Local attractions

River Wye and the Wye Valley

As well as being famous for its salmon fishing, the River Wye provides a stunning backdrop for scenic river walks. Local kayak and canoe hire gives visitors the opportunity to journey along the river itself, paddling for miles in what is truly an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hay-on-Wye

This historic and picturesque town has earned its title "Town of Books" by hosting over thirty second hand bookshops specialising in every imaginable subject. Visitors can spend hours browsing amongst the many antiques centres or unique shops that line the quaint narrow streets. Famous writers and entertainers, as well as thousands of lovers of literature, descend on Hay-on-Wye in late spring for the annual Literary Festival, which has attracted considerable fame and prestige throughout the English-speaking world.

Black Mountains

Beautiful walks in the Black Mountains start from the doorstep of the Hotel. Some of the area's most distinctive hills - Mynydd Troed, Twmpa and Hay Bluff - are only a short drive away. Spectacular panoramas of the rolling countryside can alternatively be enjoyed on horseback or by mountain bike.

Llangorse Lake

One of the largest natural lakes in Wales, Llangorse's reedy shores are home to an impressive range of plants and animals, including many types of fish, eels, waterfowl, and insects. These have helped make it a grade one site of special scientific interest. Recreational use includes sailing, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing and fishing.

Brecon

Nestling in the mountains next to the River Usk and the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Brecon is a lively and historic town, which attracts visitors of all persuasions. Brecon Cathedral, arguably one of the finest church buildings in Wales, has been the site of Christian worship for over a thousand years. The ruined castle nearby offers splendid views of the town.

Brecon's busy agricultural market is the focus of the area's vigorous farming community. The Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery and the South Wales Borderers Museum bring local history to life with fascinating exhibits and events. Jazz enthusiasts flock to the summer Brecon Jazz festival.

Brecon Beacons

520 square miles of mountain ranges - including Pen y Fan, the highest in South Wales - as well as lovely waterfalls, reservoirs, plant and animal life, make this world-famous National Park another Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. An amazing variety of outdoor pursuits is on offer for energetic visitors to the area, which is accessible by a network of roads and footpaths as well as the Brecon Mountain Railway.

Offa's Dyke

This long-distance footpath runs for 177 miles from Chepstow to Prestatyn along the border between England and Wales, passing by very close to the Hotel.

See the Find us page for a detailed map of the area.