Introducing our Guide to Green Holidays in the Brecon Beacons

As part of our celebration of beautiful, natural spaces in the UK, we've published our Greentraveller Guide to the Brecon Beacons, which gives you all the information you need on the greenest places to stay, the restaurants and cafés serving the freshest local produce, as well as the region's top family days out and sustainable activities.

On top of the world! Photo: Visit Wales

The Brecon Beacons National Park is already a hive of sustainable activity, with a clear emphasis on preserving the myriad natural and cultural spaces, as well as making sure those visiting the Park know how to have maximum fun with minimum impact. As Nick Stewart, Sustainable Tourism Officer for the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority explained,

"As a National Park there is already a huge amount of effort being put into conserving and managing the countryside. Our work to make holidays greener is based on the fact that wherever we go and whatever we do, we have an impact. We help our visitors to make better choices, have richer experiences and make their impact on the places they love to visit a positive one!

...we are delighted that Greentraveller’s team of experts have also picked out the best places to stay, things to see and do and places to eat and drink fine local produce which they feel fit the ethos of taking a greener and better holiday."

Here's a taste of what you'll find in the guide...

Where to stay 

The authentic Mongolian yurt or 'Ger'Brecon Beacons Yurt
With a huge double bed and full yak-felt insulation, this hand-made Mongolian yurt, or 'Ger', is as surprisingly luxurious as it is secluded. The nearby river Honddu makes it perfect for a 'back to nature' holiday for kids, too.
>> Campsites in the Brecon Beacons

Peacock Cottage & Ty Fferm Hen
Having been awarded Gold by the GTBS, the owners of this duo of wonderfully restored 4* medieval cottages have planted 100 trees every single year they've been on the farm, as well as rustling up one of the best organic breakfast hampers around.
>> Cottages and Country Houses in the Brecon Beacons

Peterstone Court at nightWhere to eat

Peterstone Court
This fantastic hotel is run by a group of restauranteurs, so it's no surprise the food is top notch. Almost all of the meat used comes from Glaisfer Uchaf, the family farm, while the '7 mile' menu brings locally-sourced dining to a whole new level.
>> Restaurants in the Brecon Beacons 

Tower Café
Probably the only café-in-a-church you're likely to find in the area, Tower Café not only boasts a fantastic setting but also a great organic menu that includes home-made cakes, award-winning apple juice and locally-sourced meat and fish.
>> Cafés in the Brecon Beacons  

Where to visit

Cathedral Cave at Dan-yr-OgofDan-yr-Ogof Showcaves
Kids will love the ancient human and animal bones preserved in 'Bone Cave' and the fascinating structures of 'Cathedral Cave'. What's more, the National Showcaves Centre just became Wales' first self-sufficient zero carbon tourism business.
>> Natural spaces in the Brecon Beacons

Carreg Cennen Castle
You'll doubtless work up a sweat climbing the hillside towards the ruins of this 13th century castle, but you'll be thankful that you did when you look out over the countless acres of green pastures reaching out in all directions. 
>> Cultural Spaces in the Brecon Beacons 

The Park offers countless cycle paths. Photo: Visit WalesWhat to do

Go geocaching
Essentially a massive treasure hunt for adults, geocaching involves hunting huge areas for secret boxes, using only a GPS device and a grid reference (or a map and compass if you're up for a challenge). There are over 160 of these dotted around the Park.  
>> Car-Free Breaks in the Brecon Beacons 

Cycle the Taff Trail
One of two National Cycle Routes passing through the Park, the Taff Trail reaches from Brecon right down to Cardiff. Mainly off-road, the trail follows a disused railway line as well as sections of the picturesque Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal.
>> Cycling in the Brecon Beacons  

Getting to and around the Brecon Beacons
It may be Wales' greatest wilderness, but the Brecon Beacons National Park is surprisingly easy to reach by train and bus from all areas of the UK. The main train stations of Abergavenny and Merthyr Tydfil are easily reached from Cardiff and Newport, while buses can take you right into Brecon in the heart of the Park. 
>> Getting to and around the Brecon Beacons by public transport

Trekking the Beacons. Photo: Visit Wales