Brecknockshire
Dragonfly Cruises on the Brecon and Monmouth Canal
Brecknockshire forms the southern part of Powys. Its main towns are Brecon, Builth Wells, Crickhowell, Hay-on-Wye, Llanwrtyd Wells, Talgarth and Ystradgynlais.
The area contains some of the most rugged and remote landscape within Wales including a large section of the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Black Mountains and Mynedd Epynt. With dramatic and breathtaking views, a great selection of accessible trails and a wealth of historic towns to explore, this area makes a great holiday destination whether visiting for the first time or making a return trip.
For some suggestions of places to visit please read on and for places to stay in the area please scroll to the bottom of the page:
Brecon Cathedral
The Cathedral entrance and designated parking
Brecon Cathedral is located in an elevated position overlooking much of the town. Until 1923, when it was given Cathedral status, it was the Parish Church of St John the Evangelist. However the site has much older eccelsiastical origins as in 1093 a Norman Benedictine Priory was founded here. Subsequently in the 16th century this became the Parish Church following the dissolution of the monasteries. It is believed that the Norman Priory might have been built on the site of an older (possibly Celtic) church.
Visitors are welcome to look around the Cathedral themselves when it is not in use and guided tours can be arranged with prior notice.
Some of the interpretation displays within the museum.
The Heritage Centre was created in 1995 from a 17th century Tithe Barn which had been derelict for a number of years. It has some amazing roof timbers, and an exhibition that tells the story of the Priory since its foundation by Bernard de Neufmarch in 1093.The original 15 th century wooden bell frame that had to be removed from the Cathedral tower in 1994 has been re-erected and now contains life size copy bells. The exhibition is well worth a visit and has free entrance as does the Cathedral however donations are warmly welcomed.
There is a well stocked shop and the cafe serves excellent light meals and snacks.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Dragonfly Cruises
Crusing the canal
Dragonfly Cruises operate on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal from Brecon to Brynich along a 2½ mile stretch of the canal. On the journey the boat travels leisurely along the canal and through some wondeful scenery. It then passes through a lock and over an aquaduct before returning to Brecon. The whole trip lasts for approximately 2½ hours.
Our researcher receiving some assistance to board
Access on to the narrowboat is via a wheelchair lift from the quayside on to the boat. There is room for 2 wheelchairs in front of the boat along with a carer/companion. This area is protected from the weather and is part of the main cabin
For more detailed accessibility information about the service and contact details for the trip please click here.
National Park Visitor Centre (Mountain Centre)
The centre has a ramped entrance and adjacent designated parking
Tne Brecon National Park Mountain Visitor Centre is located at Libanus approximately 6 miles from Brecon. It is signposted off of the main A470 and accessed up a steep lane. As well as being an information point, it contains an interpretation area, a video room, an external viewing balcony with excellent views over the surrounding countryside and a cafe.
The tactile wall in the garden
There is a ramp down to the small sculpture garden which has tactile wall panels and there is good, level, internal access to the interpretation displays, shop and viewing balcony. The video room shows a fim lasting 70 minutes which has an excellent audio commentary and copies are available from the centre shop.
For more detailed accessibility information about the centre and a link to their own website please click here.
Regimental Museum of the Royal Welsh
The Museum Entrance
The Regimental Museum has displays detailing the history of the Welsh Regiments over four centuries and four continents and includes extensive medals and weapons collections. There is also a gallery devoted to the Anglo-Zulu War (in which the South Wales Borderers played a vital role) especially the battle at Rorke's Drift with tributes and acknowledgement of the bravery of soldiers from both sides involved in the conflict.
Some of the wealth of artifacts on display
The galleries feel spacious and some of the larger period display cabinets have good underneath clearance enabling wheelchair users to get close to the exhibits. There is also plenty of seating throughout the museum.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Tretower Court
The main entrance
Tretower Court and Castle are located near Crickhowell and situated within flat meadowland on the banks of a tributary of the River Rhiangoll and approximately half a mile from the River Usk. The Castle was established towards the end of the eleventh century and a fortified manor house (Tretower Court) was built close by for Roger Vaughan in the fifteenth century. During the succeeding centuries various additions and adaptations were made.
The ramped entrance into the West Range
It is important to note that this is a listed historic site and as such whilst Cadw have made changes to enable all visitors to access the most significant features such as the inside of the West Range there are areas with cobbled surfaces and/or steps.
Our researchers felt that as most other fortified manor houses of a similar period in history have little or no accessiblity for most people with easy access needs, Tretower Court is well worth a visit, as it offers a unique opportunity to gain an insight into this kind of structure and the lives of the Vaughan family who settled here.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
PLACES TO STAY
All the accommodations included has been assessed by our wheelchair user researchers for accessibility. Please note however whilst we have tried to ensure that the accommodation included will meet most easy access needs we advise you to consult with each provider about your own specific requirements.
It is also important to note that our researchers assess for accessibility not quality so for accommodation inspection gradings please follow the links to each providers own website.
SELF CATERING
Beech Tree and Poplar Tree Eco Lodges
Exterior view of the two lodges
The owners of these two stylish 'high spec' properties have given a great deal of consideration to the needs of all their guests including those with easy access needs. They are located in the village of Crai within easy reach of Brecon and the attractions of the National Park and would also make an ideal base for exploring into neighbouring Carmarthenshire and further afield in South Wales.
A joint booking of the two properties could make this flexible accommodation suitable for groups of up to 21 people including 4 members needing level access.
Beech Tree Lounge
Beech Tree is a four bedroomed property which sleeps up to 9 people. It includes one spacious twin/double bedroom and en-suite wet-room on the ground floor. There is easy access throughout the whole of the ground floor and via double opening doors on to the rear patio area with open views of the surrounding countryside.
For more detailed accessibility information about Beech Tree Lodge and a link to their own website please click here.
Poplar Tree accessible bedroom
Poplar Tree is a five bedroomed property sleeping up to 12 people. It includes one spacious twin/double bedroom and en-suite wet-room on the ground floor. There is easy access throughout the whole of the ground floor and via double opening doors on to the rear patio area with open views of the surrounding countryside.
For more detailed accessibility information about Poplar Tree Lodge and a link to their own website please click here.
Carno Bach and Ty Carno
An exterior view of the cottages
Ty Carno and Carno Bach are two of several adjoining, converted period buildings on Carno Farm situated in beautiful countryside near Brecon within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The two cottages have a door which can be opened to alllow internal access between them, so they can be jointly booked to provide flexible accommodation to meet a variety of easy access needs.
The sun lounge in Ty Carno
Ty Carno is a 2 bedroom cottage with a bed settee in the lounge area and an adjoining groundfloor bathroom fitted with a bath lift. There is ramped access into the property and also an internal ramp down into the attractive conservatory/sun lounge.
For more detailed accessibility information about Ty Carno and a link to their own website please click here.
The lounge in Carno Bach
Carno Bach is an adjoining cottage which has a ground floor wet-room accessed off of the lounge in which furniture can be rearranged and a single bed can be placed to provide for wheelchair users and other guests who cannot use the stairs to get up to the two main bedrooms.
For more detailed accessibility information about Carno Bach and a link to their own website please click here.
Cui Hen Beudy
The ramped entrance to the front of the cottage
Cui Hen Beudy is an attractive period cottage set within beautiful countryside at Talybont-on-Usk in Powys and is ideally located for exploring the nearby historic town of Brecon, the Beacons National Park and further afield in South Wales. This two bed-roomed property has been skilfully converted to create a comfortable holiday home whilst retaining much of the charm and character of its former role as an agricultural building.
The sunny kitchen
The property has level access throughout and benefits from both a wet-room with level access shower and a separate bathroom. Guests are also able to relax and enjoy the tranquility of the area within the secluded rear garden with its outside eating area.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Fairoaks Bungalow
The bungalow is set in its own grounds
With stunningly beautiful views of the Black mountains and the Brecon Beacons, this purpose built bungalow is on a working farm in a very pleasant location four miles north of Brecon. This spacious property sleeps up to 8 people in four bedrooms, one of which has an en-suite wet-room.
The accessible bedroom
The property is level throughout and also benefits from a large kitchen, a sun lounge and an outside eating area.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Firs Bungalow
The bungalow has a ramped entrance
The Firs is a large self-catering bungalow located within the grounds of Pendarren House Outdoor Education Centre, a large country house situated near Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons National Park. It lies in the Grywyne valley and has beautiful views across the Usk valley. The property has been specifically converted for group use as holiday accommodation which is suitable for up to 16 people.
The kitchen
There are 5 en-suite bedrooms (three bunk rooms and two twin rooms) and one of the twin rooms is 'L' shaped with good internal wheelchair access and a fully adapted en-suite wet-room. NB A hoist is also available on site if required.
The communal living area has good accessibility and there is an accessible ramp down to a patio area with wonderful views.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Pen yr Heol Barn
An exterior view of the barn showing the front patio area
This large barn (sleeping up to 10 people) has been skilfully converted to create comfortable holiday accommodation whilst retaining all the history, charm and ambience of the property's original purpose. Set in peaceful secluded countryside on land farmed by the owners family for generations but still within easy reach of Brecon and the national park's main attractions, it offers a great place to unwind and/or an ideal base to explore the area.
The open plan living area
In addition to the large open plan living area there are two bedrooms (one double and one twin) and a separate, spacious wet-room on the ground floor. Upstairs there are two further bedrooms, one of which has four singles (can be twinned) and another twin.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Woolpack
The exterior of the cottage showing the shared garden
Woolpack is one of four cottages located at Brynich Farm on the outskirts of Brecon in the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park. Its location within easy reach of Brecon and the main road network into the area makes it an ideal base for exploring this picturesque part of Wales.
The living area
This is a stylish one-bedroomed property with spacious level access throughout that has been designed with easy access in mind There is a sofa bed in the well equipped open plan living area which could be suitable for a carer if required and also a fireside style armchair with a high seat. The bedroom has good wheelchair access and the adjoining shower room is also a good size.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
Wye Cottage
The exterior of the cottage showing the courtyard garden
Wye Cottage is situated in a pretty courtyard setting at Penrheol Farm which is located approximately 1.5 miles from Builth Wells in Mid Wales. This attractive and 'high spec' 3 bedroomed property was created with easy access in mind and is level throughout with good internal access along the light airy corridor and the open plan living area. Each bedroom has a wet-room and there are excellent elevated views over the surrounding countryside.
The view from the rear patio
The present owners have created wheelchair access around the side of the property to the rear patio which is one of this accommodations most inviting features as it has stunning open views, a large table and chairs and a hot tub. Please note some wheelchair users may require assistance to negotiate the path as it is slightly sloped and turns sharply around the corner of the building.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
BED AND BREAKFAST
Penrhos B&B
The dining conservatory
Penrhos B&B is situated on a peaceful smallholding near Libanus in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The property is surrounded by lush countryside with breathtaking views of the Black Mountains and up onto Pen y Fan 3miles away, the highest mountain in southern Britain.
The living area
The B&B is completely self contained and is separate from the farm house and guests have their own lounge, kitchenette, dining conservatory and secluded patio area. As well as the ground floor bedroom there is also a family room located upstairs with a double and single bed and separate shower room.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
New Hall Guesthouse
The Guesthouse entrance
The owners of this B & B have a wealth of experience in the Care profession and an understanding of the needs of guests who require easier access. Located in a quiet street within Llanwrtyd Wells the property (formerly a chapel) is ideally situated to explore all the attractions the county has to offer including the Elan Valley and the Brecons National Park.
The guest lounge
The twin bedded ground floor accessible bedroom has right and left hand transfer to the beds and room to turn a wheelchair however one of the single sofa beds can be removed to create extra space if required.
The whole of the ground floor of the building is wheelchair accessible and as in the bedroom furniture in the comfortable and attractive guest lounge and dining area can be rearranged to create more space if required.
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.
HOTELS
Craig-y-nos Castle
The exterior of the front of the hotel
Formerly the home of the reknowned opera star Adelina Patti (1843 - 1919) and retaining the unique charm of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, Craig-y-Nos is now a hotel. Within the courtyard there are two wheelchair accessible rooms with level access showers.
The accessible rooms are set in a courtyard
Both rooms are accessed by permanent ramps and each contains a double and single bed and an en-suite level access shower room. Room 11 is the more spacious of the two and has excellent internal wheelchair access and would accommodate most guests easy access requirements..
For more detailed accessibility information and a link to their own website please click here.