Brecon Beacons and beyond

Wild and Woolly! - North of the Park there are more green landscapes - the moors of Mynydd Epynt, the sheep farming country around Builth Wells (home to Wales' largest agricultural show each July) and the old spa town of Llanwrtyd Wells, home of the fascinating Red Kite Centre.

A central touring base - The historic market town of Brecon is a centrally located touring base. The town's two museums are very different - the Brecknock Museum is filled with folk items, while the South Wales Borderers' Museum concentrates on military matters. Brecon Cathedral's long history is recalled at its Heritage Centre. Hamilton House and Georgian Museum which opened in 1999 is fascinating and will appeal to many. Don't forget to visit Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon's stunning canal side theatre complex which offers an extensive programme of entertainment for all the family.

Castles, Caverns and the Industrial Past - Other places of interest in and around the Park include Hay-on-Wye (the famous 'town of books'), Crickhowell, Talgarth, Ystradgynlais and Llandovery. Wherever you stay, don't miss the Brecon Beacons' many attractions - historic Tretower Court and Castle, the spectacular caverns at the Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves, The National Showcaves Centre for Wales, Abercraf, and Craig-y-Nôs Country Park, which once formed part of the home of Victorian opera star Madame Adelina Patti. Blaenavon World Heritage Site lies in the south-east of the National Park and is one of the best examples in the world of a landscape created by coal mining and ironmaking in the late 18th and 19th centuries. It focuses around Blaenafon Ironworks, Big Pit Mining Museum, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Steam Railway and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.