Top things to see and do in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

In 2012 the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park became the first International Dark Sky reserve in Wales (and only the fifth in the whole world). Thanks to its lack of light pollution, it’s the perfect place for some serious stargazing. On a clear night, the sky is a shimmering blanket of heavenly bodies, with spectacular views of the Milky Way, distant nebulas and shooting stars. There are regular dark sky stargazing nights at the National Park Visitor Centre in Libanus, so check the National Park’s events page for up to date details.

Find out more about other stargazing spots in Wales. 

Named as the Official Bird of Wales in 2000, this iconic bird of prey was once on the brink of extinction here. Thanks to committed conservation efforts, they’re now a frequent sight in the skies of Mid and South Wales, and you can see them at dedicated feeding centres like Gigrin Farm, near Rhayader. You don’t need to be an experienced ornithologist to identify them – just watch out for their distinctive forked tails.

An unmissable event for culture lovers, the annual Hay Festival sees writers, poets, politicians, comedians just about everyone else converge on Hay-on-Wye for ten days of thought-provoking entertainment. Hay’s the perfect location for this ‘Woodstock of the mind’. The pretty little market town is packed with an outsized number of book shops - it’s why it’s known as the second-hand book capital of the world.

Head to Llanwrtyd Wells, a few miles from the National Park’s northern edge for sporting adventures with a difference. You wouldn’t know it at first glance, but this little town is the global centre for alternative sports like bogsnorkelling, stone skipping and mountain bike chariot racing. The annual World Bogsnorkelling Championships that has taken part for over 30 years and attract competitors from as far afield as Iran, Korea and the USA, while other events include the gruelling Man vs Horse Marathon and the Real Ale Wobble, which combines off-road cycling with refreshing servings of local beer.

Travel underground at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales at Dan yr Ogof. Experience a subterranean world of amazing rock formations in echoing underground spaces, like the massive Cathedral Cave, and come face to face with ancient ancestors in the Bone Cave. The fun continues on the surface with a range of attractions including a dinosaur park (home to more than 200 life-sized prehistoric creatures), Shire Horse centre and Iron Age farm.

The Bannau (Beacons) are famous for hills and mountains, and what better way to get there than by steam train! The Brecon Mountain Railway takes you right into the heart of the National Park, running alongside Pontsticill and Taf Fechan reservoirs before climbing to Torpantau. There are loads of walks you can do around the reservoirs, or just sit back and take in the views from the train.

Search for more attractions in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Blow away the cobwebs with some action and adventure at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre. If you’ve got a head for heights, tackle the Sky Trek Experience, a high-altitude assault course of zip lines, ladders and crossings strung through the tree tops. Or head out on horseback for a rural ride through the Bannau's lush green countryside. And don’t worry about the weather. There’s also indoor climbing, caving, abseiling on offer, alongside activities for younger visitors.

Search for more activities in the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons).

Launched in 2004, the Penderyn Distillery at the southern edge of the National Park was the first new whisky distillery in Wales in over a century. Fast forward to today, and it’s a globally-recognised brand that’s landed numerous awards for its stellar single-malts. Its visitor centre is also an award-winner, giving some fascinating insights into the whisky-making process (plus an opportunity to sample some of the product).