WE spent our Christmas in Brecon, Wales, looking after a beautiful cottage in the country. It could be the beginning of a love affair.
We’d all like to return one day, not just to Brecon, but Wales in general. Fabulous scenery, friendly people and plenty to do, our 10-day stint flew by. Even a visit to Cardiff during the Christmas melee proved no hassle.
But around where we were based it was far more relaxed. Country lanes, rolling hills, snow-peaked mountains and sheep dotted everywhere, Wales has a slower pace of life to what we’ve been used to in London.
Two visits we particularly enjoyed were to Hay-on-Wye, a quaint market town on the English border known for its many (40-plus) second-hand bookshops and festivals, and Raglan Castle, just off the A-40 in Monmouthshire.
Raglan Castle, which dates back to between the 15th and 17th centuries, is the impressive, large remains of a once-solid fortress where you can still enter the dungeons and go up towers.
Entry to the castle – through a souvenir shop - is fairly inexpensive (£3.50 for adults or £10.10 for families), though your kids will undoubtedly be hankering you to buy some of the strategically-placed memorabilia and toys on the way out. Tel: 01291 690228 for opening times (the castle is open year-round) and more details.
For a day out, especially with children, it's a fun and interesting place to explore and the region has so much more that we wanted to see, but failed to find the time.
Something tells me we'll be heading back one day, even if it's not soon.
So many history, magical castles and according to me Brecon looks like one pretty calm place with so many green around. After I saw your photos I understood why you want to get back there.
Posted by: Chalets saas fee | 10 January 2012 at 08:39 AM