Activities:
The Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park contains some of the most spectacular and
distinctive upland formations in southern Britain. Situated amongst hills and mountains, the Park covers an area of
1347 sq km (520 sq miles). Stretching from Hay on Wye in the east to Llandeilo in the west, it incorporates the Black
Mountains, the Central Beacons and Fforest Fawr as well as moorland, forests, valleys, waterfalls, lakes, caves and
gorges. Further information can be obtained on the Brecon Beacons National Park Online Guide Book.
The Mountain Centre
The Mountain Centre is located just outside Brecon in the village of Libanus and has extensive information about
the local area. The Mountain Centre has magnificent views of Pen-y-Fan and Corn Du and is a short drive from the Storey
Arms Centre, which makes an ideal starting point for a steady walk to the summit of both peaks. This route is suitable
for anyone of normal fitness and takes approximately 90 minutes either way. At 2906 feet, Pen-y-Fan is the tallest
mountain in South Wales and on a clear day will provide magnificent views of the surrounding landscape.
The Brecon and Monmouth Canal
The Brecon and Monmouth Canal passes through
Talybont-on-Usk, just a few hundred yards from Belvedere. Further information about the canal may be found on the
MBACT website.
The Brecon Jazz Festival
Brecon Jazz, the highly-acclaimed, international festival
of jazz is held in Brecon each year. Accommodation for the Brecon Jazz Festival is always limited and we recommend
that you book early!
The National Showcaves of Wales
The National Showcaves of Wales at Dan-yr-Ogof also include a dinosaur
park, a shire horse centre, three magnificent showcaves and an iron age fort. Dan-yr-Ogof is approximately 40
minutes drive from Brecon.
The Taff Trail
The Taff Trail runs for 55 miles between Brecon and Cardiff and is an ideal route for both cycling and walking. For
information on the hire of Mountain bikes check out Biped Cycles.
Brecon Theatre
Theatr Brycheiniog is Brecon's stunning canal side centre for the arts and entertainment, located at Canal Wharf
in Brecon. Contact details and a list of up coming events can be found on the
Theatr Brycheiniog website. Further details are also available from
Theatre Wales.
Llangorse Rope Centre
The award winning Llangorse Rope Centre boasts more than 1140 square meters
of natural and artificial climbing surfaces including a kids climing and bouldering section. The centre also caters
for a vast range of other activities, including bungee running, abseiling, log climbing, rope climbing, a zip wire
and caving ladder. Ideal activities in all weathers. Further information can be found by calling Llangorse Riding &
Rope Centre on 01874 658 272.
Hay-on-Wye – Town of Books
Hay-on-Wye is known as "The Town of Books" as a result of the multitude of second-hand book stores which line it's
picturesque streets. One of the biggest stores is The Cinema Bookshop, which is as its name suggests, housed in an
old cinema. Customers from around the globe continue to be amazed by the quantity and range of books offered by this
store which runs to 200,000 volumes on all subjects. Prices range from 50p to £5000. If you like a lot of books for
your money then browse in what is probably the world's largest open-air bookshop situated in the garden in front of
Hay Cinema where you will also see the famous pyramid of books.
Llangorse Lake
Llangorse Lake, which is the largest natural lake in South Wales, allows for many activities including sailing,
windsurfing, kayaking and canoeing, rowing, fishing and water-skiing. Sailing dinghies, windsurfers, canoes,
and rowing boats may all be hired on site.
Pony Trekking
If you are interested in pony trekking there are several local riding centres. Llangorse Riding Centre,
Cantref Riding Centre,
Ellesmere Riding centre and
Llangenny Riding Centre. Further information can be
found on the Mountain Hut website.
Golf
For those of you interested in playing a round of golf, there are two courses in Brecon,
Cradoc Golf Club, an exceptional course with 18 holes (measuring 6331 yards)
and a floodlit driving range, and Brecon Golf Club, a
flat 9 hole course located close to town centre. Both clubs have some restrictions on Sunday. More information can
be found on the Mountain Hut website.
The Brecon Mountain Railway
You can find out more about The Brecon Mountain Railway on their website.
Tretower Court & Castle
Tretower Court and Castle is a medieval Manor House and separate Norman Castle. Tretower is located just off the A40 between
Talybont-on-Usk and the town of Crickhowell.
Brecon Leisure Centre
Brecon Leisure Centre is open to the public 7 days a week. The centre offers swimming pools, 10-pin bowling, squash courts,
a gymnasium, bowls, basket ball courts and more.
Festival Park Shopping Village
Festival Park Factory Shopping Village in Ebbw Vale is home to a wide range of shops selling products at discount prices.
The Shopping Village offers fashion for all the family, footwear, sportswear & equipment, toys, leisure wear, fine china
& crystal, furniture and home furnishings. The site is easily accessible by car and offers free parking.
Pottery
Beacons Pottery & Picture Gallery occupies two floors of the historic 16th century Defynnog Old School and is owned and run
by professional artist/potters Carole Longhurst and Colin Horsman. The Picture Gallery contains framed paintings and prints
by qualified artists living in South Wales and the Brecon Beacons.