Local recommendations Garwnant

Traditional dishes, amazing views, or the perfect place to finish off a woodland walk. Take your pick from our top pubs and restaurants around the Brecon Beacons for a taste of the local.
 
 
International Welsh Rarebit Centre - Defynnog
International Welsh Rarebit Centre offers a modern take on Welsh rarebit and an irresistible menu. 20-minute drive.
 
New Inn, Bwlch
Head to New Inn, Bwlch for homemade pies and local ales – there's hearty grub and a warm welcome. 29-minute drive.
 
The Red Lion Inn, Penderyn
The Red Lion Inn, in nearby Penderyn, offers a seasonal, modern selection of food. Plus there's a great beer garden and wood-fired pizzas outside. 17-minute drive.
 
The Three Horseshoes, Groesffordd
The Three Horseshoes is a real hidden gem, tucked away in Groesffordd. There's a dog-friendly beer garden, excellent Sunday roasts and monthly live music. 23-minute drive.
With a National Park just a short drive away, and plenty of natural and man-made history to explore nearby, head beyond the forest and discover the area of Bannau Brycheiniog.
 
 
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Discover Wales’s rich mining heritage in this amazing award-winning interactive museum complete with underground tour. Experience the sights, sounds, smells and atmosphere of an authentic coal mine. A 40-minute drive.
 
Brecon town
Brecon is a bustling market town on the northern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. It makes a great day trip if you want a taste of local culture. Stroll along the canal and browse independent shops, cafés and an 800-year-old cathedral.
 
Cantref Adventure Farm
Loads of events and animals to see, plus an indoor play area is perfect for rainy days. 29-minute drive.
 
Dan yr Ogof National Showcaves Centre for Wales
The National Showcaves Centre for Wales promises a packed day out. There's an incredible network of underground caves, farm, museum and Iron Age village. There's even a Dinosaur Park on site too! As a National Nature Reserve
and Site of Special Scientific Interest, there's so much to see and do to discover the rich natural history of Wales. 33-minute drive.
 
Pontsticill Reservoir
Want to have a go at water sports? Head to Pontsticill Reservoir, where there's something for all levels of thrill-seekers – from kayaking and paddleboarding to white-water rafting.
 
Waterfall Country
This beautiful and popular region is known as ‘Waterfall Country’, where the rivers Mellte, Hepste, Pyrddin and Nedd-fechan wind their way down deep, tree-lined gorges, over a series of dramatic waterfalls, before joining to form the River Neath. This area is of international importance and it has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Places to visit
Llangorse Lake | 18km
With beautiful meadows and rare birds, Llangorse Lake is a stunning spot for a stroll. For a hefty circular route, walk around its perimeter (it’s as big as 400 football pitches!).
 
 
Pen y Fan | 7.4km
Fancy conquering the highest peak in south Britain? Climb 886 meters to the top of Pen y Fan, look out at panoramic views of dramatic valleys and feel on top of the world.
 
 
The Four Falls Trail | 8.8km
You won’t want to miss a visit to Waterfall Country, a spectacular region with some of the best walks in Brecon Beacons. The Four Falls Trail is a great option for seeing dramatic waterfalls. Don’t forget to listen out for that amazing thundering sound as you get closer to the waterfall...
Bike Park Wales | 0.1-5km
Whether you’re already hooked on mountain biking or if it’s your first time, swoop down slopes at Bike Park Wales and get a serious burst of adrenaline.
 
 
Mynydd Illtud | 7.5km
Mynydd Illtud is a real crowd-pleaser. Zoom along flat farm tracks and winding roads, taking in stunning views of Corn Du, Pen y Fan and the Central Beacons as you go. All in only 7.5km, with less than 100m of uphill climb, it's part of a blue-coded bike path, 24.1 km in length. Try this easy-going triangular route, perfect for blowing away the cobwebs.
Bring your furry friend on an adventure and explore one of the many forest trails, where acres of woodland, hills and paths make a great spot for a scamper.
 
 
Caerphilly Mountain | 10.6km
Walk around the mountain for a short incline, or a longer three hour-long trip. You’ll pass the Wern Ddu Clay Pit, known as Coed y Werin, a Geological Site of Special Scientific Interest with 300 million-year-old carboniferous rocks and coal seams.
 
 
Hay-on-Wye and River Wye Circular | 3.4km
Mini explorers will love the Hay-on-Wye River and Rail Trail, it’s mostly flat but with lots to see! Just make sure dogs stay on lead around any grazing sheep!
Dog-walking trails

Take a trip through the trees, full of adventure! Save 10% on your Go Ape experience when you stay with us, including on Saturdays. 
 
Look out for our emails with offers and activities to book before your stay – they'll include your unique discount code. There's only one Go Ape in Wales, at Margam Country Park, so they've made it a good one. You can experience:

  • Go Ape Tree Top Challenge from £36
Go Ape

Explore local activities close to Garwnant, where there's lots of adventure in the old industrial landscape.

Meet some of our forest friends up close with incredible experiences near to the forest.
 
Why not try...
 
Flying experiences at The British Bird of Prey Centre
Meet shire horses at Dan yr Ogof Shire Horse Centre
Alpaca treks with Alpaca My Boots
Wildlife experiences