routes here or if you fancy a longer route go here
5. Spend a day at Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake is the largest natural lake in South Wales is a fine spot for sailing, wildlife-watching and waterside strolls with shimmering views. There’s local history to explore, too at the Crannog near the northwest shore. Over 1000 years ago, this was the homestead of a local king.
With a onsite cafe, it's a perfect place to spend the day. Find out more here
If you are feeling adventurous have a look at walks around Llangorse and Bwlch here
6. Spend a day in Abergavenny - heritage, views and a vineyard
Start your day with a visit to Abergavenny's Museum set in the ground of a ruined Normal Castle.
Entrance is free as are the stunning views from the Castle over the Usk Valley and the Blorenge Mountain.
Enjoy a picnic in the grounds or walk to the town centre to find some lunch from one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Entrance is free as are the stunning views from the Castle over the Usk Valley and the Blorenge Mountain.
Enjoy a picnic in the grounds or walk to the town centre to find some lunch from one of the many cafes and restaurants.
Stop off at the Sugarloaf Vineyard on the way back to town for refreshments at their coffee shop.
Plan your day here
7. The National Coal Mine Museum or Big Pit
Discover Wales's rich mining heritage in this amazing award-winning interactive museum complete with underground tour. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere of an authentic coal mine. Take a free tour of a historic underground mine. More information here
8. Take the family to Dan y Ogof and Craig y Nost Country Park and Castle
The Cwm Tawe area of the Brecon Beacons is in the heart of the Fforest Fawr Geopark – an area of international importance because of its extraordinary geological heritage. Craig-y-nos sits between imposing crags of Carboniferous Limestone, rock which has been carved into extensive cave systems. The National Showcaves Centre for Wales gives an insight into the subterranean world. Combined with the other attractions developed in the centre, including a dinosaur park, a Shire Horse centre and indoor soft play area, it makes for an action packed family day out.
The Country Park has extensive grounds to explore. Once the pleasure gardens of the Craig-y-Nos Castle, now a hotel. Level and gently sloping paths take you through a meadow, around tall trees and along the flowing river. Look out for the different ducks on the ponds.
Plan your day here
9. Attend one of festivals and events
There are many events happening over the Bank holiday weekend and during half term in the Brecon Beacons. World renowned Hay Festival kicks off this weekend along with Crickhowell Open Studios and The Fforest Fawr Geopark Festival just to start. Make sure you go to our website to get the full list.
10. Go for a walk in Waterfall County
For a stunning day out why not visit our Waterfall Country which is a stunning region of our National Park.
Waterfalls Centre in the village of
Pontneddfechan is an ideal place to start a walk along one of the many paths to
the waterfalls and to visit the remains of the gunpowder works
and silica mines which hint at the hive of activity and industry that
once filled this enchanting place.
To walk behind the curtain of water at Sgwd yr Eira (Waterfall of
the Snow) is an experience never to be forgotten!
Find out more here
Make sure you have a look at our website to plan your trip. We hope you enjoy your time in our National Park.
