20 things to do whatever the weather
There are plenty of things to enjoy in the Brecon Beacons come rain or shine.
Here are some of our top things to do if it's raining or chilly outside…
1. Visit Big Pit
Fully immerse yourself in Wales’ industrial past Big Pit should be on your itinerary. It’s near the Park boundary to the South and the main attraction is the mine underground but don’t miss out the galleries on the hill – well worth a visit.
2. Explore Dan Yr Ogof National Showcaves
If you aren’t quite ready to commit to the full caving experience the Dan yr Ogof Showcaves offers an amazing opportunity to explore caves and admire rock formations, as well as experiencing their dinosaur park. A full day out of adventures for all the family awaits.
3. Go Caving
Our caves and caverns have been quietly forming for thousands of years, underground and out of sight. Visitors from all over the world come to the southwest section of the Brecon Beacons National Park to explore these amazing spaces and feel the thrill of discovery. For some, it’s their first ever caving trip, while others have many years of experience. The Brecon Beacons National Park in South Wales is one of the most exciting and varied caving areas in Britain. Our Geopark includes four of the five longest limestone cave systems in Britain. Why not explore this fascinating underworld? You can go caving with one of the expert instructors and guides.
4. Take a trip ON the water
Take a trip on one of our day boats on the canal & lakes Llangorse Lake Boat Hire Dragonfly Cruises Beacons Day Boats
5. Have a family day out with Cantref Adventure Farm
Whatever the weather Cantref – Brecon’s Biggest Adventure is a fantastic family day out in South Wales. They have an indoor soft play area, pet handling and big animal barns and a cafe.
6. Stroll through the Old Railway Line Garden Centre
Holds regular ‘Wild Wednesday’ events to keep the children entertained. There is a farm & gift shop for all your needs, choc full of locally sourced goodies, as well as a large café serving delicious food daily.
7. Explore with Brecon Mountain Railway
Travel by narrow gauge steam train through beautiful scenery in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park on one of the most popular routes in Wales. The journey takes you into the Brecon Beacons National Park, through Pontsticill and along the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing to Torpantau.
8. Get active at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
Llangorse Multi Activity Centre is Wales’ Premier Award-Winning Indoor and Outdoor activity centre, set in the stunning Brecon Beacons National Park. For over 55 years, they have offered a cross section of exciting activities for people of all abilities — unrivalled anywhere else in the UK. There is plenty to do indoors- from rock climbing, bouldering, Rope Bridges, Zip Line, Caving and Abseiling!
9. Watch a show at Theatr Brycheiniog
Theatr Brycheiniog is a great place to enjoy live music and shows for all ages. The Theatr offers a popular and acclaimed programme of performing arts and entertainment throughout the year. Café on site serving delicious homemade cakes and great coffee. Open from Breakfast at 9am.
10. Zoom through the air at Zip World Tower
Home to Phoenix and the Tower Coaster, Zip World Tower. Nestled in the Rhigos mountain range, and boasting stunning panoramic views, this adventure hub is situated at the old Tower Colliery Coast mining site and has created a new lease of life of this history and widely loved base.
11. Catch a film at the Market Hall Cinema
Good old fashioned luxury seats, popcorn and the most recent releases. The cinema is celebrating 130 years of screening. A hidden gem in Brynmawr.
12. Take shelter in one of our many eateries and farm shops
In the Brecon Beacons, we take food and drink pretty seriously.
We’ve got all the right ingredients. Clear air on open hillsides. Fertile valleys. An abundance of fresh water.
From gourmet restaurants with their own cottage gardens to cosy pubs serving local Welsh lamb for Sunday lunch, we have plenty of fine eating places to tempt you.
Our traditional Welsh breakfasts are legendary. Our cafés & tea shops are enough to make you sigh with happiness.
And you’ll find some wonderful goodies for picnics and gifts at our delis and farmers’ markets.
13. Visit our Tap Rooms
Sobremesa in Talgarth & Antur Brewing in Crickhowell welcome you during their opening hours. Chat to the brewers, taste their wares, a real treat for the adults. Check out their social medias for pop up and food events.
14. Explore the National Botanic Garden of Wales - There are lots of events being held at the National Botanic Garden of Wales all year round. Why not check out their butterfly house? The Garden is open from 10am to 6pm with last entry at 5pm. Home to the British Bird of Prey Centre too.
15. Visit Brecon Cathedral -Brecon Cathedral started life in 1093 as the Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist, built by the Normans on the site of an earlier Celtic church. At the dissolution of the monasteries in 1538 it became Brecon’s Parish Church. It became a Cathedral only in 1923, on the establishment of the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. The Cathedral is at the heart of a Diocese which stretches from Beguildy in the North to the beautiful Gower Peninsula in the South, including most of the Brecon Beacons National Park and the City of Swansea.
16. Explore a Castle -Wales is home to some of Europe’s finest surviving medieval castles. Here in the Brecon Beacons, we have our fair share. Perhaps the most dreamy and dramatic of all are the weathered remains of Carreg Cennen Castle, perched high up on a limestone crag. They are perfect to visit all weather as you can shelter in the remains.
17. Take a tour around The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum -
Explore 400 years of history at the world famous Royal Welsh Museum renowned for its incredible Zulu War Collection. The museum collections boasts over 33,000 objects which aid in telling the many stories of the regiments they represent including first and second world war collection, the Victoria Crosses awarded during the Anglo-Zulu war collection.
18. Visit Gwernyfed Walled Gardens & Cafe
Take a seat in the Victorian glasshouse, wander round their gardens, check in on the free roaming honey bees, meet the Indian runner ducks. A space to chill out.
From Alpacas, to Jacob Sheep, Dinky Donkeys to Kune Kune pigs we have have picnics, meditation sessions and they never mind the weather so why should we? Do book ahead and why not try your hand at a sheep dog trial?
20. Take a look at all the activities we have in the park and plan your break. Stay and play for longer.
Look for accommodation if you need to stay for longer to take in all our suggestions
Download your digital guide to the area here