10 Fun Things to do in the Brecon Beacons for Families
The Brecon Beacons is bursting with things to do for families at any time of the year. Featuring unrivalled natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and mighty landscapes, a Brecon Beacons family holiday is guaranteed to be packed with fun and adventure for all.
The famous national park covers a region of 520 square miles and contains four mountain ranges, thundering waterfalls, and several hundred ancient monuments. But with so much to do, it can be hard to know where to start first.
So, if you’re planning a trip and looking for some recommendations, here’s our pick of the top 10 fun things to do in the Brecon Beacons for families.
1. Explore Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle is an impressive fortress dating back to the 13th century and is just begging to be explored.
The castle’s unique position above a limestone precipice offers awe-inspiring views across the countryside and provides a beautiful reward for any hike up to the striking ruins. Not just that, but kids will love the majestic setting and the chance to feel like kings and queens as they discover all the historic nooks and crannies of the castle.
2. Visit Cantref Adventure Farm
Cantref Adventure Farm is a great all-weather destination situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Kids and animal lovers alike will have the opportunity to spend the day surrounded by a selection of friendly farm animals like pigs, ponies and lambs from across the country. Live animal shows occur throughout the day and there’s a large indoor pet barn for families to meet all their favourite animals.
Other attractions for youngsters to enjoy include the Young Tractor Drivers Challenge, Paddle Boats and Europe’s longest sledge ride.
3. Ride the railway
Sit back, relax and experience the sights of the Brecon Beacons on a 10-mile round trip along the Brecon Mountain Railway. The heritage steam train transports its passengers from Pontsticill and Taf Fechan reservoirs, to the heights of Torpantau at 400m above sea level. All the while giving spectacular views of the National Park.
At the Pontsticill stop, visitors can enjoy a treat at the Lakeside Café or go for a walk around the surrounding area. There’s also a play park for children to blow off steam (pun intended) and a small museum in the waiting room for history buffs to learn more about the railway’s past.
4. Discover Waterfall Country
Waterfall Country is a magical and serene section of Brecon Beacons National Park with an abundance of impressive waterfalls to explore.
Situated near Merthyr Tydfil, the marked trail is perfect for a family walk with 25 miles of footpath just calling for exploration. Walkways range from simple paths for a family stroll to steeper climbs for those seeking a real challenge.
Perhaps the most popular attraction is the Sgwd-y-Eira waterfall, which boasts the opportunity to walk behind the powerful curtain of water – a unique and unforgettable experience! Learn more about this spectacular sight in our Four Waterfalls Walk blog post.
You can also book a nine mile guided tour and benefit from the insider knowledge of your personal guide, who’ll provide tales and trivia that you’re unlikely to find anywhere else.
5. Hike the landscape
There is perhaps no better way to discover the Brecon Beacons than by going on a hike to get up close and personal with your natural surroundings.
You’ll be spoilt for choice on where to venture first, whether you opt to take on the sweet ascent of Sugar Loaf, a quiet stroll through Craig-y-Nos Country Park, or a trek up South Wales’ highest mountain, Pen y Fan.
Want an even more challenging day out? Active, adventure-loving families (with children aged 10 and over) can also enjoy a half-day of gorge-scrambling. Don a wetsuit and safety gear and get ready to climb, crawl, and jump through streams and waterfalls, enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings while having fun! .
6. Get closer to wildlife
The Brecon Beacons is a haven for wildlife and there’s plenty of places to enjoy the wonders of nature. Walk quietly through the countryside and you might see rare species of butterflies, otters and birds.
Plus, the Red Kite Feeding Station in Llandeusant attracts over 50 red kites and buzzards every single day and showcases a spectacular aerial display that has to be seen to be believed.
7. Find the secrets of the underground caves
The National Showcaves of Wales encompass some of the most elaborate and impressive cave systems in Europe.
With three different caves, each offering a unique underground experience, tourists can discover the fabulous natural limestone caverns and come face to face with ancient stalactites and stalagmites.
The site also houses the world’s largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models, with over 200 to see in total! This attraction is a must-see for any child obsessed with everything prehistoric.
8. Paddle down the River Wye
Stretching 134 miles, the River Wye is the fifth-longest river in the UK and offers several activities for adventure seekers and family days out.
Why not try a spot of canoeing or kayaking on the river itself, or even a spot of fishing along the riverbank? Alternatively, if you want to keep dry and relaxed, there are plenty of opportunities to walk alongside long stretches of the river before raising a glass at one of the many countryside pubs.
9. Go on a treasure hunt
Geocaching has been popular worldwide and the Brecon Beacons is a wonderful spot to go searching for outdoor treasures.
Participants use a Global Positioning System receiver or mobile device to seek out hidden goodies laid out by others and the National Park boasts 180 items of historical significance hidden within the land.
Brecon Beacons’ vast and sprawling landscape makes this activity even more of a joy, with unique trinkets hiding in monuments and clever locations across the area.
10. Learn to climb safely
Want to get a sense of adventure and enjoy some fun challenges for kids, teenagers and adults alike? Take a trip to Llangorse Multi Activity Centre, where visitors of all abilities can get a taste of a variety of exciting climbing activities in a safe and controlled environment all year round.
Guests can learn more about rock climbing, bouldering, zip-lining, caving, and abseiling, all in one place without the worry of weather or a lack of experience hindering them.
Not only that, but the site also contains a family-run horse riding centre. Rides can be tailored to suit any group’s age and offer trekking, riding and hacking to suit your experience.
Learn more about horse riding in the Brecon Beacons and explore more adrenaline-filled adventure breaks across the whole of Wales, on our blog.
