Brecon Cathedral is a beautiful Grade I listed Cathedral located in Brecon, Powys. Open to the public daily from 9 am until 6 pm, completely dog friendly and with the tranquil Priory Grove woodland walk nearby, the cathedral is a lovely place to explore for a few hours.
History of Brecon Cathedral 
Brecon Cathedral was built in 1093 and began life as the Benedictine Priory of St John the Evangelist. Initially, the cathedral was built by the Normans on the site of a Celtic church becoming Brecon’s parish church in 1537. The church became a cathedral in 1923 and is set in a walled close, unique in Wales. The remains of the monastic buildings provide a Heritage centre and restaurant and are certainly some of the finest of their kind in Wales.
The cathedral has many notable features including Wales’ only surviving cresset stone and the Harvard Chapel the regimental chapel of one of Britain’s oldest infantry regiments, the South Wales Borderers (24th Regiment). The chapel also houses the original colours of the Zulu Wars, including Roukes Drift.
The Hours Cafe & Bookshop
The Hours Cafe and Bookshop includes a cathedral gift section and is open from Wednesday to Saturday 10:30 am – 3:30 pm and on Sundays from 12 pm – 3 pm. The cafe has a lovely selection of snacks and meals, including a popular Sunday Lunch and has indoor and outdoor seating. It is certainly advisable to book for the Sunday Lunch as the spaces are limited, the cafe can be contacted via email: hello@thehoursbrecon.co.uk   
Priory Grove Woodland
Whilst visiting Brecon Cathedral it would be a shame not to go for a walk around Priory Grove, a mixed woodland bordering the Honddu Riv
er. The woodland has an abundance of birdlife and a beautiful display of wildflowers in spring and autumn times. May is an especially good time to see carpets of bluebells and woodland anemones throughout the woods. In addition, there is also a wooden sculpture trail of animals throughout the walk which can be fun to try and spot. Priory Grove is reached by walking through a gated archway and the Cathedral graveyard.
Visiting Brecon Cathedral
The Cathedral is well signposted from any of the main routes, just follow the brown signs. It is approximately a 20 minute drive from the campsite. There is a pay and display car park next to Brecon Cathedral, or it is a short walk from the town centre. The cathedral has wheelchair access, is open daily and often holds musical events and exhibitions. For more information please click here
Additional Information
For further information about Cwmdu Campsite in Wales, please visit our Home Page
To check availability for next season, please fill in a booking form here.
For information on 2025 prices, visit our tariffs page, Click here.
For more information regarding our Glamping Pods please visit our site here.
HOLIDAY COTTAGES INFORMATION
4* Dog-Friendly Holiday Cottages in the Brecon Beacons, 4 miles from Crickhowell and within 50 yards of Cwmdu Campsite.
We have 4 cosy cottages available to book:
- Efail Isaf – ‘Old Smithy’ – Sleeps 6 in three bedrooms. Cosy cottage with log burner and picturesque garden and panoramic views of the National Park. Infant facilities are available.
- Efail Bach – ‘Little Smithy’ – One-bed cottage with large shower and separate large bath. Fantastic views from the bedroom, living room and garden. BBQ included. Infant facilities are available.
- The Hay Loft – Newly refurbished couples retreat. Peaceful, scenic views, private garden.
- Ty Ffynon – Beautifully decorated, two-bedroom house with wonderful views, log burner and free-standing bath in the main bedroom.
Click Here for more information or to book a Cwmdu Holiday Cottage stay with us!
FIRE AND ICE INFORMATION
Imagine a Fire & Ice experience like no other! Rest and Rejuvenate peacefully in a Nordic wood-fired Sauna & Ice Baths with a Scenic mountain view looking out across the Welsh Brecon Beacons National Park also known as (Bannau Brycheiniog).
Guests can visit in many ways, camp at Cwmdu Campsite, Glamp in either a log pod or shepherd’s hut, stay in one of our four Holiday Cottages, or stop by for an independent session. Guests are guided through a series of hot and cold transitions between the Sauna and Ice Bath.
This may just be the perfect place to relax, unwind, improve your mental and physical health or recover from a long walk all while listening to the beautiful birdsong of the area.
