Are The Brecon Beacons Worth Visiting?

I never really considered visiting Wales until my partner suggested it. I hadn’t ever heard of the Brecon Beacons until he mentioned it. If I hadn’t heard of it, how good could it be?

My partner and I were planning a staycation when he mentioned the Brecon Beacons. He had visited this location on a school trip when he was young and had some vague memories of the place. After looking into it, my first thought from the research I conducted was, 'How have I never seen this place?'

After some research, we booked a couple of Airbnbs in the heart of nature with no phone signal, and off we went for five days. But was it worth it? 

What Are The Brecon Beacons?

The Brecon Beacons is a national park located in South-Mid Wales. It is a mountainous range filled with lively waterfalls, long hiking trails, quaint communities, and castles. The Brecon Beacons include Pen y Fan, the highest peak in Southern Britain at 886 meters. Up for the challenge to climb it?

Remarkably, the Brecon Beacons have been recognized as an International Dark Sky Reserve, meaning they offer exceptional starry nights and are protected for scientific, natural, and educational purposes.

Why It Surprised Me

I was surprised because I had never heard of it before. Living in England, I’ve heard of the beautiful beaches of Cornwall and the stunning views of the Lake District, but never the Brecon Beacons. That being said, as soon as I saw the pictures and videos, and did some research, I wasn’t that surprised. The Brecon Beacons are even more beautiful in person!

My Favorite Things About The Brecon Beacons

The Nature

Driving into the Brecon Beacons, you’re surrounded by green fields and mountains that stretch for miles. One moment you’re driving at the top of a hill looking down, and the next you’re in the valleys gazing up at the mountains around you. There are plenty of nature walks and trails; I especially loved the Four Waterfalls Walk. It felt so serene and untouched.

The Night Sky  

A must-do in the Brecon Beacons is to stay up until about 1:00am - 3:00am for stargazing. As a Dark Sky Reserve, you’ll see the sky light up with stars and the Milky Way. I made good use of a wood-fired hot tub in my airbnb (a very common type of hot tub in the Brecon Becans) and spent the night gazing at the stars.

The Roads

Driving around the national park is a fantastic way to see its natural beauty. You can take it slow and absorb the views. There are plenty of viewpoints along the road to stop and take pictures.

The Sheep  

Wales is known for its abundance of sheep and good reason. In the national park, there are hundreds of them. Even though they don’t let you get too close, it’s nice to see the sheep grazing in their natural habitat. Who doesn’t love a cute little sheep?

Things To Do In The Brecon Becans

The Four Waterfalls Walk

The Four Waterfalls Walk is a lovely hike with four beautiful waterfalls. It's a great way to spend a day outdoors and enjoy fresh air. The sound of the water and the lush surroundings make it a peaceful experience. It takes about 5 hours to complete with a few stops. There are picnic benches so bring some snacks with you!

Climb Pen Y Fan

Climbing up Pen y Fan is a must if you're in the Brecon Beacons. The hike can be a bit challenging, but reaching the summit feels like such an accomplishment and the views are woth the effot. I climbed Pen Y Fan during the day but many people will climb up early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise views from the top.

Go Caving

If you're up for something different, try caving in the Brecon Beacons. Exploring the underground caves is exciting and shows you a whole new side of the area. It's an adventure that makes you crawl through tiny gaps and gets muscles working that you don't often use!

Kayak Down The River Wye

Try kayaking down the river Wye, it's a fun way to enjoy the scenery and maybe see some wildlife. Whether you're a beginner or experienced, it’s a great way to spend time on the water.

Have A Digital Detox

The perfect place for a digital detox is the Brecon Beacons. In today's society, you need to switch off sometimes and connect with nature. It’s therapeutic to just relax without any screens or notifications. You'll find it refreshing to be fully present and enjoy the simple beauty around you.

So was it woth it? 100 times yes. I couldn’t believe such a place was only a two-hour drive from where I live. The vast landscapes, mountain views, and star-lit skies were magnificent. It was the perfect way to spend five days, disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

As you can probably tell, I think the Brecon Beacons are worth visiting. I think about this trip all the time and can’t wait to go back. If you’re looking for a relaxing staycation in the UK, the Brecon Beacons is the place to go!