Sights in Brecon Beacons
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A
St Mary's Priory Church & Tithe Barn
Relatively modest-looking, St Mary's contains a remarkable treasury of aristocratic tombs within. It was founded at the same time as the castle (1087) as part of a Benedictine priory, but the present building dates mainly from the 14th century, with 15th- and 19th-century additions and alterations. In the northern transept is one of the most important medieval carvings in Europe – a monumental 15th-century wooden representation of the biblical figure of Jesse.
The priory's 13th century tithe barn has recently been restored and converted into an excellent heritage centre and a food hall focusing on locally sourced Welsh products.
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B
Brecon Cathedral
Perched on a hill above the River Honddu, Brecon Cathedral was founded as part of a Benedictine monastery in 1093, though little remains of the Norman structure except the carved font and parts of the nave. It's a lovely church and very visitor-friendly; seven information points provide information about key features.
In the cathedral grounds is a Heritage Centre, cafe and gift shop housed in a restored 15th-century tithe barn.
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C
South Wales Borderers Museum
The South Wales Borderers Museum commemorates the history of the Royal Regiment of Wales, which is based in Brecon. Many of the soldiers are Gurkhas, often to be seen in their civvies around the town. The highlight is the Zulu War Room - the regiment's predecessor fought in the 1879 Anglo-Zulu war in South Africa, inspiration for the 1964 film Zulu starring Michael Caine.
The fascinating collection of artefacts recalls the defence of Rorke's Drift, when 150 Welsh soldiers held out against 4000 Zulu warriors.
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D
Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery
Behind the stolid neoclassical exterior of the former Shire Hall is the impressive Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery. Exhibits include 1200-year-old dugout canoe found at Llangorse Lake, a complete Victorian assize court complete with a stilted recording of court pronouncements, and that favourite of Welsh museums, a re-created Welsh kitchen. Also featured are the archaeology, history and natural history of the Brecon area, and an art gallery with changing exhibits.
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E
Abergavenny Castle & Museum
Not much remains of Abergavenny Castle except for an impressive stretch of curtain wall on either side of the gatehouse on the northwest side. The castle keep, converted into a hunting lodge by the Victorians, now houses a small museum devoted to the history of the castle and the town.
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F
Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal
Brecon is the northern terminus of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, built between 1799 and 1812 for the movement of coal, iron ore, limestone and agricultural goods. The 33 miles from Brecon to Pontypool is back in business moving tourists around, and the busiest section is around Brecon. The canal basin is 400m south of the town centre.
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Sugar Loaf Vineyards
On the western edge of town are the Sugar Loaf Vineyards, established in 1992 and producing around 12,000 bottles a year of award-winning Welsh wine. You can take a self-guided tour before sampling the goods at the café and gift shop.
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Talybont-on-Usk
A peaceful 8.5-mile walk along the towpath of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal leads to the picturesque village of Talybont-on-Usk. You can return on the X43 bus from Abergavenny to Brecon, or the Beacons Bus B4, B6 or B8.
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G
Norman Castle
What little remains of Brecon's Norman Castle was incorporated into the Castle of Brecon Hotel. Across the road from the hotel is the original Norman motte (mound), capped by the ivy-clad Ely Tower (not open to the public).
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