
National Park Visitor Centre Mountain Centre
Your gateway to the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, offering expert advice, family fun, and beautiful views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking

National Park Visitor Centre Mountain Centre
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Your gateway to the stunning Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, offering expert advice, family fun, and beautiful views.
"A very good place to visit if you are in the area, with plenty of parking and friendly staff."

Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Get expert advice on hikes and park info. They're happy to help you plan your adventure! :smiley:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The adventure playground is a hit with children. Great for a break or to start the day! :child:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Information Boards
Engage with dynamic displays about the park's geology, wildlife, and history. Perfect for all ages to learn about the stunning landscape.

Adventure Playground
A fantastic outdoor space for children to burn energy before or after exploring the park. Fun for various age groups.

Scenic Cafe Views
Enjoy a coffee or snack with breathtaking panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons. A perfect spot to relax and soak in the scenery.

Gift Shop Treasures
Browse a wide selection of souvenirs, local crafts, and outdoor gear. Find the perfect memento of your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating the Brecon Beacons
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Get expert advice on hikes and park info. They're happy to help you plan your adventure! :smiley:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The adventure playground is a hit with children. Great for a break or to start the day! :child:
Parking Availability
Plenty of parking, including disabled spots and electric chargers. Arrive early on busy days. :car:
Cafe with a View
Enjoy coffee and cake with stunning Beacons views. Vegan options available! :coffee:
Tips
from all over the internet
Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Get expert advice on hikes and park info. They're happy to help you plan your adventure! :smiley:
Kid-Friendly Fun
The adventure playground is a hit with children. Great for a break or to start the day! :child:
Parking Availability
Plenty of parking, including disabled spots and electric chargers. Arrive early on busy days. :car:
Cafe with a View
Enjoy coffee and cake with stunning Beacons views. Vegan options available! :coffee:
Dog-Friendly Amenities
Water bowls are scattered around for your furry friends. Enjoy the walks together! :dog:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the National Park Visitor Centre Mountain Centre for its friendly and knowledgeable staff, excellent facilities including a playground and cafe with views, and ample parking. It's a highly recommended starting point for exploring the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, offering a great experience for families and hikers alike. Some note the cafe can be a bit pricey.
"Very good place to visit if you are in the area. There are plenty of parking places, electric chargers and disabled spots. There is a large gift shop with plenty of souvenirs. There is also an interactive board about the area. The staff are very friendly. There is an adventure playground for the children and a lovely cafe with beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons. Would recommend"
Charlie Gardner
"Spent a lovely bit of time here enjoying the area around the centre and taking time to use the kids play equipment. Even though it was a rainy day we really enjoyed it.
Lots of outdoor seating, easy to park, clean toilets, cafe served lovely coffees ( and the vegan Jaffa chocolate cake) and the visitor centre was stuffed full of goodies. Can’t wait to come back when we are next in the area."
Elizabeth B
"We dropped by this visitor center, and there is paid parking. The staff were helpful in the gift shop. We had limited time yet want to do a worthwhile hike that offers good views."
Catherine Hunt
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Visitor Centre is located within the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park. It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. For public transport options, check local bus routes serving the Brecon area.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available, including disabled spots and electric chargers. It's recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a spot.
The Brecon Beacons is a popular cycling destination. While there might not be dedicated bike racks at the centre itself, you can cycle to the area and explore the surrounding trails.
The Visitor Centre is centrally located within the Brecon Beacons National Park. The nearest major town is Brecon, which offers further amenities and transport links.
The Visitor Centre is well-signposted within the National Park. Using a GPS or map app with the full name 'National Park Visitor Centre Mountain Centre' should guide you directly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the National Park Visitor Centre itself is typically free. However, parking may be subject to charges, so it's advisable to check for any current fees.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Bannau Brycheiniog National Park website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
The Bannau Brycheiniog National Park is a natural landscape and generally free to enter and explore. Specific attractions within the park might have their own admission fees.
The Visitor Centre staff can provide information on available guided walks and tours within the park. They are excellent resources for planning your activities.
Information on group or family discounts for any associated activities or facilities would typically be available through the park's official channels or by contacting the Visitor Centre directly.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The centre offers a gift shop, cafe, interactive displays, toilets, and an adventure playground for children. Staff are on hand to provide information.
While the centre itself is a hub for information, many popular hiking trails, including those leading to Pen y Fan, are accessible from nearby car parks and routes recommended by the centre staff.
The centre provides disabled parking spots and is generally designed to be accessible. The cafe and gift shop are on the ground floor, and staff are available to assist.
Expect engaging displays about the park's natural environment, geology, and local history. These are designed to be informative and fun for all ages.
Yes, the Visitor Centre and surrounding areas are dog-friendly. You'll find water bowls available for your pets.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe on-site offering coffees, snacks, and light meals. It's a great spot to refuel with beautiful views.
The cafe serves a range of items, including coffees, cakes (with vegan options noted), and other refreshments. It's a good place for a quick bite before or after exploring.
Some visitors have noted that the cafe can be a bit pricey, but the quality and the stunning views often make it a worthwhile stop.
While not explicitly mentioned, the surrounding parkland offers numerous opportunities for picnicking. You can purchase supplies from the gift shop or bring your own.
You can typically bring your own food for a picnic in the park's outdoor areas. The cafe is for purchasing their offerings.
📸 📸 Photography
The Visitor Centre itself offers great views of the Brecon Beacons. Nearby, iconic peaks like Pen y Fan provide stunning photographic backdrops.
The cafe at the Visitor Centre offers panoramic views. For more dramatic shots, head towards Pen y Fan or explore the waterfalls like Henrhyd Falls.
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer the most dramatic light for landscape photography. Midday can be harsh, but good for capturing details.
Generally, photography is allowed inside visitor centres for personal use, but it's always good practice to check for any specific signage or ask staff if you're unsure.
While not directly offered by the Visitor Centre, local photography guides or groups may offer tours of the Brecon Beacons. Inquire at the centre for recommendations.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Hikers and Outdoor Enthusiasts
🐶 Dog Owners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Beyond the peaks, the park boasts stunning waterfalls like Henrhyd Falls, where you can even walk behind the cascade, and the family-friendly Elidir Trail which leads to four beautiful waterfalls. The park offers diverse scenery, from rolling hills and moorlands to ancient woodlands and river valleys, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Visitors can get invaluable advice from the centre's staff on the best routes, current weather conditions, and safety precautions. They can also provide information on local wildlife, geology, and historical sites scattered throughout the park. This ensures you're well-prepared for your adventures, whether you're aiming for a summit or a leisurely walk.
Family Fun and Activities
Beyond the playground, the interactive displays inside the Visitor Centre are designed to be educational and entertaining for younger visitors, sparking curiosity about the natural world. The staff are also known for being very helpful and friendly, often providing tips on family-friendly walks or activities suitable for children.
Many of the trails within the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park are also suitable for families. The Elidir Trail, for instance, is a 7km hike that visits four waterfalls and is considered family-friendly, taking around 2-3 hours to complete. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and check the weather forecast before heading out on any family excursions.
Practicalities: Parking, Cafe, and Gifts
The on-site cafe is a popular spot for visitors to relax and refuel. It serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, snacks, and light meals, with some reviewers highlighting vegan cake options. While some find it a bit pricey, the beautiful views of the Brecon Beacons from the cafe are often considered a worthwhile trade-off.
Don't forget to visit the gift shop, which is well-stocked with souvenirs, local crafts, and outdoor essentials. It's a great place to pick up a memento of your visit or any last-minute gear you might need for your adventures in the park.

Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit