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Brecon's Attractions
Brecon is a medium sized market town founded in 1093 with a
population of around 8000 situated in the south of Powys on the
confluence of the rivers Usk and Honddu.
Set to the north of the Brecon Beacons National Park which covers
519 square miles and contains a wide variety of countryside,
Brecon is within easy reach of many large centres of population.
The National Park Visitor Centre, situated on the wild moorland
of Mynydd Illtyd, contains a wealth of information about the
areas unique history, geology, flora and fauna. The town
centre shops are just part of the rich heritage and historic
buildings that are situate within a short distance. The town is a
mix of Georgian buildings, the Guild Hall, churches and recently
renovated shops and dwellings. Come with me on a tour of the town
and experience some of Brecons attractions. Beginning in
the Bulwark head east toward the Watton on your right you will
see Brecknock Museum standing proudly on Watton mount. This
building was once the towns Assize Court and still has an
old court room inside. It also houses a great wealth of artefacts
and displays and is well worth a visit. Continuing on down the
Watton towards the avenue of trees call in at the Oriel Jazz
Gallery, containing paintings and photographs and audio visual
material, it gives you a wonderful introduction to the world of
jazz. Carry on down to the South Wales Borderers Museum which
contains a comprehensive collection of artefacts from the
regiments historic past. Brecon has been home to the
regiment for over 120 years and still retains strong links with
the military. Cross over the road and walk back towards town,
about 100 meters from the Barracks turn down into Rich Way and
this leads to Brecons new theatre. Opened by Prince Charles
in 1996 it is an impressive building standing at the terminus of
the Brecon and Monmouth Canal. From here proceed back to town and
visit St Marys church, the impressive stained glass window
is a big feature of its interior views. Now we go north from the
Bulwark into the High Street past Lloyds Bank, dating from 1778
down Ship Street and over the river Usk to Christ College. This
public school was founded by King Henry 8th in 1541 on the site
of a Dominican Friary. Retracing your steps back across the river
and turn left into Market Street, a short walk brings you to
Brecon Castle. Built by the Normans in 1090 the remains now form
part of the east wing of the Castle of Brecon Hotel. Over the
bridge spanning the river Honddu is the Postern which leads to
Priory Hill atop which stands the Cathedral. The Norman Church
was built around 1093 shortly after their conquest of this part
of Wales, probably on the site of an earlier Celtic Church. At
the Cathedral there is now a Coffee Shop for you to take
refreshment and a Heritage Centre. This short tour will probably
fill half a day and give a flavour of what is on offer in Brecon.
Those with more time to spare can take in the walks along the
river Usk at the promenade and along the Island Fields as well as
along the Canal towpath and also the Priory Groves. Around Brecon
there are many activities on offer for the more adventurous.
Walking, cycling, pony trekking, outdoor pursuits, canoeing,
camping and many more. Annual events such as the Brecon Jazz
festival on the second weekend in August and the Brecon
Agricultural Show at the end of August attract a wide variety of
people. There is a twice weekly livestock and produce market.
Comfortable accommodation, hospitable inns and a variety of
restaurants allows the long stay visitor to make full use of the
wide range of facilities on offer in and around Brecon.
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