Brecon is a good base for exploring South Wales and in particular the Brecon Beacons which offer us some fine walking opportunities as well as some light mountaineering. The town itself is made up of narrow streets and passageways lined with Georgian and Jacobean shopfronts and happily most modern construction has been well concealed so as not to ruin the charm. Brecon is now the commercial centre of the southern part of Powys, and is a superb example of a traditional Mid Wales market town (market days on Tuesdays and Fridays)
Travel
Brecon is just under an hours drive from Cardiff and is also within an hour an half from Bristol, both of which are served by airports. Brecon is situated on the A40 and is a great base to explore the local area, in particular, the Brecon Beacon's National Park. A car is particularly useful when exploring this area, but it is also possible to get a bus to most places.
Accomodation
There are a lot of Bed and Breakfast's in Brecon, but it is advisable where possible to book in advance especially in the summer as rooms get booked months in advance.
We recommend:
Pickwick House (St.John's Road, Brecon, 01874 624322) - A nice homely Bed and Breakfast with double room for approximately£60 a night. This includes a substantial breakfast that includes vegetarian options. It is situated about a minutes walk from the cathedral and 5-10 mins walk from the centre of town.
Ty'n-y-Caeau Youth Hostel (Groesffordd, Brecon) - Situated about 10 mins drive from the centre of Brecon, this YHA is right in the heart of the Welsh countryside in a large Victorian house. There are a mixture of room types including double ensuites from only £35. The YHA also boasts a TV lounge and self catering kitchen and they also sell locally brewed organic beer. A cab in to the centre of Brecon costs about £4-5 but it is also possible to catch a bus or walk instead. The local village of Groesffordd has a nice local pub and restaurant should you wish to stay local.
If you'd like to add your hostel, guesthouse or hotel to this list please email us
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Things to do
The Canal - Catch a boat trip down the 37 miles of canal that have been restored to award winning standards.
The Cathedral - Fairly impressive cathedral built in 1094, set inside the embattled walls survives the most unique group of monastic buildings in Wales. Worth visiting if you have an hour to spare in Brecon.
South Wales Borderers Museum - This museum at the Brecon Barracks commemorates the battle of Rourke's Drift [1879] where more than 140 soldiers of the regiment faced more than 4,000 Zulu warriors.
Outside Brecon
Pen-y-Fan - The highest peak in the Brecon Beacons at 886m is a relatively comfortable climb that takes about 40-60 minutes and on a fine day offers views as far as 60 miles to the coast.
The Big Pit - About an hours drive from Brecon, this is a free tour in a real coal mine run by ex-miners. The tour takes about 50 minutes and there is also a big cinema on the top showing footage from the mining days
Bars/Restaurants
The Bulls Head - Famous old pub/guest house near the cathedral serving up homely food and two bars for you to choose from
The Puzzle Tree - Modern two levelled bar open till late Thu-Sat also serving pub food, not a traditional pub experience but something for the younger generation.
Welcome Stranger - Delightful small homely restaurant unfortunately soon to close due to relocation to Spain so be sure to visit soon!
The Wellington Hotel - Big popular pub/restaurant serving really nice affordable pub food.
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