Plan Your Brecon Beacons Holiday with Our Inspirational Guide

Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly the Brecon Beacons) is one of the U.K.'s most dramatic landscapes, offering everything from soaring mountain peaks to cascading waterfalls and charming Welsh villages. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a history buff or simply looking for a relaxing countryside retreat, the park is a great place to spend your holidays. In this guide, we’ll take you through the top 9 experiences that make this region a perfect getaway.

Designated as a national park in 1952, Bannau Brycheiniog (pronounced Ban-eye Bruck-ein-iog – or informally as "the Bannau") covers over 1,300 square kilometres across South and Mid Wales. The park's name derives from the Welsh word ban, meaning "peak," and Brycheiniog, referring to the ancient kingdom of King Brychan. Until 2023, it was known by its English name – the Brecon Beacons National Park – but was updated to promote the area's Welsh culture and heritage.

No Brecon Beacons holiday is complete without climbing its highest peak, Pen y Fan (886m). This relatively accessible hike rewards visitors with sweeping panoramic views of the spectacular high peaks and the lush green valleys below. The most popular route starts from the Pont ar Daf car park (just off the A470 road) and takes around three to four hours round-trip.

If you're short on time, the conical Sugar Loaf Mountain (565m) in Monmouthshire offers a short but steep alternative. Towering over the market town of Abergavenny on the southern edge of the national park near Newport, it takes around two hours to reach the summit and back from the Sugar Loaf National Trust car park.

A paradise for nature lovers, Waterfall Country is a breathtaking area sculpted by cascading rivers and dramatic falls. The famous Four Waterfalls Walk takes you on a scenic hike that winds through lush woodland along the River Mellte, leading to spectacular waterfalls like Sgwd yr Eira, where you can even walk behind the rushing water. This walk starts near the village of Ystradfellte and covers approximately 8 kilometres.

Thanks to its lack of light pollution, Bannau Brycheiniog has some of the darkest skies in the whole of the UK, making it ideal for stargazing. It was designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve in 2012 (making it the fifth destination in the world to be accredited!) and on clear nights, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, bright nebulas and even meteor showers. Popular spots include the Usk Reservoir and Llyn y Fan Fach lake.

On the northern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, Hay-on-Wye is a dream destination for literary enthusiasts. Known as the “Town of Books”, this quaint market town is home to over 20 independent bookshops, including the famous Richard Booth’s Bookshop. Each year, from late May to early June, the town hosts the Hay Festival, a globally celebrated event that attracts some of the world's greatest writers, thinkers and performers. Through a series of talks, debates and events, it brings together diverse voices to inspire and challenge its audiences.

Richard Booth’s Bookshop

• 44 Lion St, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford HR3 5AA
• Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30am–5:30pm; Sunday 11am-5pm

Wales is rich in historic castles, each telling its own story, perfect for visiting on a Brecon Beacons holiday. Throughout the region, castle ruins and grand mansions scattered across towns and remote crags reveal the area's turbulent history, shaped by power struggles between barons (given land by William the Conqueror) and Welsh princes. Carreg Cennen Castle sits dramatically on a clifftop, offering panoramic views, while Tretower Court and Castle showcases a well-preserved medieval manor.

Carreg Cennen Castle

• Trapp, Llandeilo SA19 6UA
• Open daily from 9:30am to 5pm April-October, 4:30pm November-March
• Adult tickets £6.50, over 65s £5.50, concessions £4.50, family tickets £20.00

This UNESCO-listed area offers a fascinating glimpse into Wales' industrial past. Once a hub of coal mining and iron production, Blaenavon’s landscape remains dotted with landmark monuments and buildings dating to this time. Explore the depths of Big Pit National Coal Museum, where ex-miners guide you on an underground tour through the former coal mine, which operated until 1980. Step back in time at Blaenavon Ironworks, once vital to South Wales’ iron production. Or, take a steam train ride on the Blaenavon Heritage Railway, built in 1866 to transport coal to the Midlands.

Big Pit National Coal Museum

• Pontypool NP4 9XP
• Open daily 9:30am–5pm
• Free to enter

While on holiday in the Brecon Beacons (now officially called Bannau Brycheiniog), foodies will enjoy sampling the region's traditional Welsh cuisine and visiting the local markets. The area is famous for its mountain lamb, including the distinctive Brecknockshire Cheviot breed, as well as Welsh rarebit, cawl (Welsh stew) and Bara Brith (fruit loaf). Local cheeses such as Y Fenni, St Illtyd and Pwll Mawr cheddar (aged in a coal mine) are also a must-try. The Brecon Farmers' Market, held every second Saturday, is a great place to sample fresh produce, meet local artisans and take home delicious items like chutneys, honey and sausages.

Brecon Farmers' Market

• Brecon Market Hall, Market Street, Brecon LD3 9AH
• 10am–2pm every second Saturday of each month

If you don't mind getting muddy, Bannau Brycheiniog is a haven for two-wheeled adventures. Many trails are beginner-friendly, but there are also plenty of challenging routes. Experienced bikers can take on The Gap: a legendary 34-kilometre red route that takes in the Brecon Canal, Taff Trail, Brinore Tramway and the popular Gap Road that traverses the high peaks. Other top trails include Brechfa Forest and BikePark Wales near Merthyr Tydfil. If you prefer a slower pace, head to Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad Nature Reserve, where you can spot red kites, otters and wild ponies.

Bannau Brycheiniog offers fantastic horse riding trails, with Cantref Riding Centre and Tregoyd Mountain Riders providing guided treks through scenic landscapes including lush forests and valleys. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider, exploring the park on horseback is a memorable way to experience the countryside.

Cantref Riding Centre

• Upper Cantref Farm, Cantref, Brecon LD3 8LR
• Open daily 10am–5pm

The Brecon Beacons is a holiday destination that doesn't disappoint. Swansea and Cardiff both make excellent bases for exploring the local area, offering all the convenience of a city with easy access to the national park. So pack your walking boots and get ready to immerse yourself in one of Wales' most enchanting landscapes!