The Welsh Retreat
Photo fome Flickr by John Wesley Barker
If you’re looking for the ultimate romantic retreat in the UK, you could do far worse than booking a cottage for a weekend break in the stunning Brecon Beacons. This mountain range in south Wales is immensely popular amongst tourists for many reasons. Whether you’re looking to curl up in front of the fire with your sweetheart, or get your heart pumping hiking out in the amazing scenery, you’re guaranteed a fantastic break in the Brecon Beacons.
There are plenty of charming little village pubs and inns where you can enjoy a well-earned pint of ale after a long walk and tuck into hearty Welsh dinner. There are also plenty of fantastic holiday lets to put you up in style for your break.
Luxury Cottages
If you’re looking for a seriously luxurious cottage, there are plenty to choose from in the region. We have hand-picked a selection of luxury cottages to choose from but get in quickly – they soon get snapped up! From exposed oak beams in small, countryside cottages to modern apartments closer to town, the type of cottage you require is completely up to you. You can choose from little 1 bedroom getaways deep in the heart of the countryside, or something in one of the gorgeous towns such as Abergavenny.
If you’re looking for a real treat, renting a cottage is the best way to make sure you get everything you want. Being fully equipped with charming kitchens and laundries, you can make yourself feel completely at home. Imagine cooking up a full English roast to tuck into with your beloved, in your quaint cottage’s kitchen/dining room. Wales cottages also generally feature cosy living rooms, often with a functioning fireplace to keep you warm and toasty as you cuddle up for the evening after a long day’s walking.
Usually all linen is included for your stay and you’ll be spoilt with comfortable beds in which you can crash out after your energetic day’s exploring! Full bathrooms and even en suites are available in some properties so you can relax in a hot bath to soothe your muscles after a long day. The Brecon Beacons is a stunning area to explore with magnificent scenery and beautiful old towns and from here the rest of Wales is on your doorstep too. With plenty of idyllic settings to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking the perfect accommodation for your romantic getaway.
Romantic Activities in the Brecon Beacons
What could be more romantic than disappearing off together on horseback? There are plenty of dedicated trekking centres in the Brecon Beacons and some of them even offer overnight accommodation packages, so you could tack an extra night’s stay onto your weekend away. Explore the beautiful countryside with your beau beside you. Try Cantref Riding Centre for a good deal.
If you’re both into getting that adrenaline pumping, you might enjoy a canoeing or kayaking adventure together. There are plenty of waterways flowing through the area and you can choose from the exciting rapids of the River Usk or if you’d like something a little more tranquil, head for one of the beautiful lakes in the region such as Llangors. The waters are calm and peaceful and provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic paddle together.
Fancy heading underground? Caving is a fantastic way to explore the Brecon Beacons and the area is home to some of the most celebrated cave systems in the whole of Europe. It’s always advisable to book through a reputable company and you should certainly never attempt caving alone. It’s a fairly dangerous day out even with professionals, so be cautious!
One of the best – and cheapest – ways to explore the area is definitely on foot. So strap on your walking boots (if you don’t own a pair, there are plenty of places from which you can rent some) and get stomping! The breath taking views, gorgeous lakes and wonderful streams provide a gorgeously romantic background. Be prepared though – plan your route carefully and invest in area maps before setting out alone.
The relatively recent craze of Geocaching is big news in the Brecon Beacons. This worldwide treasure hunt is a great way to spend your day. The area has approximately 180 caches hidden within its nooks and crannies so crank up your hand held GPS unit and visit the Geocaching website beforehand to download your information and begin your quest together. If you’re not sure where to start, use the web to ask the advice of experienced Geocachers. You’ll soon be addicted!
Eating Out
There are some great places to eat in the region, from cosy, fire lit pubs all the way up to contemporary cuisine. Try the Blue Boar in Hay on Wye for truly hearty grub in a traditional and unfussy surrounding. Or, if you’re looking for something a bit more special, there’s the Nantyffin Cider Mill in Abergavenny: a pioneer in fine dining in the region. Based in a 16th century drovers’ inn, this restaurant uses delicious fresh local produce to create its simple dishes.
The White Swan in Brecon is the place to go if you’re looking for a cosy, traditional village inn. The dining room is candle lit and very romantic, so it’s perfect for that special evening you’ve had planned. Try the Welsh lamb – you won’t regret it. There are also daily fish and vegetarian dishes on offer for those who don’t fancy the (simply fantastic) meat dishes.
The Walnut Tree Inn in Abergavenny is regarded by many as one of Wales’ finest restaurants. Established back in 1963, the restaurant has slowly garnered the respect of locals and visitors alike and serves up a delicious blend of Welsh produce concocted into traditional Italian cuisine. The shoulder of lamb is always roasted to absolute perfection.
Finally, if you’re in the mood for some Indian cuisine, head to Bayleaf in Abergavenny. The best in the area by far, Bayleaf specialises in delicious Northern Indian cuisine and is the perfect place to raise your temperatures before heading back to your cosy, luxury cottage for a nightcap.
It is impossible not to appreciate the beauty of this area so be sure to pay it a visit.
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