Brecon

Travel Guide
Brecon Beacons National Park showing farmland and a sunset
Bring your children for activities on the hills of the national park and embark on the river walk in this town in southwestern Wales.

Surrounded by picturesque and serene topography, the quaint market town of Brecon is the gateway to Brecon Beacons National Park. Narrow rivers, stone bridges and castles offer enchanting scenery in and around town. Stroll along the riverside promenade and breathe in the fresh air in this quiet hub.

Encounter some of the town’s highlights, such as the small Brecon Cathedral. Enter through the cathedral’s main portal and gaze up at the impressive ceiling and beautiful stonework. Follow the river walk alongside the cathedral. Note that it is fairly steep at parts.

Lay down a blanket on the riverbank and enjoy a picnic in these tranquil surroundings. Cross the stone bridge and capture photos of the river winding through the center of town. Among the local highlights is the 11th-century Brecon Castle, which today serves as a hotel, after renovation in the early 1800s.

On a warm day in summer, go horseback riding through the picturesque surroundings. This is normally a fairly wet region so try bowls and rock climbing in the Brecon Leisure Centre on a rainy day. Attend the Brecon Jazz Festival, which takes place annually in August.

Drive east for 15 minutes to reach Bronllys Castle in its namesake village. Capture photos of the surviving round tower, which you can climb for excellent views of the countryside.

Enter the Brecon Beacons National Park for its rolling green hills and major landmarks, such as the Black Mountain and the Great Forest. In the northern part of the park is the Llangorse Outdoor Activity Centre. Bring your kids for the Junior Challenge Course that features stepping stones, tunnels and buckets. Go ziplining in the scenic parkland and climb walls indoors.

Brecon is on the northern periphery of Brecon Beacons National Park in southeastern Wales. Drive from Cardiff through the national park to get here in about 1 hour. Nearby train stations include Abergavenny and Llandovery.

Enjoy the fascinating historic vestiges and stunning terrain of Brecon.

Wellington
Wellington
3.5 out of 5
The Bulwark, Brecon, Wales
The price is CA $78 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $78
CA $94 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a garden. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.6/10 Good! (212 reviews)
"Excellent location in the town centre with easy walking access to the cathedral and the canal basin. I had a clean and comfortable room with a nice en suite. Breakfast and dinner were very good. A pity there's no lift but I was warned about that and I managed the 2 flights of stairs despite being ..."

Reviewed on May 13, 2024

Wellington
The Griffin Inn
The Griffin Inn
3 out of 5
The Griffin Inn, Llyswen, Brecon, Wales
The price is CA $108 per night from Jun. 9 to Jun. 10
CA $108
CA $130 total
includes taxes & fees
Jun 9 - Jun 10
Stay at this 3-star inn in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (64 reviews)
"The staff were really friendly throughout our stay and the room was warm and comfortable."

Reviewed on Mar. 16, 2024

The Griffin Inn
Llangoed Hall
Llangoed Hall
4 out of 5
Llyswen, Brecon, Wales
The price is CA $252 per night from May 19 to May 20
CA $252
CA $302 total
includes taxes & fees
May 19 - May 20
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Popular attractions Erwood Station Craft Centre, Gallery ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (254 reviews)
"Beautiful house, excellent service, wonderful setting."

Reviewed on May 11, 2024

Llangoed Hall
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
 Architect designed Eco House in small village on the Wye Valley Walk
Architect designed Eco House in small village on the Wye Valley Walk
Boughrood
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Pwll-y-wrach Nature Reserve and Erwood ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
Perfect location to walk, talk and relax
"Thanks for letting us stay in your cosy, warm home. Perfect for exploring walks and small towns. The house was large enough for 6 adults to enjoy catching up and had everything you’d need for a perfect stay."

Reviewed on May 6, 2024

Architect designed Eco House in small village on the Wye Valley Walk
Trebarried Mill C17th- Something for Everyone - Perfect for Groups and Families
Trebarried Mill C17th- Something for Everyone - Perfect for Groups and Families
Brecon
Stay at this vacation home in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and a pool table. Popular attractions Pwll-y-wrach Nature Reserve and Llangorse Outdoor Activity ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
Brilliant birthday celebrations
"Lovely location, very spacious property with amazing spaces. Kitchen spacious and well equipped. Beds comfortable. bathrooms good. Great bonus as it wasn’t exactly “flaming June” was the snooker table, especially for the youngsters , there were many challenging matches! Outside facilities were great ..."

Reviewed on Jun. 27, 2022

Trebarried Mill C17th- Something for Everyone - Perfect for Groups and Families
"Home from Home" in the Bannau Brycheiniog with stunning views of the Usk Valley
"Home from Home" in the Bannau Brycheiniog with stunning views of the Usk Valley
Pencelli
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in Brecon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions Pen y Fan and Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (67 reviews)
A lovely cottage for a stay in Brecon Beacons
"A lovely little cottage that had everything you need. We stayed with our two young children. We would definitely stay again and would recommend it, but we have two areas that weren't perfect. Getting the boiler just right took a while. There wasnt enough hot water on our first night, so the kids ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 9, 2023

"Home from Home" in the Bannau Brycheiniog with stunning views of the Usk Valley
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Brecon

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
0
" "5 - Excellent 0%
4 - Good
2
" "4 - Good 100%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
Jun. 4, 2019

We enjoyed Hay-on-Wye and the Literary Festival.

Read travel guides and advice on visiting Brecon

Cities near Brecon