Wales' national parks are recognised for the significant contribution they have to the rural tourism economy, with 2017 marking the 60th Anniversary of one of the country's biggest natural assets, The Brecon Beacons National Park.

The national park is home to a number of thriving local tourism businesses including Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages, which has over 400 holiday cottages and is committed to preserving the beauty of the park. “It has been wonderful to see how successful the Brecon Beacons National Park has grown and developed into a brand that fully supports tourism. The national park creates a strong reason for visitors to come to the area and increases the tourism appeal. It plays an important role in supporting the local economy and has helped Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages become a recognised Welsh tourism brand,” Director Liz Daniels stated.

Wales' three national parks make up 20% of Wales and the Brecon Beacons National Park is renowned for stunning views, passionate local businesses and an abundance of wildlife. The impressive national park, established in 1957, is shaped by nearly 8 millennia of human activity and is home to iconic sights including Pen y Fan the highest point in Southern Britain. The rich heritage of the Brecon Beacons covers 520 square miles, roughly the same area as the London tube system, which features 268 ancient monuments tracking Wales' diverse history.

Filmmakers & cultural paradise 

Thanks to a commitment to conservation there are legends around every corner allowing visitors to relive tales of the past, alongside modern day legends with numerous films set in the mythical landscapes.

The park has been graced by the likes of Doctor Who and Sherlock, as well as the Hollywood blockbuster Dark Knight Rises where Henhryd Falls starred as the entrance to Batman's 'Batcave'. Earlier this month it was also announced that the sequel to the cult film franchise Jurassic World would be filmed in the Brecon Beacons, with a release date in 2018. The park is also home to Green Man Festival, which celebrates 15 years of bringing live music to the area this year, positioning the Brecon Beacons as a cultural hub.

An abundance of activities

There is no shortage of things to do from trails for walkers, runners, cyclists and wildlife enthusiasts to adrenaline filled paragliding, rafting and abseiling. The National Park was also named the fifth International Dark Sky Reserve in the world, dedicated to reducing energy wastage and helping protect nocturnal wildlife. The prestigious Dark Sky Reserve status is awarded to destinations that possess an outstanding quality of night sky, making the Brecon Beacons one of the UK's best stargazing spots. An element of the park Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages is committed to promoting with a dedicated stargazers cottage that features its own observatory.

The Brecon Beacons National Park will celebrate 60 years with special events throughout the year.

Further Info

Press Trip Opportunities

A Marr + Associates can organise a range of Press Trips to the Brecon Beacons to fit with proposed story angles, with varied and flexible itineraries on offer. For an opportunity to explore the best of the Brecon Beacons, The Angel Hotel, Abergavenny and Brecon Beacon Holiday Cottages offer ideal bases, each providing unique and tailored stays.

Five Reasons to Visit the Brecon Beacons

1. Stay The Angel, Wales' Hotel of the Year, a former 1829 coaching inn located in the bustling historic market town of Abergavenny. The smart Georgian façade now houses 34 guest rooms, The Oak Room restaurant and The Wedgewood Room, where The Angel's award-winning Afternoon Teas are served daily. The Angel Hotel is a member of the prestigious UK Tea Guild, one of only nine hotels outside of London.  
2. Brecon Beacon Holiday Cottages provide authentic Welsh stays with ideally located cottages to the chance to sample the best seasonal cuisine. The collection of handpicked holiday cottages from romantic hideaways to large barn conversions, all provide great access to the numerous outdoor activities. The Brecon Cottages team has years of experience with fantastic knowledge of the local area and can tailor your stay to offer an authentic Welsh experience
3. Sample the Best Welsh cuisine with the Brecon Beacons are home to delicious, seasonal cuisine. Head to the family-run Welsh Venison Centre, for award-winning hand reared meat or sample some artisan Welsh ice cream from Llanfaes Dairy, creators of ice cream from locally sourced milk and cream since 1997. Guests at Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages can enjoy bespoke discounts from local businesses with the agency's discount map.
4. Enjoy the park's dramatic scenery with landscapes renowned for their vast open spaces, home to a selection of top sights including Pen y Fan and Henhryd Falls. Both The Angel and Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages are ideally located for setting out to explore the National Park, with staff on hand to provide expert local knowledge of the best walking and hiking routes.
5. Catch a glimpse of stars with a stargazing weekend in Wales' first International Dark Sky reserve. The Brecon Beacons has some of the highest quality dark skies in the UK and became the fifth destination in the world to receive the prestigious Dark Sky Reserve status. Stay in Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages' Stargazers Retreat, which provides an ideal base for catching a glimpse of the stars, with use of the computerised mead telescope and cottage observatory.