Father’s day Treats
Are you searching for an unusual gift to celebrate Father’s Day? What could be better than a best family breaks uk at Tan yr Eglwys Cottages? But read on to discover what we suggest to make the visit unforgettable for Dad?
The above image is kindly attributed to Maxrocks.co.uk This is a local award winning company that has a variety of greetings cards (and more)with very appealing graphics.
Siân Cartledge designs these eye catching images and both Welsh and English cards often with a Welsh theme. But there’s more to the range, do take a look and maybe find a gift for Dad or other friends and family?
There are A4 prints, calendars, key rings, wooden decorations, or is Dad a chef at heart? There are some lovely Welsh themed aprons! It is great to be able to promote, and be supported by, a local, Welsh and green Company.
The Whisky Lover
A visit to Penderyn Whisky Distillery is just 30 minutes by car from the cottages. It is an easy solution for anyone with a taste for whisky. That said the tour of the distillery is informative and interesting for all. Children under 14 are not permitted to take the tour. 14 – 17 year olds are welcomed to visit but cannot take part in the tastings.
The tour is an hour long and gives a very interesting insight into the production of the award winning whisky. There is a tasting session at the end of the tour. Ideally, Dad should be a passenger for the day! If it is not possible, then the samples can be taken home to enjoy in front of the log fire at the cottage! Tan yr Eglwys Cottages best family breaks uk.
The Adrenaline Junkie
For an adrenaline fuelled experience, look no further than the Zip World Tower Experience. Since spring 2021, Zip World at Hirwaun, Aberdare has offered three adventurous and exhilarating experiences.
Phoenix
The Phoenix is a 2 hour experience, it is two flights on the world’s fastest seated zip line. Enjoy the thrill of the zip line as you soar high above the once site of the Tower Colliery. Be amazed at the views over the Rhigos mountains and the Brecon Beacons. This ride is not suitable for under 7 year olds if planning a family treat.
Tower Coaster
All the family upwords of a 4 year old can ride on the Tower Coaster. Two people can travel in each cart. The speed of the cart is always controlled by the designated adventurer. This track ride can be an adrenaline fuelled experience or the chosen pace can be relaxing and leisurely. 4 to 8 year olds are accepted on this ride. However, the designated driver can be an adult or needs to be over nine years of age, plus be of the required height.
Big Red
For 5 year olds plus, there is a mini zipping experience too. Any children always need to be observed by an adult. This mini ride extends the Tower great thrill experience to all as it travels the 270 foot length.
Climb a Mountain
For those that enjoy a challenge, climb the highest mountain in South Wales? Pen y fan in the Brecon Beacons is an exceedingly popular summit to climb, therefore plan your visit carefully.
There are 4 routes to the summit are varying in terrain and length. The shortest and of course the most popular route is only 2 miles in each direction, with a starting point at either the Storey Arms or nearby Pont ar Daff car parks. As the ground is 440 metres above sea level at the start, then reaching the 886 metre summit is very achievable. This route follows a very clearly defined pathway up the mountain and generally it is easy to follow the many other walkers.
That said, the perils of this high mountain and the unpredictable everchanging weather should be prepared for. Appropriate clothing and footwear is a necessity as weather changes turn the mountain into a most inhospitable and dangerous place – it is not a place for flip flops and only light clothing!
The views from the summit or even part way up are breathtaking, but this popular route sees visitors from before sunrise to after sunset, so be prepared for a full car park early on popular holidays and weekends. There are 3 other routes, all longer, varying from seven and a half to eleven miles in distance and often embracing additional summits. These car parks further afield may be less congested – always plan ahead to enjoy the day and have an alternative plan to hand if the car parks are full.
We always favour an alternative location, as it is generally not so well known. Further West from the cottages are the 2 lakes of Llyn y Fan Fach and Fawr, with the nearby Fan Brycheiniog summit at 802 metres. This area was until very recently recognised only by locals, though it is quickly gaining popularity. It is an area steeped in Welsh mythology and a part of the Black Mountain range here in the west of the Brecon Beacons. (This is not to be confused with the range called the Black Mountains to the East).
The Train Buff.
We are fortunate to have 2 steam train tracks that can be reached by car in just under an hour from Tan yr Eglwys Cottages. They are contrasting in several aspects. The Brecon Mountain Railway is in a north easterly direction and as the name suggests is an upland narrow gauge railway that traverses over high moorland. In contrast the Gwili Steam Railway is to the west and travels through a valley landscape of lush greenery.
The Brecon Mountain Railway
This is a narrow gauge railway that begins near to Merthyr . From the cottages the start of the rail journey is is reached by car in 55 minutes. The A465 dual carrage way is a fast road, therefore an easy drive. The railway climbs upwards and runs alongside several reservoirs. Generally there are views across the uplands, open moorland and the distant Brecon Beacons.
The Gwili Railway
The Gwili Railway is 45 minutes west of the cottages, along the M4. Down in the base of the small green, lush valleys is the 4 mile train track. The journey begins at the Bronwydd Arms. It then travels on to the Dan y Coed Halt and goes down to the Abergwili junction. The service then returns to Bronwydd – a total journey of 8 miles. This is a preserved standard gauge line with added interest in reconstructed building and platforms. There is also a range of different steam locomotives and a variety of carriages. Additionally there are static engines either in storage or undergoing repair.
In total the journey takes just over an hour to complete. In addition there are Welsh cream teas, Sunday dinners and a footplate driving experience that can be purchased separately.
The Mountain Biker
Whilst South Wales has many well recognised mountain bike parks, there are also many off the beaten track experiences to be enjoyed. Generally the best locations are also known only to the locals. Tan yr Eglwys Cottages best family breaks uk. Some of these or simply upgrade the mountain bike skills with gmt biking. They offer mountain bike skill rides, coaching and guided tours to small groups of up to 6 people. This is a great way to build confidence, acquire new skills or simply discover the hidden gems of South Wales’ varied terrain.
Cruise the Canal.
Enjoy a day on the Brecon Canal? Take a ride on the dragonfly cruises. These seated cruises for up to 50 people depart at least once a day, sometimes twice a day on all 7 days of the week. They depart from the canal basin near to the theatre in Brecon and travel more or less adjacent to the river Usk. Observe the amazing 200 year history of the canal, experience the lock construction and travel the aqueduct over the river Usk. Tan yr Eglwys Cottages best family breaks uk.
Or create a more personal experience with bensboathire. The Alix Cowie is a basic cutter boat with metal benches and crewed by Ben himself which can accommodate up to 8 adults and 2 children plus a dog or two! The boat never pretends to be a luxury experience. However, what it lacks in soft seating is more than compensated by the open air experience, especially on a sunny day and a trip that is personally tailor made for each group. The charge is made per hour. It is a fabulous journey from the Brecon Basin, traversing 5 locks and the 375 yard long Ashford tunnel and possibly a stop off for a pub lunch?
Brecon Beacons Trike Ride
For a very unique experience, we are fortunate to have Beacons Trike Tours quite local to the cottages. This small family business enables the guests to enjoy a very thrilling motorbike ride – with a difference!
It would be great to give the driver a day off during your stay at Tan yr Eglwys Cottages best family breaks uk. This is an ideal way to appreciate the beauty of the natural landscape in this part of Wales. There is an added opportunity to combine the trike journey with a visit to the Penderyn Distillery. This can be a truly memorable gift and experience.
A Pub and Microzoo!
Book a meal at the Pen y Cae Inn – a pub with a difference during your stay at Tan yr Eglwys Cottages best family breaks uk. The owner and also the chef beautifully restored this once traditional pub into a family restaurant. It has a friendly service and fabulous food. There is lots of space both inside and outside to have a leisurely meal. That said for many families the great attraction is that there is also a micro zoo!
The owner has a passion for animals and loves to share his extended family. They are in the garden area behind the Pen y Cae and anyone is welcome to visit. This is a welcome haven for families to enjoy when food has been ordered or after the meal. The food is always excellent and the location looking into the Brecon Beacons is very popular. There is a warm welcome to visit the meerkats , wallabies and ornamental waterfowl. A more recent addition are the green winged macaws named Ronnie and Reggie!
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