Visit any where in Wales on March 1st; St David’s Day and you’ll see children wearing traditional Welsh National costumes or Welsh rugby shirts, wearing bright green leeks and yellow daffodils turned into colourful accessories.
St David’s Day or Dydd Gwŷl Dewi (Sant) Hapus in Welsh is always a special time in Wales, when local communities come together to celebrate the culture and qualities of Wales. If you live or are visiting the Brecon Beacons National Park today expect to see hear lots of wonderful Welsh choirs and taste lots of delicious locally made foods.
St David was the greatest figure in the 6th century Welsh Age of Saints, founder of scores of religious communities, and the only native-born patron saint of the countries of Britain and Ireland.
St David died on 1 March – St David’s Day - in 589. He was canonised by Pope Callixtus in the 12th century, and we have celebrated St David’s Day ever since.
Whether you prefer strolling along to take in the gems you pass or energetically stepping up a slope to get your heart pounding, you’re guaranteed to find a walk to suit your mood and needs within easy distance of your base here in the Brecon Beacons.
Little can match the enjoyment of ambling along a canal towpath or riverside path, exploring a wildflower carpeted wood, being rewarded with breathtaking views from the top of one of our mountains or being dazzled by our star bedecked dark skies. Search the graded walks across the National Park via the map to find a walk which is right for you now.
Head out for a walk in the National Park with one of our experienced guided walking leaders.
Wales has over 600 fabulous fortresses so you'll have plenty to visit. We'd recommend checking out Carreg Cennen Castle or Tretower Court and Castle.
Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, the Garden is a fascinating blend of the modern and historic and beautiful in Spring, you'll get to see our national flower; the Daffodil in full bloom.
Here you’ll find an inspiring range of themed gardens, the world’s largest single-span glasshouse, our new tropical Butterfly House, play areas and a national nature reserve, all set in a Regency landscape which provides the stage for a packed programme of events and courses throughout the year. Find out more here.
Fuel your epic St David's Day out by seeing who can make the best homemade Welsh cakes and Bara Brith. Or cook up a traditional Welsh meal of cawl or Glamorgan sausages when you get home.
In the Brecon Beacons, we take food and drink pretty seriously. We've got all the right ingredients. Clear air on open hillsides. Fertile valleys. And an abundance of fresh water. From gourmet restaurants with their own cottage gardens to cosy pubs serving local Welsh lamb for Sunday lunch, we have plenty of fine eating places to tempt you. Our traditional Welsh breakfasts are legendary. Our gorgeous cafés and tea shops are enough to make you sigh with happiness. And you'll find some wonderful goodies for picnics and gifts at our delis, food festivals and farmers' markets. We even make our own whisky. Feeling hungry yet? Find out more here.
Head to the award winning Old Railway Line Garden Centre's farm shop to stock up on some yummy Welsh food and drink to celebrate St David's Day.
The farm shop stocks a wide range of locally produced food and drink including freshly baked bread, meats from a local butcher, tasty deli products and artisan beers and wines.
Pop to Black Mountains Smokery's shop in Crickhowell to pick up a hamper of Welsh treats or head to their website to order. We have an exclusive offer for our readers – if you place an order online worth over £40, use the code BBT10%, you can get 10% off your order for either delivery to your door or collection from our shop in Crickhowell.
Penderyn Distillery produces award-winning single malt whiskies and spirits in the foothills on the magnificent Brecon Beacons in South Wales. One of the few remaining independent distilleries, Penderyn takes its name from the old Welsh village in which it is located. Head for a tour of the distillery which includes a tasting at the end or buy direct from their online shop.
Black Mountains Preserves is a small Artisan Welsh business offering luxury preserves and gift sets. Lovingly handmade in small cared-for batches, an average batch is only 10-15 retail jars! Made by Helen in her home kitchen in Talgarth, facing the Welsh Black Mountains in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Shop online here.
The Welsh Venison Centre in Bwlch, near Crickhowell, is easy to find just off the A40 in the Brecon Beacons National Park. There are stunning views of the Brecon Beacons from the farm which specialises in producing venison and also its own lamb, beef and locally-produced meat as well as deli items, bread and gifts from its Beacons Farm Shop.
The shop also sells items such as cheese, olives and fresh bread – everything you could want for a picnic, barbecue or delicious meal at your holiday cottage. While you’re at the shop you’ll also be tempted to stop for a cup of tea and some delicious cake. Plan your visit here.
