Are you up for an adventure Penderyn style? Join Penderyn for this special, one-off tour to discover, and experience, one of the secrets behind their unique and precious whisky; natural Welsh spring water deep underground. Penderyn Distillery tours and Hawk Adventures are coming together to offer you an immersive experience into the underground world of Welsh whisky.
When? 24th August 2017 What Time? 11am – 4pm How much? Only £8.50!!!
Start the day with the Penderyn Distillery tour; find out why Penderyn was chosen, in the foothills of the Brecon Beacons, as the place to distill this award winning whisky. Then it’s time for you to go deep underground to experience the startling depths below the hills of the Brecon Beacons and experience the refreshing, purity of Welsh water up close. Hawk Adventures will guide you into deep underground caves where the sound of water rushing, gurgling and dripping over stone fills the ears. You will be expertly guided down the fascinating world underground, exploring caves, swallow holes and potholes. Into huge dark caverns or squeezing between rocks; caving is an experience like no other.
On booking this activity you will be contacted directly by Hawk Adventures with any specific requirements of what to bring along, although all technical equipment will be supplied. Please be aware caving is a physical activity taking place in natural caves.
BOOK NOW by calling Penderyn Distillery direct 01685 810 650
This is a Pop-Up Adventure brought to you by Snowdonia-Active as part of their 2017 ‘Epic Road Trip’. The project has been funded via the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund which aims to encourage new innovative product ideas working in partnership which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.
19th August-Beer and Chilli Festival
Our annual Beer & Chilli Festival is great fun for the whole family!
Come along and get into the festival spirit with:
– Live Music from Mariachi Band, Los Squideros– Bar Serving Local Beers, Lagers & Ciders
– Delicious Themed Menu in our Railway Restaurant
– Food and Drink Tasters
– Chilli Eating Challenge
– Bouncy Castle & Craft Activity for Children
FREE to attend with no booking required.
22nd and 29th- Learn to Paint with Julia Harris-10:30-12:30am
A workshop for children with well known local artist, Julia. Enjoy a 2 hour session learning the basics of painting and producing works of art to take home! Booking recommended by calling 01497 847055. £5 per child to be paid directly to Julia on the day.
30th-Wild Wednesday Workshop-‘Dragons & Fairy Tales’
Our Wild Wednesday workshops offer a fun and creative workshop for children every Wednesday during the school holidays. This session will include a variety of fun, dragon and fairy themed craft activities. Booking required as spaces are limited. Book online here.
Click here for more info and events at the Garden Centre.
Events for Sibanye
A project has been established called Sibanye, meaning “we are one”-to acknowledge the events of the past but to move on in a spirit of support and co-operation. 80 Zulus will be welcomed into Brecon this August, making a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the descendants of the Zulu warriors who fought at Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. There will be several evening performances at Theatr Brycheniog and a special concert at the Cathedral on August 26th. Read on for a schedule of events.
WEDNESDAY 23RD AUGUST THEATR BRYCHEINIOG – Grand opening of Sibanye and gala performance. With an opening by the High Commissioner of South Africa and a chance to meet the Royal Princes after the show. More info here.
WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY, 23RD, 24TH, 25TH AUGUST AT THEATR BRYCHEINIOG-7.30pm (also Thursday 24th matinee 2pm) King Cetshwayo Musical, 40 South African players will be acting in this amazing musical which has toured South Africa. The story tells of the Zulu’s defiance against the English and Welsh Regiments during the Anglo Zulu Wars, and the victories that re-inspired the pride of a nation; defeating guns with spears in a David and Goliath real life story. Told through multimedia, song, dance, dialogue and storytelling, the performances features performances from the Zulu Royal Family and descendents of King Cetshwayo. Tickets and info here.
SATURDAY 26TH AUGUST AT GRAND CONCERT IN BRECON CATHEDRAL– 7pm to include Brecon Male Voice Choir, a South African Choir, and Clwyd & Gwynedd Cadets Corps of Drums.
SUNDAY 27TH AUGUST – STUDY CENTRE, THE BARRACKS – Lecture, John Young; The Last Napoleon – the death of the Prince Imperial of France.
MONDAY 28TH AUGUST – STUDY CENTRE, THE BARRACKS – Lecture, John Young; iSandlwana – when the son of a banker met the son of a king.
MONDAY 28TH AUGUST – COLOSSEUM CINEMA, BRECON -Zulu Dawn Film.
TUESDAY 29TH AUGUST -THEATR BRYCHEINIOG – Workshop for children.
THURSDAY 31ST AUGUST- THE RE-ENACTMENT OF ISANDLWANA IN CARDIFF CASTLE- with 80 Zulu players/Royal Princess and The British Diehards.
Included in the 10 days will be Craft Stands, lectures and art exhibitions throughout the Town.
For further details contact Dorcas Cresswell- dorcascresswell@gmail.com or phone 01497 847262
The Brecon Beacons is one of the most inspiring locations in the world. Surrounded by miles and miles of mountains, forests, waterfalls and rivers, Greenman Festival is known for its spellbinding music and mystical happenings. There will of course be plenty of music in the many stages and natural amphitheatre of the main stage, but you will also be treated to great Welsh food and drink, all night dancing, comedy, yoga and hot tubs, cinema screenings, bonfires, with the festival concluding with fireworks and the burning of the huge Greenman! Plus…this year is Greenmans 15th anniversary celebrations-it’s set to be the best yet! Here our 10 reasons to love Greenman Festival!
As far as UK festivals go, Green Man‘s backdrop is hard to beat. With mountains as far as the eye can see, festival goers feel as if they’re safely nestled within this green valley as people come from far and wide to enjoy the views as well as the music.
3. Welsh pride
Not only is Green Man a favourite with the locals, the Brecon Beacons community is present in more ways than one. Welsh food, drink and bands are invited back into Glanusk Estate each year, being assured that pennies are being pumped back into Wales.
4. Best Medium Sized Festival
Green Man’s size means you can amble from stage to stage, find friends (and your tent) easily and know that you will bump into each-other again throughout the weekend.
5. There’s comedy to make you laugh until the early hours Babbling tongues is circled by ancient trees being the place to listen to illuminating debates, insightful thoughts and incredible reminiscences from iconic musicians and authors. Be entertained by an incredible lineup of talented comedians on the last laugh comedy stage who will make you laugh until the early hours.
6. One main stage with world class performers
With one main stage, there’s little chance you’ll suffer from a band clash so relax and set up your spot for the day. Click here for the full lineup.
Credit: Visit Wales
7. The ease of exploring It’s almost impossible to navigate your way around the rows and rows of tents, let alone get out and about into that world beyond Glastonbury. For those that want to explore the area surrounding Green Man, it’s easy to venture out of the site and have a wander around the local towns and villages by foot, bike or bus. Why not make a holiday of it? If you were lucky to get aSettler’s Pass ticket this year, you’ll be able to enjoy the National Park, then just relax and wait for the music to start.
8. It’s one for Mum and Dad, too. Every year Green Man’s line up doesn’t try to impress, it aims to please. Whatever your musical taste, your age or your dancing ability, the whole family’s invited. This year we’ll enjoy a rich variety once again: The Chai Wallahs tent will add a youthful edge, there will be plenty of folk (as always) and don’t forget legendary headliners, such as PJ Harvey, Michael Kiwanuka and Future Islands!
9. There’s yoga and even hot tubs! Head to nature nuture, a quiet corner of health and rejuventation, for yoga dedicated therapists and to sip some bubbly in a hot tub!
10. There’s all night bonfires, fireworks and a giant burning green man!
Abergavenny’s weekend-long festival of food, drink and foraging already has an excellent reputation and, like good wine, it gets better every year. The festival is being held on the 16th and 17th of September and you can expect beautifully stocked stalls, demos, talks and fascinating activities such as guided wild food walks. The programme also includes masterclasses from top chefs and food writers including some of Wales’ finest culinary stars. Even the decor – different each year – is a feast for the eyes. According to Observer Food Monthly, “Abergavenny is to food as Cannes is to film – an annual festival for spotting rising stars in Britain’s artisan food firmament.” Here our some of our top picks from this years programme…
Don’t miss the opportunity to gain an insight into the history of curing and smoking and traditional processes at Black Mountains Smokery. During the tour, you will be shown the workings of their kilns for hot and cold oak smoking as well as a demonstration of hand slicing smoked salmon. There will also be a tutored tasting of their award winning smoked foods including serving ideas with specially selected accompaniments.
Finally, you’ll be given time in their showroom to view a range of hampers and to find out more about the producers we work closely with. Not to mention, you’ll also get a complimentary pack of something smokey to take away and the opportunity to purchase more!
There will be two tours taking place at 11:00 and 14:00. The tour will last between one hour and an hour and a half.
GW Scott opened its first store in London in 1661, and in 1851 we invented the wicker picnic basket for the Great Exhibition at the Crystal Palace in Hyde Park. As a fine example of enduring British craftsmanship, GW Scott hampers are produced entirely within the UK using the only finest British materials and the best local craftsmen. So, this year, we’re delighted that they have decided to bring a picnic to the Abergavenny Food Festival.
Enjoy this outdoor dining experience in the tranquil Linda Vista Gardens. Sit in their British-woven blankets and enjoy one of their handcrafted baskets full of British-made products. GW Scott source all of their ingredients from their favourite artisans throughout the country, some of whom you can find at the festival.
With breakfast, lunch and dinner available, there’s never a bad time for a picnic! Buy your tickets here.
Expand your veg horizons with Hugh Fearnley Whittingstall
The nation’s favourite food hero and anti-waste campaigner will be talking about his extraordinary life in food; from his early years as a messy young chef at London’s River Café, to his current status as a global activist. At this event, Hugh will talk about his mission to increase our veg consumption and expand our veg horizons. Fuelled by his passionate belief that plant foods should be the dominant force in our kitchens, his brand new book – River Cottage: Much More Veg – features no cheese, butter, cream, eggs or refined flours. Instead, Hugh has plundered the plant kingdom, using veg, fruit, grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, spices and herbs to produce a cornucopia of delicious, satisfying and life-enhancing recipes.
Hugh will be on hand to sign copies of the book, which is the much anticipated follow up to River Cottage Veg Every Day – the #1 bestselling meat-free cookbook of all time. Tickets here.
Take part in a masterclass to improve your culinary skills!
When? Saturday16 September, 19:30-23:00 Where? The Castle How Much? £20.00-Buy Tickets
The legendary Saturday night shindig at Abergavenny Castle is back! So put your dancing shoes on and join Abergavenny for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rub shoulders (and get raucous with) your favourite celebrity chefs The ancient walls will be brimming with live music, spectacular fireworks, top DJs, dancing and dribble-inducing street food from some of the UK’s most exciting producers. All washed down with delicious drinks from the Blorenge Bar and Skyborry Cider, plus undeniably quaffable cocktails by Chase Distillery. Tickets always sell like hot cakes so snaffle yours sharpish to avoid bitter disappointment. Tickets here.
Wander around the Stalls
Credit: Abergavenny Food Festival
Expect the showcase Producers’ Market, a shop and drop service, Cheese & Wine Market, Street Food & Night Market, plus new food producers, community stalls, and a very special secret speakeasy. The streets will be brimming with stalls, throughout both the day and night! More info here.
Catch up with old friends and make new ones over drinks at The Angel
The Angel Hotel provides the perfect location to have a welcome sit down after picking up lots of goodies at the stalls in the Festival. Their Foxhunter Bar features local ales and ciders and for the more adventurous, the cocktail menu features both classic cocktails and Angel originals – The Hendricks, Manhattan and Cosmopolitan to name but a few.
If you wish to mingle with locals over a pint of Hereford Pale Ale, enjoy a glass of wine by the open fire or grab a tasty bite to eat, The Foxhunter Bar provides comfortable, stylish surroundings which you will want to revisit again and again. It’s a perfect end to a day out at the Festival.
There are many places in the Brecon Beacons to enjoy a pint or two in stunning scenery! From picturesque river views, canal spots and scenic mountain views, here are some of our top picks…
Llangynidr
The Coach and Horses Inn
Overlooking the scenic Monmouthshire and Brecon canal the Coach and Horses have a large, peaceful beer garden with a childrens play area. There’s ample, private car parking and plenty of locally brewed real ales and fine wines available in the comfortable surroundings of the 16th Century Inn. They are dog and children friendly!
The Red Lion The Red Lion, Llangynidr always offers a selection of real ales which you can enjoy in a large outside area in the summer months. There’s a children’s play area and even a quiz night every other Thursday Evening!
Merthyr Tydfil The Bedlinog Inn After a day spent visiting the local attractions and stunning scenery, you can while away the evening hours over a delicious meal and a drink, sharing your stories about the day’s adventures in the Inn’s beer garden. The pub is surrounded by steep, rolling green hills where, on a clear summer’s day, you can see as far as the Severn Estuary. They serve an excellent selection of premium lager, real ales and beers, the finest of wines, and a range of quality spirits. A carefully chosen selection of soft drinks is also available, along with a comprehensive choice of hot drinks, too.
Crickhowell The Bridge End Inn If you’re looking for a pub with a great beer garden, you’ll find it at the Bridge End in at Crickhowell! Overlooking the River Usk and historic Crickhowell Bridge
The Dragon Inn
The Dragon Inn has a spectacular beer garden equipped with a pergola if the weather isn’t great! The wine list features a good selection of grape varieties from the Old and New Worlds and great care is taken in choosing excellent quality but also good value wines for our customers. On the bar there’s draught ales, such as Felinfoel’s Double Dragon and Hancocks HB, along side their premium draft cider (Aspalls). Draught lagers include Peroni, San Miguel & the oldest larger brew in Britain the Welsh lower 4.1% alcohol Wrexham lager. They stock Penderyn, Wales’ only genuine single malt alongside some popular Scottish & Irish brands such as Laphroaig, Glenfiddich, Glenmorangie and Bushmills’ Black Bush.
Llanfoist The Bridge Inn
The Bridge Inn is lucky to be located right next to the beautiful River Usk with views across Castle Meadows towards Abergavenny. All around us are the hills that make up the ‘Gateway to Wales’ and we can’t think of a better place to spend a sunny afternoon than their beer garden. With plenty of benches
and sun umbrellas for those hot sunny days (we do get them in Wales !) the garden is dog and child-friendly and even has a well-stocked garden bar which opens on an occasional basis selling food and drinks.
Hay On Wye The Swan at Hay An independent hotel situated in the Town of books, with a large beer garden and bar stocked with local producers.
Credit: The Telegraph
Brecon The Clarence Inn The Clarence Inn has one of the finest beer gardens that there is. Solid garden furniture, real grass, and very occasionally some sun. We also like to think of it as safe too, as there is no direct access to the main road. The garden plays host to Brecon Fringe Festival every August with fifteen bands performing there over the festival!
Llanhamlach-near Brecon
The Old Ford
The Old Ford Inn Situated 2 miles east of Brecon The Old Ford offers panoramic views of the Beacons and Pen-y-Fan, with food served lunchtime and evenings with real ale and good wine to accompany!
Llangorse The Red Lion Good sized, contained beer garden with home cooked food and welcoming atmosphere.
Defynnog The Tanners Arms For the long hot SummersThe Tanners Arms have have a large South facing beer garden and serve a wide range of beverages including REAL ALES.Nestled in the Northern foothills of the Brecon Beacons National Park you will find the scenic and delightful village of Defynnog, and at its center the ever welcoming Tanners Arms
Pencelli The Royal Oak
Large beer garden that stretches up to the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.
Sunday August 13th – half a dozen gardens in Crai village will be open to the public, under the National Garden Scheme (familiarly, the Yellow Book Scheme).
As well as gardens to walk round (2pm to 5pm), there’ll be teas in the village hall (2pm to 4.30pm) and there’ll probably be a few plants and some produce for sale too. The NGS raises funds for a variety of charities, including several cancer charities. The profits from teas are shared between the village hall and a local charity.
Crai is situated about 5 miles south of Sennybridge on the A4067.
This is a Pop-Up Adventure brought to you by Snowdonia-Active as part of their 2017 ‘Epic Road Trip’. The project has been funded via the Welsh Government’s Tourism Product Innovation Fund which aims to encourage new innovative product ideas working in partnership which will have a greater impact and attract more visitors.
– Bar Serving Local Beers, Lagers & Ciders
f a nation; defeating guns with spears in a David and Goliath real life story. Told through multimedia, song, dance, dialogue and storytelling, the performances features performances from the Zulu Royal Family and descendents of King Cetshwayo. Tickets and info 
