Things to do

Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the river Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level.

Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails.

If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.
Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the River Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level. Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails-large paddock available. If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.

Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the river Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level.

Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails.

If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.
Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the River Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level. Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails-large paddock available. If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.

Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the river Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level.

Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails.

If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.
Nearby Hay-on-Wye is a pretty little town swept by the River Wye on the north, with the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons to the south and west, and the lush agricultural land of Herefordshire to the east. It is famous as the town of books, and for the annual Hay Festival.

But it is also an excellent base for serious walking with two national trails, the Offa’s Dyke path and the Wye Valley trail passing through the town, and the protected countryside of the Brecon Beacons National Park on it's doorstep. The stunning walking routes are also ideal for mountain bike rides, with a route for every level. Bikes can be hired from nearby Hay on Wye. There are several local pony trekking centres nearby or bring your own horses and explore the trails-large paddock available. If you are looking for some wildlife - badgers, hares, pheasants, buzzards, red kites, partridges, foxes and bats all make homes near Caemarchog.

CYCLING

Wye Valley Canoes has bikes for hire and Drovers Cycles in Hay have mountain bikes, touring bikes, tandems, and electric bikes for hire. They both offer a free delivery/pick-up service to guests at The House in the Hills, and both offer guided cycling trips. The Brecon Beacons National Park has 15 graded mountain bike routes, from beginner level to a ‘killer’ black route (in nearby Talgarth) for experts.

FIND OUT MORE

HORSE RIDING

Why not come and ride on the Black Mountains?There is superb riding on the mountains, over the open commons and through forestry and woodland. Whether you are a novice looking for a gentle ride or an experienced rider wanting a hack, you can find you a suitable horse so that you can enjoy the spectacular riding country that the Brecon Beacons has to offer. The nearby Tregoyd Mountain Riders offer half and full-day horse riding, pony trekking and hacking...

FIND OUT MORE

CANOEING & KAYAKING

Why not grab a paddle and canoe the Wye and the Usk rivers or Sail away in a boat or pedaloe on Llangors Lake. Alternatively, book a cruise on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal from outside the Theatre in Brecon or hire a narrow boat and try it for yourself! The Wye Valley Canoes in Glasbury has Canadian canoes, and single and double kayaks and packages for half and full days paddling...

FIND OUT MORE

WALKING

The area is loved for its big green open spaces which offer miles and miles of wonderful walking. We have something for everyone; stroll around a lake, follow a forest trail or head into the hills for a hike. Walk this way. Why wouldn’t you? It’s what we do in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Our green – and very fresh – landscapes are renowned for their big, open spaces. On top of it all, the National Park is also Wales’ first Geopark and one of only seven Dark Sky Reserves in the world – infinite spaces, then, but closer than you may think.

FIND OUT MORE

HISTORY & HERITAGE

The area has a long and colourful history, and a rich and varied cultural heritage. You may think that the surrounding landscape is unspoilt and natural, but in fact people have shaped and changed this landscape over many thousands of years. The area is home to a wealth of archaeology from prehistoric stone circles and burial chambers, Iron Age hillforts, Roman camps, Medieval castles and the remains of our industrial past. 

FIND OUT MORE

WILDLIFE

The area contains some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery and rarest wildlife. Go quietly and you may see our key species – otters, great crested newts, marsh fritillary butterflies, bats and reed warblers – along with a host of other mammals, birds, amphibians, fish and insects.
Many species of birds nest or winter here, thanks to the diversity of habitats. The area is a superb place for a botanical nature trail too, hunting for wildflowers, mosses, fungi and rare trees.

FIND OUT MORE

DARK SKIES

Did you know that the Brecon Beacons has some of the darkest night skies in the country? Here, you can experience the awe-inspiring view of the Milky Way amongst other wonders of the night sky. The whole of the National Park has been declared an International Dark Sky Reserve .
Pick up a copy of our guide to the night sky to learn about our top ten sites to stargaze, useful tips on how to spot some of the incredible 3000 stars you can see from the National Park...

FIND OUT MORE

BOOKSHOPS

Home of the annual Literature Festival, Hay on Wye boasts no fewer than 38 bookshops. The town has become world famous for its secondhand and antiquarian bookshops. Founded by Richard Booth in 1961, it has become the World's largest Secondhand and antiquarian book centre. Some of the bookshops specialise whilst others carry general stock.
The larger bookshops are open 363 days a year and during the summer, stay open until late evening.

FIND OUT MORE

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Come rain or shine there is always something going on in one of the four corners of the National Park.  We are big on festivals here, with the world famous Hay Literature Festival in May, the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show in July, Green Man Festival in August and the Abergavenny Food Festival in September.
Share our passion for food at local farmers markets or join the fun at a local village show!



FIND OUT MORE

FOOD

The area is a real treasure trove of fine produce. Tasty treats like  local whisky, cheese and chocolates make lovely gifts, and putting together a picnic from fresh goodies is a breeze. The Brecon Beacons is well known for its outstanding mountain lamb, beef, venison and smoked products of all kinds. There are tasty local cheeses like Y Fenni (Welsh for Abergavenny), St Illtyd and Pwll Mawr. You're also bound to love the local apple juice, cider, whisky, mineral water and scrumptious ice cream.

FIND OUT MORE