Valentine’s Day in the Brecon Beacons

Author: Punch Maughan

Brecon Beacons Tourism Ambassador, loving all there is to love about great holidays in Wales and all that you can discover and explore here!

It’s time to step up those romantic gestures; Valentine’s Day is here once again. Thankfully, you can forget all about over-priced flowers and heaving restaurants – here are some of the best ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

A handful of romantic activities…

If you’re looking for somewhere romantic to stay, Mary’s Cottage is a cosy 18th century bolthole that sleeps two and comes complete with a roaring fire and private terrace. Better yet, rent the cottage over Valentine’s weekend and you’ll get exclusive use of a brand new Renault Twizy electric vehicle for three days for the price of two. This means you’ll have plenty of time to sneak out at midnight with a blanket and go for a late night drive under what is now considered one of the darkest stretches of sky in the UK.

Then again, you could rent a couple of bikes from cycling experts Bikes and Hikes or Drover Holidays and explore the Beacons on two wheels. Cycle to the romantic ruins of Llanthony Abbey (which also happens to be home to the charming Llanthony Priory Hotel) or slowly make your way along the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, perhaps stopping in at The Star Inn for a hearty lunch and pint of local ale in front of the fire.

Maybe take Valentines at an even slower pace and visit the spectacular ‘Waterfall Country’ between the villages of Pontneddfechan and Ystradfellte. Hay Bluff is also a great option, offering up beautiful views of the Beacons, plus there’s a chance you might just have it to yourselves if you head out early.

A few edible gift ideas…

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, which means an edible gift might just be the perfect option this Valentines Day. Based in Brecon, the Black Mountains Smokery offers up the very best smoked produce via a selection of luxury gift hampers. One of their most popular is the Taste for Two hamper, which combines award-winning smoked duck with oak roasted salmon and other goodies.

Does your lover have a seriously sweet tooth? Look no further than Black Mountain Gold’s handmade chocolates. If you’re looking for the perfect romantic gift, a bag of eight pink champagne truffles might do the trick, or maybe an assortment of sixteen truffles presented in a hat box. There’s even a Penderyn Whisky truffle.

Speaking of which, it might be worth proving to your other half that they’re worth the very best with a bottle of something delicious from the Penderyn Whisky distillery. They may be most famous for their complex single malt, but the team has also branched out into producing Brecon Five Vodka, Brecon Gin and Merlyn Cream Liqueur. You could also surprise your man with a selection of local brews from Brecon Brewing. Maybe even a keg of the popular ‘Bronze Beacons’ or the fuller ‘Twilight Beacons’ might do the trick.

Let her choose her own gift…

If she’s keen on choosing her own gift, Erwood Craft Centre supports over 80 talented local artists & crafts people, and is a great place to pick up some Welsh art. Open seven days a week with a new exhibition every six weeks, you’re sure to find yourself a bargain.

Alternatively, head over to the Gate Gallery and Glassworks in Brecon and pick up a truly unique piece from resident glassblower Kathryn Roberts. Kathryn has been practicing for 20 years and produces bespoke glass vessels and objects, as well as working on special (perhaps Valentines Day) commissions.

For something really special, visit Robert Rattray, the Beacons-based sculptor who has recently been commissioned to create two life-size horses for the Windsor Greys statue tribute for The Queen’s Coronation. Robert creates artworks and sculptures that would make a perfect lasting gift for Valentines.

Enjoy a romantic Welsh meal…

What would Valentine’s Day be without a romantic meal? Luckily, the Brecon Beacons is home to numerous restaurants and even a Michelin star, to be found at the Walnut Tree Inn just outside Abergavenny. The restaurant earned the star back in 2010, thanks to culinary excellence coupled with the finest local ingredients.

Another great option for a romantic meal is the Felin Fach Griffin, located between Brecon and Hay-on-Wye. As with the Walnut Tree Inn, you’ll find fresh Welsh produce, a very impressive menu and an award-winning wine list.

If a romantic yet light lunch is more your style, Pilgrims tea rooms and restaurant can be found in the grounds of Brecon Cathedral. Retaining the style and charm of the 15th century tithe barn just opposite, there couldn’t be a more romantic spot for snacking on a bit of traditional home-cooking.

Find out more about the Brecon Beacons.

This entry was posted on Friday, February 8th, 2013 at 4:20 pm and is filed under Brecon Beacons, Wales. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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