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.
Crickhowell-Bullpit Meadow – close to the River Usk, Bullpit Meadow is a good place to stop with views across the river to the Llangattock escarpment and to Crug Hywel, the hill the town gets its name from. Or why not picnic in the 12th Century Castle grounds? A bakery, food shops, a chocolatier and even a smokery in the town have all you need to create a picnic.
Brecon – stroll along the Promenade by the banks of the River Usk to find the perfect spot. There’s a children’s play area and boat hire from Spring to Autumn who also sell ice-cream. (even ice cream for dogs!) Or wander along the canal part the wooden carving of a man and horse to find a quiet place to sit. There are bakeries, food shops in town if you need a supplies for your picnic.
Hay on Wye – At Hay Castle you can access the riverside walk alongside the wooded banks of the River Wye which leases to a riverside meadow, known locally as the Warren – a perfect spot for a picnic. In the town there are plenty of delicatessens and food shops to pick up some supplies for your picnic.
Abergavenny – Linda Vista Gardens, home to rare orchids and with stunning views to the Blorenge, is a great place to stop. Or step back in time and eat your picnic in the grounds of Abergavenny castle. Closer to the river are the castle meadows, where you can sit by the water. There are bakeries and food shops in the town.
Llwyn-on Reservior – laybys on the A470 lead to quiet lakeside picnic areas with a variety of walks and waymarked paths around the Llwyn-on reservoir. There’s even a bird hid in the middle of a reed bed for budding bird watchers.
Llandovery – the 12th Century Castle in the town centre is a find place to have a picnic, with views over the River Bran from the top of the hill. There’s a children’s play area there too, with plenty of local bakeries and shops for any last minute picnic additions.
Garwnant Visitor Centre – Situated in Coed Taf Fawr, a large area of forestry in the centre of the Brecon Beacons, it has a children’s play area and several walks for you to all enjoy before or after you picnic.
Merthyr Tydfill – Cyfarthfa Castle was built by the ironmaster Williams Crawshay in 1824 and now houses the Museum and Art Gallery. Free to enter, the 160 acre Castle grounds are perfect for a picnic and there are plenty of woodland walks which include an adventure playground for children.
