Brecon Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, Brecon is a charming town in the Wales region of the United Kingdom. Surrounded by stunning natural landscapes and steeped in history, this picturesque town offers a perfect blend of outdoor adventure and cultural exploration.

Brecon is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with its close proximity to the Brecon Beacons providing a plethora of outdoor activities. Hiking trails crisscross the rugged mountains, offering breathtaking views of the rolling hills and shimmering lakes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a casual walker, there are trails for every level of experience. The iconic Pen y Fan, the highest peak in South Wales, beckons adventurers to conquer its summit and be rewarded with awe-inspiring vistas.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the tranquil waters of the Brecon Canal offer a peaceful retreat. Take a leisurely boat trip along the canal, passing through picturesque countryside and charming villages. The canal also provides opportunities for fishing and kayaking, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the serenity of the surroundings.

Brecon is also a town steeped in history and culture. The historic Brecon Cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, stands proudly in the town center. Its stunning architecture and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-visit attraction for history enthusiasts and those seeking spiritual solace. The Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery showcases the rich heritage of the region, with fascinating exhibits that delve into the town's past.

Food lovers will delight in the diverse culinary scene that Brecon offers. From traditional Welsh delicacies to international cuisine, there is something to satisfy every palate. Local markets and farm shops provide a chance to sample the finest local produce, including succulent Welsh lamb and artisan cheeses.

Brecon is also known for its vibrant arts and music scene. The annual Brecon Jazz Festival attracts jazz enthusiasts from around the world, while the Brecon Fringe Festival showcases a variety of performances in unique venues throughout the town. Art galleries and craft shops dot the streets, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the creative spirit of the town.

Alternative names: Population: 8.3 thous.Elevation: 463 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 51°56'49"N, 3°23'28"W

Location

WalesUnited Kingdom

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Brecon Top Attractions

Brecon Attractions - What to See and Explore

Brecon offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Brecon Cathedral, St Mary's Church, Theatr Brycheiniog, South Wales Borderers Museum. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

11th-century church in a former priory
Brecon Cathedral
Brecon Cathedral, in the town of Brecon, Powys, is the cathedral of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon in the Church in Wales and seat of the Bishop of Swansea and Brecon.
Church
St Mary's Church
St Mary's Church is a parish church in Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales. It is a Grade II* listed building in Powys. The structure was originally a chapel of ease for the priory. The 90 feet West Tower dates to 1510 and is attributed to Edward, Duke of Buckingham. The eight bells date to 1750, and were taken down for refurbishment in 2007.
Concerts and shows • Theater
Theatr Brycheiniog
Theatr Brycheiniog is a modern theatre, arts and community venue in Brecon, the old county town of Brecknockshire and now part of south Powys in Mid Wales, UK.

Museum • Military museum
South Wales Borderers Museum
The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh, formerly the South Wales Borderers Museum is located at Brecon in Wales. The museum's collection is made up of artefacts collected from a variety of sources from around the world and which display the regiment's 300-year history.
Memorial
Maen Llia
Maen Llia is a standing stone which sits on moorland at grid reference SN924192 in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys, Wales. The stone which is a large piece of intraformational conglomerate from the Old Red Sandstone measures 3.7 m high by 2.8 m wide by 0.6 m. It is roughly diamond-shaped and is partly moss-covered.
Museum • Art museum
Y Gaer
Y Gaer is a municipal structure in Glamorgan Street, Brecon, Powys, Wales. The complex, which includes a museum, an art gallery and a library and incorporates a structure which was once the shire hall for Brecknockshire, is a Grade II* listed building.
Antiques • Shopping • Hotel
Brecon Castle
Brecon Castle is a castle in the town of Brecon, Wales. It was built by the Norman Lord Bernard de Neufmarché in 1093, and was frequently assaulted by the Welsh in 13th and 15th centuries. The castle's ownership changed numerous times.
Bridge
Usk Bridge
The Usk Bridge in Brecon, Powys, Wales is the town's oldest route over the River Usk. It carries the B4601 road, formerly the A40, between Brecon and Llanfaes.
Archaeological site
Y Gaer
Y Gaer is a Roman fort situated near modern-day Brecon in Mid Wales, United Kingdom. Y Gaer is located at grid reference SO00332966.
Church
Plough Lane Chapel
Plough Lane Chapel or Plough United Reformed Church is a historic building in Brecon, Wales. The chapel's foundation dates to the 17th century and the structure was rebuilt in 1841, then again in 1892.
Church
St David's Church
St. David's Church is located in Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales. St. David's Church was reckoned in the time of Theophilus Jones to be situated in the suburbs of the town, though formerly it was situated in a field.
Universities and schools
Christ College
Christ College, Brecon, is a co-educational, boarding and day independent school, located in the cathedral and market town of Brecon in mid-Wales. It currently caters for pupils aged 7–18 years.
51°56'35"N • 3°22'34"W
Brecon Congregational Memorial College
Brecon Congregational Memorial College was a Congregational college in Brecon, Powys, Mid Wales. The college graduated ministers and missionaries who were posted to Africa and India.
51°56'41"N • 3°23'13"W
Conway Street drill hall
The Conway Street drill hall is a former military installation in Brecon, Wales.
51°56'46"N • 3°22'29"W
Slwch Tump
Slwch Tump, also known as Slwch Camp and formerly known as Pen Cevn-y-Gaer, is an Iron Age hillfort close to Brecon in Powys, Wales.

Day trips

Brecon – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Brecon, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Queen Street (Cardiff), National Museum Cardiff (Cardiff), St Fagans National History Museum (Cardiff).

33 milesS
Street, Shopping district, Shopping
Queen Street, Cardiff
Nestled in the vibrant city of Cardiff, Queen Street stands as a bustling shopping district that beckons locals and tourists alike with its wide array of retail offerings. This pedestrianized thoroughfare is one of the main commercial hubs in the capital of Wales...
33 milesS
Art and Welsh history in a grand setting
National Museum Cardiff, Cardiff
National Museum Cardiff stands as a cultural beacon in the heart of Wales' capital city, offering a rich blend of art, history, and natural science. This esteemed institution, located in the civic centre of Cardiff, is known for its diverse collections that span across...
32 milesS
Museum, Specialty museum, History museum
St Fagans National History Museum, Cardiff
St Fagans National History Museum, nestled in the outskirts of Cardiff, United Kingdom, offers a unique window into Welsh life through the ages. This open-air museum, one of Europe's leading open-air museums and Wales's most popular heritage attraction, stands as a...
17 milesSE
Museum, Historical place, Specialty museum
Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon
Nestled in the rugged landscape of Wales, the Big Pit National Coal Museum offers a profound journey into the country's industrial past. As a key part of Blaenavon's UNESCO World Heritage Site, this authentic coal mine provides a poignant reminder of the community...
33 milesS
Gothic castle with extravagant interior
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
Cardiff Castle is a historic fortress that stands as a testament to the city of Cardiff's rich past. The castle's origins can be traced back to the Romans, who established a fort on the site in the 3rd century AD. However, the structure that visitors marvel at today is...