For those with a sense of romance Breconis the ideal place to lose, and find, yourself in. This historic Welsh townnestles in the foothills of the BreconBeacons National Park in the County of Powys.Surrounded by rugged, natural splendour are its narrow streets that aredecoratively lined with Georgian and Jacobean shop fronts. In Breconyou can experience a real sense of timelessness whilst surrounded by history.
Historic Brecon
Brecon Cathedraltraces its roots back to the Normans when, in 1093 after capturing the Welshkingdom of Brecheiniog, Marches Bernard de Neufmarche built a priory here. Youcan trace the layers of different historical periods on a visit to theinspiring cathedral, and, inside its embattled walls you will find the mostunique group of monastic buildings in Wales.You can take the time to explore the fascinating history of thecathedral and the town in the Brecon Cathedral Heritage Centre.
Other traces of history can be found in the town’smedieval walls, sections of which still stand proud, and at Captain’s Walkwhere French prisoners from the Napoleonic Wars once exercised.
Bracing Brecon
For your own exercise you need not feel soconstrained. The freedom of Brecon Beacons National Parksits on your doorstep, inviting you to explore its mountains on bracing walksthrough areas of breathtaking natural beauty. There is the Black Mountains tochallenge yourself with, Fforest Fawr (Great Forest) to lose yourself in andthe Brecon Beacons themselves to find stunningviews from.
The Park attracts many visitors, but never feelscrowded, and there’s so much on offer: hill walking, climbing, gorge-walking,caving, horse-riding and mountain biking. Add in a break for a picnic andre-energise, because you’re going to need it.
Rivers and Canals
If messing about on the river is more your thingthen you’ll love Brecon. Situated at the confluenceof two rivers, the Usk and the Honddu, there’s plenty of opportunities tostroll along the riverbanks or relax next to them.
The historic Monmouth and BreconCanal links Brecon with Newport and features a magnificentstone aqueduct that carries it across the River Usk just outside the town. A 37mile stretch of the canal has been lovingly restored to award-winning standardsand offers plenty of chances to drift along the route on a canal cruise.
Brecon Market
There is a delightful craft market held on thethird Saturday of every month and, although you may not pick up any souvenirsto take home, the lively cattle market that takes place every Tuesday andFriday makes for interesting viewing.
Brecon Jazz Festival
Lovers of jazz should time their visit for earlyAugust when the Brecon Jazz Festival really heatsthings up. Brecon plays host to a range of jazzmusicians from around the world and many more jazz aficionados arrive to enjoythe vibe. Book your accommodation early as the town really does fill upquickly.
Magical Brecon
In ancient times it was felt that places whererivers met had a magical quality. Today you can find out for yourself just howright they were: visit Brecon and feel the magic.
