Things to do in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

Rolling green landscapes, waterfalls, characterful towns and a tranquil canal - they’re all here. Like a grab-bag of rural highlights, Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park is one of the most interesting regions in Britain. Defining the park are the highest mountains in southern Britain – Bannau Brycheiniog – and the three ranges surrounding them: the Black Mountain Range in the west, Fforest Fawr and the Black Mountains to the east.

Less than 30 miles from Caerdydd (Cardiff) and 100 miles from Birmingham, Bannau Brycheiniog is easy to reach. You can drive here from central London in under three hours. There’s plenty of space – in fact, venture a little beyond the most popular trails and you’ll soon find yourself in countryside that feels utterly peaceful and remote. There's something for everyone to enjoy here - cultural towns, memorable family activities, and romantic spots for a cosy weekend away. 

Carved out in the Ice Age, the mountains, hills, and valleys of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park have been moulded by nearly eight millennia of human activity. Dozens of prehistoric sites and castles dot these weathered slopes, along with romantic medieval ruins like Llanthony Priory. It’s a region of tilted rock, waterfalls and caves of such geological interest that in 2005 it was designated a UNESCO Geopark, a first for Cymru. Like the rest of the park, the best way to appreciate the Fforest Fawr Geopark is on foot, by bike or on horseback, independently or with an expert guide.

There’s a rich agricultural tradition in and around the park and the region’s one-of-a-kind towns. Outdoorsy, walker-friendly Crug Hywel (Crickhowell) has an Iron Age hill fort and an impressive bridge, ancient churches and a castle to explore. 

Aberhonddu (Brecon) is known for the annual Jazz Festival, family-friendly museums and independent shops. 

Y Fenni (Abergavenny) is widely known as one of Wales' leading food destinations, while the region’s cafés, pubs and restaurants showcase quality home-grown produce. 

Book-mad Y Gelli Gandryll (Hay-on-Wye) is famous for the Hay Festival and HowTheLightGetsIn festival – offering meaningful cultural and philosophical discussions against a beautiful backdrop.

Talgarth is a small, friendly market town with a fully-restored historic working mill in the market square, which is open to the public. It has a riverside café, bakery and craft shop and just across the town square is Talgarth Visitor Centre. Medieval St Gwendoline’s Church is positioned at the top of the town and Castell Bronllys is close by.

Designated as Wales' first International Dark Sky Reserve, Bannau Brycheiniog offers some of the best stargazing spots and conditions in the UK. On clear nights, visitors can see the Milky Way, meteor showers, planets and countless stars. Regular stargazing events are held by the National Park Authority and at the Bannau Brycheiniog Visitor Centre in Libanus. 

Families will find loads of fun things to do to keep everyone entertained throughout the National Park. There are several museums and heritage sites to visit, including Y Gaer and The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum in Aberhonddu, Abergavenny Museum, and Tretower Castle, which holds regular family-friendly events. Dragonfly Cruises offer accessible family-friendly canal boat trips from Aberhonddu canal basin.

Cantref Adventure Farm, near Aberhonddu, combines animal encounters, pony rides, indoor play areas and outdoor attractions, including Europe's longest sledge ride. Visitors can enjoy tractor rides, swamp boats and family accommodation on site. You can also book memorable animal encounters with Alpaca My Boots, and try sheep herding, donkey walks and piggy walking with A Good Day Out.

The National Showcaves Centre at Dan-yr-Ogof offers visitors the chance to explore spectacular cave formations, including the vast Cathedral Cave and the historic Bone Cave. The site also features an Iron Age farm, dinosaur park and other family attractions, and a nearby caravan and camping site too.

A unique way to experience the landscape is aboard the Brecon Mountain Railway. This heritage railway runs beside the beautiful Pontsticill and Taf Fechan reservoirs into the heart of the National Park.

The National Park is home to some of the most spectacular walking routes in Wales. Its landscape of mountains, moorland, valleys and waterfalls provides endless opportunities for exploration. The highest peaks, including Pen y Fan and Cribyn, attract walkers year-round, while quieter routes offer a chance to discover the park's more remote corners. Craig-y-nos Country Park is ideal for a gentle wander, with wildlife-filled woodlands, meadows, rivers and ponds to explore. 

The Beacons Way remains a trail for connoisseurs. This difficult long distance trail covers over 100 miles of the best, but little known, walk in Wales between Llangadog and Y Fenni. You can take the high-ground by day then dip to towns each night, via glacial lakes, waterfalls, castles, major peaks and stunning views.

Waterfall Country is a popular area, where narrow woodland paths lead to dramatic cascades and hidden gorges. It’s best to visit in spring or autumn as it gets really busy in the holiday periods. 

Wandering through nature reserves, ancient woodlands and open moorland offer opportunities to encounter a wide range of birds, mammals and wildflowers throughout the year. Keep an eye out for red kites, Wales' national bird, which made a remarkable comeback after being close to extinction. Pwll y Wrach Nature Reserve is particularly popular for walking and wildlife watching. 

Check out the Adventure Smart website before heading off on hikes. They have top tips about staying safe while exploring the outdoors, what equipment and clothing to take, and how to ‘make a good day better’. Please keep dogs on leads, take your litter back with you, and follow the Countryside Code.

Read more: Five great places to walk in the Bannau Brycheiniog

Whether you're looking for a challenging mountain biking adventure like the Black Mountains Classic from Talgarth, epic road cycling routes or a gentle family-friendly ride, Bannau Brycheiniog has routes to suit every rider. The Black Mountains and surrounding hills offer exhilarating climbs and descents, while quieter trails wind through picturesque valleys and market towns. Find beginner-friendly routes around Aberhonddu and the Bannau Brycheiniog Visitor Centre. You don’t need a bike – hire is plentiful – just a sense of adventure.

Search for mountain bike parks, hire and holidays in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park

With its rivers, canal, reservoirs, waterfalls and rapids, the National Park is a fantastic destination for water-based activities.

Argoed Lwyd Outdoor Educational Centre offer family-friendly (aged 7+) canoeing taster sessions on the tranquil Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, as well as other exhilarating outdoor activities including guided gorge walking and waterfall walks. If you prefer a self-guided trip, hire boats and canoes from Beacon Park Day Boats at the canal basin in Aberhonddu. You can also hire a range of water craft, and go fishing off boats at Llangorse Lake. 

The River Usk trickles from the Black Mountain down through forests and over bedrock to the freestone runs where wild brown trout run and salmon leap. From June to October the loveliest game river in Cymru offers a challenge for anyone who enjoys a summer evening’s fishing. Discover more fishing locations in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.

Blow away the cobwebs with some action and adventure at the family-friendly and disability inclusive Llangorse Multi Activity Centre. Under 13 year olds with a head for heights, can tackle the Junior Woodland Adventure course, a high-altitude assault course with stepping stones, hanging tunnels, swinging tyres and crossings strung through the tree tops - with a zip line to get back down. And don’t worry about the weather. There’s also indoor climbing, caving, and abseiling on offer.

Book a family-friendly day activity or plan a group multi-day stay with Adventure Britain or Parkwood Outdoors Dolygaer – where you can head out canyoning, caving, climbing and more with expert guides.

We’ve been pony trekking here longer than anywhere else in Britain. There’s thousands of kilometres of bridleways across hill, valley and moor to explore. It’s the freedom of an empty trail that appeals to both adults and children. That and the opportunity to enjoy a pub lunch while your mount grazes outside.

Search for horse riding activities in the Bannau Brycheiniog area.

You’ll find plenty of lovely places to stay to suit everyone. Check out rural self-catering cottages including Onnen Fawr - a collection of family-friendly, group-friendly and pet-friendly accommodation in Dark Skies territory. The Castle of Brecon Hotel makes a great base for exploring the area. For a quiet spot in the countryside, Tŷ Newydd B&B by the canal is ideal for a walking break.

• Best time to go: Spring to early autumn offers the best weather and activity availability. It can get very busy in the summer holidays. Autumn and winter are best for stargazing and cosy breaks.
• Getting there: Bannau Brycheiniog's towns are easily accessible by car, or explore the Usk Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog by bus. Check out Traveline Cymru for public transport options.
• Stay safe: Follow our safety advice for exploring Cymru's National Parks

More info: 

• Bannau Brycheiniog National Park's website has more inspiration to help plan your getaway.
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