scenic viewpoint
Pen y Fan
The highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
8 km · about 15 min drive
EuropeUnited KingdomWales
Brecon
Wales, United Kingdom · Europe
About Brecon
Brecon works well as a base: 25 minutes from Talgarth, 8km from Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Brecon is in Wales, United Kingdom, with about 8,300 people. You drive on the left here. The nearest town is Talgarth, about 12 km away.
Brecon (; Welsh: Aberhonddu; pronounced [ˌabɛrˈhɔnði]; historically known as Brecknock) is a market town in Powys, mid Wales. In 1841, it had a population of 5,701. The population in 2001 was 7,901, increasing to 8,250 at the 2011 census. Historically it was the county town of Brecknockshire (Breconshire); althoughRead more
its role as such was eclipsed with the formation of the County of Powys, it remains an important local centre. Brecon is the third-largest town in Powys, after Newtown and Ystradgynlais. It lies north of the Brecon Beacons mountain range, but is just within the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Where to Stay in Brecon
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Explore the Area
Discover famous landmarks, scenic roads, and more near Brecon.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Brecon?
Within an hour or so of Brecon: Pen y Fan (8 km), Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (8 km), Corn Du (8 km), Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan) (9 km).
Are there any good drives near Brecon?
The nearest famous roads are Gospel Pass, Black Mountain Pass (A4069) and Abergwesyn Pass (Devil's Staircase).
Where is Brecon?
Brecon is in Wales, United Kingdom, about 12 km from Talgarth.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 8,250
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Region
- Wales
- Timezone
- Europe/London
- Coordinates
- 51.9461, -3.3889
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in United Kingdom
112 also works. NHS non-emergency medical advice: 111. National Highways breakdown assistance on motorways: 0300 123 5000.
Full driving guide for United KingdomTags
Worth the detour from Brecon
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
national park
Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
South Wales mountain range with flat-topped peaks, cascading waterfalls, deep caves and an International Dark Sky Reserve.
8 km · about 15 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Corn Du
Pen y Fan's twin summit at 873m, with a Bronze Age cairn and the finest view over the Beacons' north escarpment.
8 km · about 15 min drive
natural wonder
Llangorse Lake (Llyn Syfaddan)
The largest natural lake in south Wales, with a reconstructed crannog island dwelling and easy access from the A40.
9 km · about 15 min drive
cafe
Rattlesnake Biker Cafe
A characterful biker cafe in the Brecon Beacons serving as a popular pit stop for riders exploring the stunning Welsh mountain roads.
10 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Talybont Reservoir
A wooded reservoir in the central Brecon Beacons with a lakeside cycle route on the old Brecon and Merthyr railway.
10 km · about 20 min drive
natural wonder
Pontsticill Reservoir
A long reservoir beneath Pen y Fan served by the Brecon Mountain Railway, with forest trails along its eastern shore.
15 km · about 25 min drive
scenic viewpoint
Waun Fach
The highest point of the Black Mountains at 811m, a broad peaty summit above the Vale of Ewyas and the Gospel Pass.
17 km · about 20 min drive
Driving roads near Brecon
7 named roads, passes and coastal drives within 60km.
- Right herePen y FanThe highest peak in southern Britain at 886 metres, the flat-topped summit of the Brecon Beacons offering sweeping views across Wales.
- Right hereCorn DuPen y Fan's twin summit at 873m, with a Bronze Age cairn and the finest view over the Beacons' north escarpment.
- 17 kmWaun FachThe highest point of the Black Mountains at 811m, a broad peaty summit above the Vale of Ewyas and the Gospel Pass.
- 20 kmGospel PassThe highest road pass in Wales at 549m, a narrow single-track lane over the Black Mountains between Hay-on-Wye and Llanthony, with vast views across the Wye Valley from beneath Hay Bluff.
- 25 kmSugar Loaf (Y Fal)A 596m conical hill above Abergavenny with a 360-degree view over the Usk valley and the Black Mountains; easy from the car park.
- 30 kmSkirrid Fawr (Ysgyryd Fawr)A landslipped 486m ridge above Abergavenny whose split profile gave rise to the legend it cracked at the Crucifixion.
Driving in United Kingdom
- Drives on
- the left
- Petrol
- ~€1.73/litre
- Motorway tolls
- None
When to drive here
April to October
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