Make sure you make the most of the last few days of the Summer Holidays! Here is our guide to free family attractions in the Brecon Beacons!

1. Be king of the castle at Carreg Cennen

Let your dirty rascals scramble about on Carmarthenshire’s most striking ruins. They’ll feel on top of the world. To find out more, visit our page on Carreg Cennen Castle.

2. Paddle down the River Wye

Go canoeing or kayaking on the river with an experienced operator such asWye Valley Canoes then tuck into a scrumptious local lunch on the riverbank at The River Café, Glasbury-on-Wye. To find out more, visit our page on canoeing and kayaking.

3. Wander around our beautiful towns and villages.

Why not get some sheep milk ice-cream from Shepherds in Hay on Wye or stroll around Brecon Cathedral.  View our town guides here

4. Go Underground

Big Pit- With free entry, Big Pit is a must-see for South Wales. With facilities to educate and entertain all ages, Big Pit is an exciting and informative day out. The Museum is set in a unique industrial landscape, designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000!

5. Climb a hill, go on a bug hunt and fly a kite

Climb a huge hill, looking out for butterflies, bees and other insects on the way. Sugar Loaf is a good one, with Mynydd Llanwenarth car park the best starting point. The ascent is easy at first, but little legs might want to skip the steep bit near the summit. Take a kite – on windy days, Sugar Loaf is a great flying spot. To find out more, visit our pages on walking.

6. Pick blackberries in the countryside and go Wildlife Watching

In late August and September, the hedgerows are stuffed with tasty berries. As long as you keep a careful eye on them, the kids can forage to their hearts’ content. A wide variety of birds, animals, fungi and plants can be found in our National Park. A long as you know where to look, who knows what you will see! To find out more, visit our page on natural habitats and nature trails.

7. Go on a picnic!

There is no better way to explore the Brecon Beacons and celebrate summer than packing a picnic and catching up with friends and family. With plenty of countryside, we have some of the best places in the UK for eating outside. Here are some of our perfect picnic spots.

Got a phone with GPS on it? Then you’re ready to go Geocaching, a global game of hide-and-seek with almost two million hidden ‘treasures’. The Brecon Beacons National Park people have really got the bug: they’ve planted 180 caches for you to find.  And your children will never again be bored on country walks.

9. Stare at the stars

If there’s a clear, moonless night during your visit, you’re in luck. The stars will put on a show. Get hold of a book, a chart or a stargazing map, and see if you can spot some of the constellations. To find out more, visit our page on stargazing.

10. Enjoy our natural wonders 

Pen Y Fan-If you fancy a hike, head up Pen Y Fan for breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons National Park.

Llangorse Lake– Cool off by paying a visit to the largest natural lake in Wales. Try a pedalo or even just grab an ice-cream and watch the ducks float by.
Making a splash at Talybont waterfalls is a summer must, or a relaxing cycle along the canal. End the evening at one of the great beer gardens while watching the sunset.

Cadw are also planning their Open Doors scheme, allowing free entry into many of their attractions! Keep an eye out here