Brecon

Brecon Between History and Canal Scenery

Brecon lies on the northern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. When choosing a hotel in Brecon, your interests may be the deciding factor: the town combines a long cathedral history and varied collections with historic trails and the canal. This gives you several distinct themes to consider when planning your trip—from architectural and local history to a route by the water. From the canal basin in Brecon, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal follows the course of the Usk Valley through the national park.

Cathedral, Museums and Glassworks

Brecon Cathedral was founded in 1093 as the Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist. The cathedral stands within a walled cathedral precinct, unique in Wales. The term “cathedral precinct” draws attention not only to the church building but also to its walled grounds. The cathedral also has a rare and beautiful Celtic font.

Y Gaer presents collections on archaeology, art and local history. The Royal Welsh Regimental Museum in Brecon holds a collection of more than 33,000 objects. Y Gaer therefore brings together three subject areas, while the size of the regimental museum’s collection can be stated precisely.

Gate Gallery & Glassworks is housed in a 17th-century listed riverside building in Brecon, Powys. Custom-made glass vessels, glass objects and lighting are produced there. Its historic building and bespoke work bring together architectural history and glass design as two distinct aspects.

Town History and Trails

If you would like to choose a history trail, you can compare two different formats: WALK: The Brecon Story is a heritage walk through Brecon; the Back of Brecon circuit passes through the town’s back streets and explores its history. The difference lies in their scope: a heritage walk on the one hand, and a route through back streets explicitly described as a circuit on the other.

By the Canal: Taff Trail and Boat Trips

A traffic-free section of the Taff Trail starts at Brecon Canal Basin and runs to Brynich Lock. The easy route is three miles long and follows the well-maintained towpath of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal. As trail conditions and access arrangements may change, check the latest conditions before setting out. Boat trips on the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal are available from Brecon Basin. From the canal basin in Brecon, the canal follows the course of the Usk Valley through Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. The difference between the canal activities is the route: the Taff Trail follows the towpath, while the boat trips travel on the water along the canal.

Discover more destinations: Bwlch, Abercrave, Llandinam, Montgomery, Llanrhaeadr-Ym-Mochnant, Erwood, Berriew, Llandrindod Wells.

Back to the regional travel overview: Powys.