Destination Next: Brecon Beacons

In a time when the staycation is more appropriate than ever, finding a destination in the UK is at the front of everybody’s mind. Thankfully for us, Britain contains some of the most stunning landscapes found anywhere in the world. Our suggestion for your family holiday? The breathtaking rolling hills of the Brecon Beacons. 

Located in the heart of South Wales less than 30 miles from Cardiff, this national park encapsulates all that’s great about picturesque British countryside. The red kite-filled skies will often open up to the heavens, but don’t let that put you off. On a shimmering summer’s day, there’s nowhere more beautiful to stay than the Beacons. Whatever the weather, if you and your children love the outdoors, this is the place to be.

It’s safe to say that the Brecon Beacons are packed with outdoor family activities and the amount of beautiful walks to choose from can often be overwhelming (in the best way possible). If you’re looking for a challenge, the highest peaks in the Beacons are Pen y Fan and Cribyn - standing at 886m and 795m respectively. 

The stunning views aren’t just confined to the top of the mountains. There are hundreds of easily accessible routes to take your little ones on too. Other than the stags and rabbits, each route within the Black Mountains is also littered with ancient Welsh pubs - the best way to end a walk. Kick your walking boots off and settle down for a relaxing pint of Felinfoel Double Dragon Ale (a particular favourite of pubs in the valleys of South Wales), while the kids enjoy a delicious meal.

With the rivers Wye and Usk winding their way through the mountains, there’s no shortage of family water sports either. Canoeing, kayaking and paddle-boarding are all part and parcel of the Brecon Beacons experience, offering a unique look at the glorious countryside from the water while still being suitable for the kids. Moving to the west, alluring waterfalls will appear on many of the routes. Hearing the rushing water and stumbling upon the cascades is one of the joys of the Beacons and will create memories children will remember for a lifetime.

Culture more your thing? If you’re a family of bookworms, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit to the quaint village of Hay-on-Wye. A literature-mad area filled to the brim with bookshops for both adults and toddlers, this village is world renowned for its impressive book and arts festival. Located in the east of the beacons deep within the hills, Hay-on-Wye can offer a refreshing shot of culture after a long day exploring the mountains.

If you’re on the search for an outdoor family holiday here in the UK, it’s hard to argue with the unforgettable moments you can create in the Brecon Beacons. As they say in the Welsh valleys: Cael hwyl!