Brecon is the largest market town in the Mid-Wales, full of charming cobbled streets to explore which are home to independent shops and several museums.
These all centre around Brecon Cathedral which sits right at the heart of the town as a religious building of important historical significance to the region.
However, it’s Brecon’s location right on the northern edge of the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (also known by its English name, the Brecon Beacons) which makes it most appealing.
From the town, you can reach every major attraction in the National Park in less than 45 minutes whilst still having lots of bars and restaurants on your doorstep. This is why I recommend basing yourself in or around the town to explore the park.
In this guide, I'll share the top things to do in and around the town as well as my top foodie picks and some places to stay.
Where To Stay in Brecon
The Castle of Brecon Hotel (££) – One of many castles in Wales you can stay in, the Brecon Hotel also claims to be the ‘oldest Hotel in Wales’ and offers wonderful mountain views from a great location.
The Wellington (££) - Based in a brilliant location in the town square, this wonderful Georgian guest house has the perfect mix of period features with modern rooms.
Where To Eat in Brecon
- The Hills - For the most indulgent burgers in Wales.
- Brecon Tap - For good British cuisine. You have to try their Sunday lunch!
- International Welsh Rarebit Centre - For a delightful family-owned cafe that specialises in Welsh Rarebit.
1. Visit the Royal Welsh Regimental Museum
The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum is a great place to learn about Wales' involvement in the British Army through its various regiments that were eventually amalgamated to form the Royal Welsh Regiment.
The museum boasts over 33,000 objects related to their role in conflicts such as the First and Second World Wars, and the Anglo-Zulu War. Set across five galleries, objects include uniforms, weapons, medals, and several miniature displays of key battles.
The museum is located within walking distance of Brecon Town Centre and is open 10am-5pm on weekdays only. I spent about 30 minutes here but you could easily spend an hour or more there is so much to see.
2. Have a bite to eat inside Brecon Cathedral
Brecon Cathedral is a Grade I listed building and was built on the orders Bernard de Neufmarché, the Norman knight, around 1093. It's easy to find in the heart of the town with the tower visible from all around.
There has been many alterations to the church during its lifetime, however, the stunning cathedral sits proudly in Brecon, offering an insight into the history of the area. Inside the cathedral you can find a chapel dedicated to the Welsh Regiments and their Zulu/Rourke’s Drift encounters.
The one thing that surprised me most about this cathedral is that inside it houses a café serving hot drinks and light snacks in the same area that there is also a functional cathedral. It's a very interesting combination and I'd definitely recommend stopping here for a drink.
3. Explore Brecknock Museum
This is probably my favourite museum in Mid-Wales, not least because it's huge and free. Brecknock Museum and Art Gallery houses various collections that delve into the history of Breconshire, one of the former counties in Wales that was governed from Brecon.
The museum is found in the cultural hub known as Y Gaer and contains a full replica of a Victorian courtroom and classroom.
The exhibits are organised into different periods including archaeology from the area and natural history, right up to industrial items and memorabilia amassed over the past 150 years. There are also several art exhibitions within the building containing a mix of contemporary art and craft items.
I recommend allowing at least 1hr30 to explore this museum which takes over three entire floors in the building.
4. Enjoy a performance at Theatr Brycheiniog
Theatr Brycheiniog opened in 1997 as the first wholly Lottery funded new build arts organisation in the UK.
Theatr Brycheiniog is a place you must visit whilst in Brecon – it showcases some incredible Welsh and English language productions and there are also ever-changing exhibitions which showcases the work of national and international artists.
It’s also situated on the picturesque Brecon Canal Basin making it the perfect place to stop for family photos.
5. Take a stroll along the Brecon Canal Basin
The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal has frequently been voted Britain's prettiest canal, and it's easy to see why
There is a poetry trail walk that runs alongside Theatr Brycheiniog that contains 10 specially commissioned poems to celebrate the Cultural Olympiad of 2012 written by well-known Welsh poets, five in Welsh and five in English.
This delightful walk will take you all the way into Brecon town centre where you will find the other activities mentioned in this article, plus a range of shops and cafés.
6. Spend time with alpacas at Alpaca My Boots
Located just outside of Brecon in the Beacons at Blaenrehom Farm is the unique ‘alpaca my boots’ experience where you can take one of their friendly alpacas on a 90-minute trek around the stunning location.
The adventure will cost between £20-£30 per person but for this you will be guaranteed a 90-minute walk that you’ll never forget.
As you can imagine, even though this activity is based completely outside, due to the nature of being in close proximity with the alpacas dogs aren’t welcome on this experience.
7. Walk around Talybont Reservoir
Talybont reservoir is the largest stillwater reservoir in the central Brecon Beacons.
There is a great 9.5km circular walk around the reservoir that provides amazing views of the water throughout. Please do note though that quite a lot of the walk is on a road so do take care especially if you are walking with youngsters.
The route also branches off to other walks which can be picked up if you wish to extend your walking adventure.
Please note that there is very limited parking so it’s best to arrive early to avoid disappointment.
8. Grab a gourmet burger a The Hills
Love burgers? This is definitely the place for you! Located just 5 minutes outside of Brecon it’s the perfect place to fill up whilst you’re in the area.
The burgers at The Hills Brecon are so good it’s almost impossible to recommend a single burger on their menu – in my opinion you should go every night and choose something different!
Let’s just say that the burgers are out of this world. You have the standard classics such as cheeseburgers, but The Hills Brecon does some amazingly unique burgers such as the crispy satay beef cheeseburger or the Don Vito which contains beef ragu, pesto and parmesan!
What really sets The Hills Brecon apart from the rest is the quality of the ingredients they use – I can feel my taste buds tingling writing about them burgers!
9. Take a town tour through Brecon
Brecon Town Tours offers a brilliant 60-minute guided walk around Brecon which provides excellent information about the area. There is also a longer 2-hour walk which also takes you around Brecon Cathedral.
Starting at £15 per group, choosing a guided walk really is an excellent option if you are short on time and want to get the maximum out of your visit to Brecon.
Booking should be made before embarking on any walk, although they can cater for a small number of people turning up on the day.
10. Gaze the night away
The entire Brecon Beacons National Park is accredited as an International Dark Sky Reserve. In 2012 it became just the fifth destination in the world (and the first in Wales) to be accredited
There are lots of great spots to choose to stargaze, however, one of the best activities to undertake is the 4-hour guided walk with an expert instructor to fully appreciate the beauty of the galaxy whilst being assured that you’re in safe hands throughout.
Some other great spots include Usk and Crai reservoirs, Llanthony Priory, Carreg Cennen, and the National Park Visitor Centre. All of which are in close proximity to Brecon.
11. Enjoy Brecon Canal by boat
Get away from the traffic and give your feet a rest from walking by enjoying some of Brecon's breathtaking scenery from the waterway.
Dragon Fly run both public cruises along this 200-year-old waterway and allow you to hire your own canal boat for the day.
The public cruises can be as often as twice daily during the peak months, however, this is reduced during shoulder season and the trips do not run at all during Winter. Check their website for the latest timetables.
You'll board the boat at Brecon Canal Basin and ride for about 2hr30 along the canal, guided by friendly and knowledgeable staff. It's a long trip so there are toilets and a refreshments bar onboard.
Self-drive day boat hire is also available for up to 3 hours and can accommodate up to 8 people. Find out more about the day boats here.
12. Climb Pen Y Fan
Standing at 886m above sea level, Pen y Fan is the highest peak in south Wales
There are several different routes to choose from when walking up Pen y Fan, which all range in length, however, the most direct route will have you at the top in around a couple of hours.
The main route which is called the Pont ar Daf Route (or locally known as ‘the motorway’ because of how busy it gets at weekends) is the most popular choice and is suitable for anyone with a good level of fitness, including children.
It’s also good to remember that suitable clothing and footwear must be taken as the weather can be changeable.
13. Go kayaking at Llangorse Lake
My final recommended activity in Brecon is to head out to Llangorse Lake, the largest natural lake in south Wales
For those that like water-based activities, Llangorse lake provides a range of options to enjoy such as, dinghy, windsurfer, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddleboard, pedalo or rowing boat hire from the boat hire centre, or you can even launch your own vessel.
Llangorse lake is also a very popular fishing spot and there is an abundance of pike, perch, roach, bream tench and eels all found here. Please remember you can only fish from boats and not from the shoreline.
A couple of other important points to remember when planning a day out at Llangorse lake is that you need permits to sail and fish.
Related Questions
What Is Brecon Known For?
Brecon is known for the Brecon Beacons which are a famous mountain range located around 6 miles away from the town of Brecon. The Brecon Beacons bring in thousands of visitors each year to the surrounding areas, and they are also a place that the army regularly uses to conduct military training exercises.
Is Brecon Worth Visiting?
Yes, Brecon is worth visiting and makes a great place to base yourself while you explore the town and the Brecon Beacons.
Published: 5 September 2022 · Last updated: 26 September 2023