Brecon

Brecon (Welsh: Aberhonddu) is a market town and the former county town of Brecknockshire, a traditional county which now forms the southernmost part of the modern county of Powys in Mid Wales.

Understand

Brecon is in many ways a typical small Welsh town, retaining that status though it does boast a cathedral. The surrounding scenery is quite stunning, Brecon falling within the Brecon Beacons National Park, which extends to the south, east and west.

See

For most people the main reason for visiting Brecon is as a base for visiting the national park. In town, however, there are worthwhile diversions:

• ⊙Brecon Cathedral, Cathedral Close, ☎ +44 1874 623857. Brecon Cathedral is a small church, but is however interesting and worth a visit. Started as a fortification built by the half brother of William the Conqueror after he captured the town in 1094, the church is now a delightful place to visit. Three hundred years after its foundation, the church becaome Priory Church of St John the Evangelist, which has been described as 'half Church of God and half castle against the Welsh.' Inside the encircling walls of the cathedral close survive the most unique group of monastic buildings in Wales.  
• ⊙Christ College, Bridge Street, ☎ +44 1874 615440. Founded in 1541 when King Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries, there are several lovely buildings to visit. 
• River walk Follow the trail beside the cathedral for a pleasant walk down the Afon Honddu and along the River Usk. Can become a bit steep for the unfit.
• ⊙Brecknock Museum, Captains Walk, ☎ +44 1874 624121. local history and art (updated Jun 2017)
• ⊙Y Gaer. remains of Roman fort