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 fascinating riverboat cruise along the River Tawe aboard the community-run Copper Jack.
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
- Cruising the River Tawe on the Copper Jack
- 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 Essential Info 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.
You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary afternoon tea on arrival.
This morning we’ll see Talgarth Mill in action, an intricate 18th century watermill producing award-winning stoneground flour. Before we leave, we’ll head to the on-site café and bakery to sample a selection of its produce too.
Then 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.
Our first stop of the day looks like something out of a fairy tale. We’ll wander around Castell Coch (the ‘Red Castle’), admiring its Gothic Revival exterior and lavishly decorated interiors, which are a masterpiece from the Victoria era.
Then we’ll head over to the outskirts of Cardiff to spend time at St Fagans National Museum of History. Here you’ll be able to find out more about the story of Wales and its people. You’ll have extensive collections to peruse as well as historic buildings to visit, all set in meandering parkland.
You’ll have the day to yourself to explore more of the Brecon Beacons at your own pace. Discover more about Nythfa House for ideas in how to fill your free day.
We’ll delve into Wales’ mining past at Blaenavon World Heritage Site. You’ll have the option of visiting Blaenavon Ironworks or the award-winning Big Pit National Coal Museum where you can gain an insight into what life was like for miners and ironworkers.
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.
If you’re a book lover, then you’re in for a treat on this morning’s amble as we head to Hay-on-Wye, which is renowned for its books and bookshops. You’ll have free time to explore, so take your time to find some more holiday reading.
Afterwards, we’ll travel to the Victorian era at Brobury House and Gardens with its delightful setting on the banks of the River Wye. Exuberant formal planting and panoramic views over the rolling countryside unravel as we wander around its peaceful surroundings.
Then it’s over to the village of Weobley to admire its famous ‘black and white’ timber framed buildings.
With so much to see and do, we’ve devoted a full day to exploring the coastal city of Swansea.
You choose how you spend your time here, but some of our favourite places to visit are The National Waterfront Museum, The Dylan Thomas Centre, or The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery.
We’ll all meet up again in the afternoon for a cruise on the Copper Jack, run by the Swansea Community Boat Trust. You’ll uncover some of the city’s forgotten heritage as we trundle up the River Tawe.
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 surrounds. 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 |
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 InformationEssential information
Please note
Just to let you know, admission fees aren’t included in your holiday price and are payable locally. *With the exception of Castell Coch (visited on 3 and 7 night holidays), Brobury House & Gardens and the Copper Jack river cruise (visited on 4 and 7 night holidays).
Please see an approximate total of the entrance fees you can expect to pay during your holiday below:
|
Approx. cost of entrance fees |
3 night holiday |
4 night holiday |
7 night holiday |
|
C members |
£5.50 |
£16 |
£21 |
|
No memberships |
£16 |
£21 |
£37 |
If you have an English Heritage (EH) / Cadw (C) membership, you’re entitled to free or reduced-price entry to some of the attractions we’ll visit. If you have either of these, be sure to bring your membership identification with you.
Essential information
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
Nythfa House Calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
For June 2024: Graham Horn
Geographer by qualification, explorer by instinct, Graham is a seasoned HF Holidays Leader and certified Blue Badge Tourist Guide. He loves discovering out-of-the-way places and giving our guests an insight into an area’s industrial heritage. As part of the HF Holidays team, Graham has led walks across several of our UK country house destinations.
For July 2024: 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 and introducing them to Shropshire’s hidden gems.
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 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
07 Jun - 14 Jun 2024 7 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £1,429 £1,379 Double from £1,429 £1,379 pp |
from £1,429 £1,379 pp |
from £1,429 £1,379 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
|
26 Jul - 02 Aug 2024 7 nights |
Discovery Tour Single from £1,429 £1,379 Double from £1,429 £1,379 pp |
from £1,429 £1,379 pp |
from £1,429 £1,379 |
Save £50 Per Person | Trip Notes | Book Now | ||
7 nights
from
£1,429pp
£1,379pp
On offer
or call 020 3974 8865
For group bookings of 10+ guests click here
