Escape to the Welsh Countryside this Autumn

The Brecon Beacons National Park, located in South Wales, is a treasure trove for visitors. From adrenaline-fueled abseiling and mountain biking, to scenic walks and pub lunches, visitors can explore the destination year-round.

Autumn and Christmas are a particularly magical time to visit the National Park as the market towns come to life with festive markets, food celebrations and Santa grottos in underground caves.

Here are a roundup of festive activities to do in the Brecon Beacons this winter:

Beacons Trike Tours Limited

Whether it’s the thrill of a motorbike ride or the chance to soak up the surroundings whilst being ‘chauffeur driven’, Trike Tours offer a unique and alternative way to explore the Brecon Beacons. Offering bespoke tours, special events and distillery tours – trikes are the perfect way to get around this winter period. Running a Christmas discount from now until the end of 2017, visitors can save 15% on all tours and vouchers. Tours cost from £76.50.

Dan-yr-Ogof Cave and Cathedral Cave Christmas Experience

Forget a Santa’s grotto in a high street store, behind a curtained-off section, and instead head deep underground and explore a magical world in the caves and caverns in the Brecon Beacons.

Children can step right into a Welsh mountain and discover the ancient caves whilst visiting Santa in his authentic grotto. Furthermore, families can call by the National Showcaves Centre and marvel at one of the largest collections of life-sized dinosaur models in the world. Kids can also enjoy a trailer ride to look at the animals, including the Shire Horses, on the Morgan Brothers’ farm. The caves are open every weekend in December. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: . Prices start from £14 for adults, including a hot drink and mince pie, £11 for children aged 3-12 and £6 for children aged 2 and under, including a visit to see Santa and a gift.

Hay Festival Winter Weekend, 23-26 November 2017

The world famous Hay Literature Festival’s Winter Weekend promises an array of literary talks and events throughout the book town alongside a food and vintage festival. To get visitors and locals alike into the Christmas spirit, festivities include local choirs singing, mulled wine, mince pies and late night shopping. Over 40 exhibitors will attend the food festival and those looking to pick up a vintage bargain will be able to do so on Sunday 26 November at the fashion fair.

Royal Welsh Winter Fair, 27-28 November 2017

Recognised as one of the most popular attractions on the British agricultural show calendar and the finest prime stock show in Europe, the best Welsh food producers get together to showcase their produce. Christmas shoppers can explore the hundreds of trade stands, demonstrations and exhibitions whilst enjoying the festive atmosphere. The two day event includes cookery, produce, handicraft, poultry, horticulture, floral art and meat products competitions, a firework display, Christmas gifts and a Santa’s grotto. Tickets can be purchased here and prices cost £15 for adults and £5 for children.

Abergavenny Christmas Food Festival, 10 December 2017

The annual Christmas Food and Drink Fair showcases over 90 stalls and exhibitors from all over Wales, including fresh and cured meats, poultry and game, cheeses and chocolates, cakes and desserts, wines and liqueurs, ales and cider. The festival includes bite-size chef demonstrations throughout the day and the chance to spend time with food experts and learn the newest seasonal tips. Tickets cost £5.

Christmas at The Angel, Abergavenny

The Angel Hotel, named ‘AA Hotel of the Year for Wales 2016/17’, offers a number of special Christmas packages and events, including The Après Ski Bar – a popup bar bringing the ambience of alpine ski lodge to Abergavenny and serving Swiss fondue, sausages and steins. Every weekend leading up to Christmas, Santa will be in his grotto outside the hotel with a horse and carriage. Christmas packages include a glass of mulled wine and a minced pie on arrival, a three course dinner in the Oak Room and full English breakfast. Prices start from £185 for two guests.