Guide to Country Cottage Holidays in the Brecon Beacons of Wales
Enjoy reading through our guide on country cottage holidays in the Brecon Beacons in Wales. Situated amidst beautiful and breathtaking surroundings, the Brecon Beacons is one of the most beautiful places in Wales. A prominent country cottages holiday destination, the Brecon Beacons in the South of Wales offer an enjoyable relaxed environment far from hectic city life. Nestled in the lap of nature, this magnificent natural destination is one of the most visited places in Wales.
Commonly, the Brecon Beacons, is the name used to refer to the national park which includes a range of mountains, the highest of which is Pen y Fan which reaches almost 3000 feet in height. The name for this area in Welsh is Bannau Brycheiniog. Tourists who visit the Brecon Beacons on a self catering break are bound to be awe-struck by the sheer beauty of this region.
Things to see and do whilst on a cottage holiday in the Brecon Beacons
The Brecon Beacons offers many things to do and see. Tourists of all age groups are bound to have a memorable time. From awe-inspiring places to adventure activities, the Brecon Beacons has numerous attractions to keep tourists entertained during their self catering cottage holiday. The mountains, valleys, meandering rivers, moorlands and lush greenery provide a refreshing change that can rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
Countryside:
The 520 square miles of beautiful landscape has many landmarks and monuments, as well as diverse flora and fauna. During a country cottage holiday in the Brecon Beacons tourists often visit the Brecon Cathedral & Heritage Centre, which was earlier a Benedictine Priory. This architectural landmark has survived more than a thousand years since the Norman Conquest.
Caves:
Also situated within the Brecon Beacons National Park, is Dan-yr-Ogof, an extensive network of caves. It is possible to go underground and visit these caves at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales at Dan-yr-Ogof. At this award-winning attraction, there is a whole host of attractions including life-size models of dinosaurs, a reconstruction of an iron age village, a museum, a horse centre, a farm and a play area. There are also stone circles nearby.
Museums and Attractions:
Another big attraction in the South of Wales to visit is the National Coal Museum. This museum pays homage to the mining industry and heritage in Wales and gives visitors an authentic coal mine experience. Another popular tourist attraction is Raglan Castle, which was constructed during the Middle Age. There are a number of magnificent castles in the Brecon Beacons that tourists can visit including Carreg Cennen Castle and Caerphilly Castle, which are both situated amidst beautiful scenery. The Tretower Court and Castle, which has survived more than a thousand years also attracts numerous tourists year-round.
Other attractions to visit are Rhondda Heritage Park, Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery and Dinefwr Park & Newton House. The Rhondda Heritage Park renders insight into the mining communities of the region. From this park, it is possible to enjoy beautiful views of the stunning Lower Rhondda Valley. This is also a good place to stop, relax and have a cup of coffee or eat lunch at the Level One Cafe & Gallery.
Another place that is popular with visitors is the Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, housed in the grand castellated mansion, which was commissioned by ‘Ironmaster’ William Crawshay. At the museum, tourists can see articles belonging to the Industrial Iron Age. Besides, the Dinefwr Park & Newton House let tourists know more about Dinefwr, its history and landscape. At the house, tourists can visit the tea room or shop for gifts at the National Trust gift shop.
Towns:
Tourists can also shop at the thriving market town of Crickhowell, which also has many restaurants, cafes and accommodation options. Boasting stunning mountain scenery and beautiful river valleys, this place is a refreshing change from the crowded city and is popular amongst those holidaying in the Brecon Beacons. Other points of interest include the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery, Penderyn Distillery, Cantref Adventure Farm and Play Barn.
Activities:
There are so many activities that tourist can enjoy in the Brecon Beacons whilst during a self catering cottage stay, ranging from mountain biking to horse riding. Other adrenaline-packed pursuits that you can indulge in include kayaking, caving, climbing and gliding. If you prefer to just take it easy, you can instead simply board the Brecon Mountain Railway and enjoy the ride up in the vintage steam locomotive. Running through the beautiful scenery of the National Park, you can simply relax in the all-weather observation coaches and enjoy the stunning view.
Not only is there lots of options to keep tourists entertained in the Brecon Beacons, there is also lots of self catering options in this area. Self catering accommodation options include luxury cottages, pet friendly, unusual self catering, country cottages, cottages with hot tubs and even cottages with pools.
Whether you are planning a romantic getaway with a loved one or looking to spend some valuable time with family, the Brecon Beacons is a great country cottages holiday destination. With a multitude of things to see and do, there should be something for all tastes and budgets.
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