7 Night Brecon Beacons Discovery Tour
Explore the best of the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) with a seven-night discovery tour. Dig deep into the region’s mining past in UNESCO-listed Blaenavon, visit St Fagan’s National Museum of History, and find out what medieval life was like at Tretower Court and Castle. And alongside ample time to browse the bookshops of Hay-on-Wye, there’s a ride on the Brecon Mountain Railway, and a guided tour at The Royal Mint Experience.
What you’ll love
- Visiting St Fagans National Museum of History
- Discovering the mining heritage of Wales at UNESCO-listed Blaenavon
- Riding the Brecon Mountain Railway steam train
- Browsing the book shops of Hay-on-Wye
- Enjoying a guided tour at The Royal Mint Experience
- Relaxing in the comfort of our country house in Brecon
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite accommodation in our country house
- Cream tea on arrival day
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided sightseeing with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from sites of interest
- Easy-to-follow routes, maps, and information in our Discovery Point if you want to explore independently
Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See more Information tab for details.
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Enjoy a complimentary cream tea on arrival, served from 4.30pm.
We’ll delve into Wales’ mining past at Blaenavon World Heritage Site. Packed full of amazing heritage features and attractions, it makes for a fascinating day out. You’ll have the choice of visiting all the main attractions, including Blaenavon Ironworks, the award-winning Big Pit National Coal Museum and Blaenavon Heritage Railway, as well as enjoying everything else the site has on offer.
Today we’ll visit The Royal Mint Experience – one of the top tourist attractions in Wales. We’ll journey through more than 1,100 years of history and learn all about how UK coins are made. It’s one experience not to be missed.
We’ll also discover St Fagans National Museum of History where we’ll find out more about the story of Wales and its people. Set in 100-acres of parkland, this fascinating museum has over forty original buildings from different historical periods and an extensive collection of artefacts to admire.
Discover more about Nythfa House and the local area for ideas on how to make the most of your free day.
With so much to see and do, we’ve devoted a full day to exploring the Welsh capital city of Cardiff.
You can choose how to spend your time here, but our suggestion is a visit to the National Museum Cardiff, followed by an amble through beautiful Bute Park to Cardiff Castle. The castle's enchanting fairytale towers conceal an elaborate and splendid interior. Afterwards, catch the Princess Katherine water taxi down to the Bay. With commentary on the sights you’ll see as you cruise, it’s the perfect way to explore the historic docklands area.
If you’re a book lover, then you’re in for a treat this morning. We’ll amble into Hay-on-Wye, which is renowned for its books and bookshops, where there’ll be free time to explore, and perhaps find some holiday reading.
Afterwards, we’ll travel to Tretower Court and Castle. Take a peek inside this medieval fortified manor house, whose walls are testament to 900 years of fascinating history.
We’ll have a guided tour of Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, a Grade I listed, award-winning living history museum. Lovingly restored and furnished as it would have been in 1645, step inside and be taken on a journey back to the 17th century. There’ll also be time to visit the fascinating exhibition and wander through the formal gardens.
The afternoon takes on a slightly more relaxed pace as we ride the Brecon Mountain Railway. Sit back and watch the film-like scenery above the Pontsticill Reservoir pass you by.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before making your way home.
Nythfa House
Not many places in the UK outshine Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park when it comes to wide open spaces and soul-stirring views. So it’s easy to see the appeal of this charming property that plays a harmonious host to those seeking respite in the Welsh market town of Brecon. You’ll also be within easy distance of some of the area’s show-stealing spots, including the Black Mountains, the Mellte Valley, and Pen y Fan - the highest point in the national park at 886 metres. Equally visit-worthy is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales in Abercrave, and the bibliophile’s paradise that is Hay-on-Wye. Should time allow, Hereford and Cardiff are both an hour’s drive away.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nythfa House has 31 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Rooms 6 and 7 in the main house both have gorgeous views across the garden and the Brecon Beacons. Room 21 is up in the eaves and has a separate seating area (please be mindful of the low ceilings). The garden guest rooms are very pretty and have their own small deck.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nythfa House
Getting to Nythfa House
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationAddress
Nythfa House
Brecon
Powys LD3 7NN
Tel: +44 (0)1874 624287
By train
The nearest station is Abergavenny, from here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon (see details below).
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 21-mile journey from Abergavenny railway station takes 40 minutes to one hour.
For pricing, please contact A&A Cabs directly.
A&A Cabs
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, A&A Cabs*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1874 622288
Email: aandabrecon@yahoo.ie
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Nythfa House.
*A&A Cabs is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The X43 bus operates from Abergavenny station to Brecon and takes about an hour. The most convenient bus stop for Nythfa House is the bus interchange in Brecon.
For bus times check Traveline.
By car
The A40 from Abergavenny and the A470 from the northwest converge at a roundabout on the Brecon bypass.
At the roundabout, follow the B4601 into Brecon. Turn right at the second mini roundabout on to Heol Gouesnou road. Drive straight over another mini roundabout and go straight on at the traffic lights. Turn right into Mount Street, then take the second left into Belle View Road. At the top of the road, go straight ahead up the drive to Nythfa House.
By air
The nearest airport is Cardiff.
Catch the 905 bus service to Rhoose Railway Station bus stop. Take the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport to Cathays Station and walk 10 mins to Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station. From here take the T14 bus to Brecon. You’ll need to allow up to 3.5 hours.
An alternate option is to fly to Heathrow airport. Take a train to London Paddington Station, where there are trains to Abergavenny (with one change at Newport). Here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon.
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable, sturdy footwear with a good grip. You’ll be on your feet for much of the day
- Waterproof jacket
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Sunhat
- Rucksack
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- Mobile phone
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- First aid kit, including plasters
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
Optional extras
- Walking poles,
- Flask for hot drinks
- Durable lunch box
- Waterproof rucksack liner
Please note
Admission fees are payable locally and aren’t included in your holiday price, apart from what is stated in the what’s included section. This gives you greater choice, freedom, and flexibility to only pay the entrance fees for the attractions that interest you most. Should you choose to visit all the highlighted attractions during your holiday in 2024 please see the table below for the approximate totals. If you have Cadw (C) membership, please be sure to bring your membership identification with you. We recommend bringing some cash with you for any entrance fees to sites you wish to visit.
2024 prices
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
C members |
£5 |
£22 |
£27 |
|
No memberships |
£15 |
£29 |
£44 |
Nythfa House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Jill Durnford
A big fan of Britain’s history, geology and wildlife, Jill is an HF Holidays Leader and certified Blue Badge Tour Guide who likes to share her passion with others. She’s lived in southeast England, the West Country, Scotland, Cumbria, and now find herself in the Welsh borders. A real people person, Jill loves showing guests around the stately homes and gardens she’s most fond of.
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
06 Jun - 13 Jun 2025 7 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £1,429 Double from £1,429 pp |
from £1,429 pp |
from £1,429 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
11 Jul - 18 Jul 2025 7 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £1,569 Double from £1,429 pp |
from £1,429 pp |
from £1,569 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
171Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
