Brecon Cottages with Hot Tubs

Get More From Your Brecon Hot Tub Cottage Break

Sightseeing

Brecon sits at the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park, making it the perfect starting point for exploring this stunning region. The town itself has plenty to offer with its Georgian architecture and military history.

Brecon Cathedral (LD3 9DP, open 9am-5pm daily) ranks 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor. It's free to enter and the peaceful gardens are worth a wander. The cathedral dates back to 1093 and houses the remarkable Heritage Centre.

The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal offers flat, scenic walking routes. I recommend starting at Brecon Basin (LD3 7EY) where you can grab a coffee before setting off. TripAdvisor gives it 4.5/5 for good reason - the towpath is well-maintained and you'll spot plenty of wildlife.

Brecon Mountain Railway (CF48 2UP, open 10:30am-5pm Wed-Sun) takes you on a journey through the foothills of the Brecon Beacons. It scores 4/5 on TripAdvisor with visitors praising the knowledgeable staff and views. Book ahead in summer as trains fill up quickly.

Pet Friendly

Brecon is fantastic for dogs with miles of open countryside to explore. Many cottages welcome pets, often providing bowls, beds and even treats on arrival. Just check if there are any restrictions about dogs using the hot tub area!

The Brecon Beacons National Park has countless dog-friendly walks. Mynydd Illtud (LD3 8ER) offers a gentle circular route with stunning views and plenty of space for dogs to run off-lead.

For eating out, The Clarence Inn (LD3 7LJ) welcomes dogs in their bar area and garden. They even keep dog treats behind the bar! The Brecon Tap (LD3 7AA) is another good option with water bowls provided.

If the weather turns, Brecon Cathedral welcomes well-behaved dogs on leads and many of the local shops are dog-friendly too. The National Park Visitor Centre (LD3 8ER) allows dogs throughout, including their excellent café.

Top 3 attractions you have to see in Brecon

Pen y Fan (LD3 8NL) is Wales' highest peak south of Snowdonia at 886 metres. The most popular route starts from the Storey Arms (about 15 minutes' drive from Brecon). It's a challenging but rewarding 4-mile circular walk taking 2-3 hours. The views from the summit are incredible - on clear days you can see across to the Black Mountains and Gower Peninsula. Take proper walking boots and check the weather forecast before setting off as conditions can change quickly.

Brecon's Y Gaer Museum, Art Gallery & Library (LD3 7AD, open Tues-Sat 10am-5pm) is housed in a beautifully restored building combining the town's old shire hall with modern architecture. Entry is free and it's worth spending a couple of hours exploring the Roman artifacts, local history displays and changing art exhibitions. The café serves excellent Welsh cakes. One visitor wrote: "Fascinating displays about local history and the building itself is stunning."

The Regimental Museum of The Royal Welsh (LD3 7EB, open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm) tells the story of Wales' infantry regiments. Tickets cost £5 for adults with children under 16 free. The collection includes uniforms, weapons and medals spanning 300 years. Don't miss the Zulu War display featuring items from the Battle of Rorke's Drift. TripAdvisor reviewers (4.5/5) consistently praise the friendly volunteer guides who bring the exhibits to life.

What's the best time of year to visit Brecon?

Each season offers something different. Summer (June-August) brings the warmest weather for hiking and outdoor activities, plus the Brecon Jazz Festival in August. Spring offers stunning wildflowers and newborn lambs. Autumn provides spectacular colours across the Beacons. Winter can be magical with frosty landscapes - and that hot tub will feel extra special! May and September often offer good weather with fewer crowds.

Do I need a car in Brecon?

While not essential, a car makes exploring much easier. Public transport is limited, with bus services connecting Brecon to Cardiff, Abergavenny and surrounding villages. Taxis are available but can be expensive for longer trips. Many of the best walks and attractions are outside the town, so having your own transport gives you much more flexibility.

Where can I buy groceries in Brecon?

Brecon has a Morrisons supermarket (LD3 8EG) on the edge of town, plus a smaller Co-op (LD3 7LG) in the centre. For local produce, visit Brecon Farmers' Market held on the second Saturday of each month at the Market Hall. Butchers like F.E. Richards (LD3 7AA) offer excellent Welsh lamb and beef. Llanfaes Dairy (LD3 8BT) is worth a visit for their award-winning ice cream.

Is Brecon suitable for children?

Absolutely! Kids love splashing in streams, climbing Pen y Fan and spotting wildlife. The Play Area at Brecon Promenade (LD3 9AY) has equipment for various ages. Cantref Adventure Farm (LD3 8LT) offers animal encounters, indoor play and a small water park in summer. The Mountain Centre (LD3 8ER) runs family-friendly activities during school holidays. And of course, they'll love having a hot tub at your cottage!

What should I pack for a Brecon holiday?

Weather in the Beacons can be unpredictable, so bring layers regardless of season. Walking boots are essential for hiking. Pack waterproofs, sun cream, a hat and swimwear for your hot tub. A good map (OS Explorer OL12 covers the central Beacons) is useful even if you have GPS. Binoculars are great for wildlife spotting and a torch is handy for stargazing trips - the Brecon Beacons is an International Dark Sky Reserve.

Are there any good pubs and restaurants in Brecon?

The Felin Fach Griffin (LD3 0UB) serves outstanding food using local ingredients. The Three Horseshoes (LD3 7HB) offers hearty pub classics with a good selection of ales. For something different, try The Gurkha Corner (LD3 7LD) for excellent Nepalese cuisine. The Hills (LD3 7EX) is perfect for breakfast or lunch with homemade cakes. Most places get busy in peak season, so booking ahead is recommended, especially if you want to eat after a day out before heading back to your hot tub.

Some helpful links:

1. Brecon Beacons National Park Official Website
2. Visit Wales - Brecon Beacons Guide
3. Brecon Jazz Festival
4. Brecon Beacons Dark Sky Reserve
5. Brecon Town Information