Brecon

Brecon is in many ways a typical small Welsh town, retaining that status though it does boast a cathedral. The surrounding scenery is quite stunning, Brecon falling within the Brecon Beacons National Park, which extends to the south, east and west.

By train

The nearest stations are at Abergavenny, Merthyr Tydfil and Llandovery. A bus meets incoming trains at Merthyr. Travel from Cardiff to Brecon takes about an hour and fifteen minutes up the A470.

By bus

There are direct bus links to Swansea and Cardiff and also to Llandovery and Abergavenny along the A40.

By car

A470 from near Cardiff, A4067 from near Swansea

The town is best explored on foot, which is part of the charm.

For most people the main reason for visiting Brecon is as a base for visiting the national park. In town, however, there are worthwhile diversions:

• Brecon Cathedral

  phone: +44 1874 623857
  address: Cathedral Close
  Brecon Cathedral is a small church, but is however interesting and worth a visit. Started as a fortification built by the half brother of William the Conqueror after he captured the town in 1094, the church is now a delightful place to visit. Three hundred years after its foundation, the church becaome Priory Church of St John the Evangelist, which has been described as 'half Church of God and half castle against the Welsh.' Inside the encircling walls of the cathedral close survive the most unique group of monastic buildings in Wales.

• Christ College

  phone: +44 1874 615440
  address: Bridge Street
  Founded in 1541 when King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, there are several lovely buildings to visit.
• River walk Follow the trail beside the cathedral for a pleasant walk down the Afon Honddu and along the River Usk. Can become a bit steep for the unfit.

• Brecknock Museum

  phone: +44 1874 624121
  address: Captains Walk
  local history and art

• Y Gaerremains of Roman fort

• Brecon Leisure Centre

  phone: +44 1874 623677
  address: Penlan
  Good for rainy days, indoor pool, ten pin bowling and climbing wall.

• Walking in the National Park.Brecon is a good base for hiking in the Beacons including Pen y Fan, the highest peak in Southern Britain.

• Cradoc Golf ClubThis course host an annual competition of all the Welsh Club Champions

Events

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• Felin Fach Griffin

  phone: +44 1874 620111
  address: Felin Fach, Brecon
  This unassuming country house is the inn that put Wales on the gourmet map.2008 Good Food Guide Best UK Family Restaurant. True Taste of Wales Restaurant of the Year 2005.

• Bridge Cafe Bed and Breakfast

  phone: +44 1874 622024
  address: 7 Bridge Street
  Home cooking, local beers and cider. Restricted opening hours - see website. Small and friendly Brecon town B and B, with just 3 rooms especially for hikers and cyclists. Log fire, real coffee, free WIFI, plenty of maps and guide books to borrow. Evening meals Fridays and Saturdays from Easter to end of October.

• Wellington Hotel

  address: The Bulwark
  probably the best hotel in the centre of town. There are 19 rooms costing from £70 for a double including breakfast, and also free wireless internet access.

• Brecon Beacons National Park Many things to do, including a climb to the top of Pen y Fan (pronounced pen Ur van), the highest mountain in South Wales.
• Llandovery. A picturesque market town about a forty minute drive west from Brecon.
• Swansea. Superb beaches, leisure facilities and cultural events. Swansea is about a one hour drive to the south west.
• Cardiff. Wales' capital offers great shopping and museums. Cardiff is about an hour's drive to the south east.
• Merthyr Tydfil