Getting fit? Losing weight? Learn something new? Get creative? It can all be done right here in the Brecon Beacons…
Don’t settle for supermarkets
With so many wonderful local producers on our doorstep and high streets brimming with boutiques, there’s no need to step foot into a big chain here in in the Brecon Beacons. We have so many food festivals on throughout the year so you can stock up, as well as regular farmers markets throughout the year!
Open your mind to the outdoors – Make the most of the outdoors this year; Good Day Out provide a variety of workshops, and every experience booked gives funds to the designated cause! Try Dinky Donkey Walking or enjoy a Piggy Walk with a Pig-nic.
Get Fit for Free
Well, it is a new year and maybe time to shape up. So, why not crack on with those new year resolutions and burn some unwanted calories against the stunning backdrop of 568 acres of National Botanic Garden? We have created a series of trails around the Garden – some on flat paths to suit strollers, pushchairs and wheelchairs; and some more rugged, off-road routes around the estate, passing the waterfall.
What better way to try out your new fitness gadget, dig out and dust off that FitBit you were given last Christmas and clock up a serious number of steps? The various trails are clearly way-marked and there’s a free map to accompany you on your journey – pick one up on your way into the Garden. And each route has a ‘cupcake’ rating that indicates the degree of difficulty. So, whether you are planning a buggy boot camp, have a walking group in search of a new venue or you belong to a fitness group in need of a change of scene, this will fit like your favourite trainers.
Go paragliding!
Our grassy fields and hilltops serve as excellent take-off and landing sites for paragliders and hang gliders. Some pilots make cross-country flights exceeding 300 miles and fly up to 4 miles high! This is also a favourite region for soaring over the rolling, green landscape in a glider. You can train at our recognised schools, which are also great spots for those who prefer to watch from the safety of the ground. If you’re already licensed, get in touch with a local club to find out where you can fly. Only recognised flying sites can be used. Find out more here.
Appreciate wildlife
The Brecon Beacons National Park has wildlife in abundance! Click here for our top walks to make sure you have a chance at spotting some of our amazing animals.
Take up walking
Did you know we have 1,200 miles of public rights of way for you to explore? Click here for our favourite walks in the Brecon Beacons which have equally beautiful views to enjoy and have plenty of Epic selfie opportunities. Or click here for more inspiration on where to walk. 
Spend more time with your family
Whatever the weather Cantref Adventure Farm, and the Play Barn Brecon make for a fantastic family day out in South Wales! From shows at Cantref including Pony Rides, Pig Racing and Pet Handling, with The Play Barn at Brynich being an award winning indoor soft play centre on the edge of Brecon!
Learn the ways of survival
The Brecon Beacons National Park is an area rich in vegetation, wildlife and woodland. It’s where the elite SAS army go to learn about survival, and the mountainsides, forests, hedgerow and rivers are full of wild foods that are quite edible. The landscape in the Brecon Beacons is perfect for foraging and there are plenty of friendly experts with unsurpassable local knowledge waiting to help you learn food foraging and outdoor skills! Click here for more.
Do more exercise
The Brecon Beacons National Park is the perfect place to enjoy cycling! We have lots of different terrain to explore, including towpaths, lanes and hillside tracks for all abilities! Cycling gives you healthy exercise, relieves stress and allows you to spend time in the fresh air with family and friends. Find out more here.
Read more books
The Brecon Beacons National Park is full of unique bookshops-giving you no excuse to not read more! Visit Hay on Wye, known as the the town of books, or pop into Book-ish in Crickhowell, where you will find plenty of books to choose from! The Hours in Brecon also have plenty of books to inspire your resolution-it's a great to read over a slice of cake and coffee!
Take more photographs
The Brecon Beacons has some great spots to photograph! Climb up Pen Y Fan to capture epic views of the Park or visit Llangorse Lake and Dan Yr Ogof Caves for some great shots of our natural wonders. Why not join Creative Photography Wales to develop your skills? Click here to find out more.
Enter into a challenge
There are many challenges being held throughout the year in the Brecon Beacons. From the challenging Fan Dance consisting of a gruelling 24km SAS Selection test march staged over Pen y Fan to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canalathon, a 35 Mile Team Endurance Challenge along one of the most Scenic Canal Routes in Britain! There’s plenty more to get your heart racing-Bwlch with Altitude, Brecon Beast, WAAT4 and the Abergavenny Festival of Cycling. Keep an eye out for more challenges here.
Expand your knowledge of the National Park
As with the rest of Wales, the Brecon Beacons has many stories to tell. You can search for the cave where Arthur and his knights are said to slumber, somewhere near Dinas Rock, or visit Craig y nos Country Park to admire the former estate of Adelina Patti, the most famous Opera Diva of the Victorian age. If you visit Tretower Court, keep an eye out for the ghostly White Lady who waits for her love to return from the battle of Agincourt. You may even feel the wind on your face as the hunt goes by with King Arthur’s men in hot pursuit of the giant, enchanted boar Twrch Trywth.
Award-winning author Horatio Claire has re-imagined all these local legends and re-told them in a new book: Brecon Beacons, Myths & Legends, which is also worth checking out.
Treat loved ones to flowers
The Old Railway Line Garden Centre is a family run, independent Garden Centre, Farm Shop and Restaurant combined, offering the very best gardening, home and outdoor living products alongside delicious, fresh, locally produced food and drink. The garden centre is situated in the heart of the picturesque Wye Valley, nestling at the foot of the Black Mountains with outstanding views of the Brecon Beacons and surrounding Radnorshire Hills. They have a florist, farm shop, restaurant, gift shop, with plenty of events being held at the Garden Centre. Click here for events held this summer.
Relax by having spa day
Here in the National Park we are lucky to have some fabulous spa hotels, retreats and clinics in beautiful, tranquil surroundings. Head to Peterstone Court to relax in the Jacuzzi, detox in the sauna and take a dip the seasonal outdoor heated pool or visit The Manor for a swim in the only indoor heated swimming pool and leisure facilities in the nearby area, with sauna, Jacuzzi, and steam pool at your disposal. The Retreat Brecon also provides treatments and therapies, including massage and spray tanning. More info here.
Treat your dog!
The Brecon Beacons National Park is an exhilarating environment to explore with your dog! Explore mountains and streams, walk along the canal and rivers and experience some of the finest views! Click here for some of our top spots to take your dog! And if you don’t have a dog, don’t worry-these walks are great to do with family and friends!
