Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre facts for kids
The Brecon Beacons Mountain Centre is a super cool place to learn all about the amazing Brecon Beacons National Park. It's also known as the National Park Visitor Centre, the Mountain Centre, or the Libanus Visitor Centre. You can find it near the village of Libanus, about 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Brecon in Powys, south Wales. This centre is packed with information to help visitors explore and understand the area.
How It Started
This helpful centre first opened its doors in 1966. It received funding from a group called the Carnegie Trust. The local council and the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority also helped oversee it.
The main idea was to create a place where visitors could get information. It aimed to teach people about the mountains, local towns, and beautiful countryside. This way, everyone could better understand and enjoy the National Park. Today, the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority fully owns and manages the centre.
What You Can Do There
It's free to enter the centre itself! There's a car park where you pay to park your car. Inside, you'll find a shop selling maps, guidebooks, and even some walking gear. There's also a cafeteria where you can grab food and drinks all year round.
The centre often hosts fun events, including guided walks. Some of these walks explore Mynydd Illtud, a common land area right next to the centre. From the grounds, especially the terrace, you can see amazing views. You'll spot Pen y Fan and Corn Du, the two highest peaks in the Brecon Beacons.
Discover the Park
Inside, you can see a cool 3D map of the entire National Park. There's also a display showing off the different types of rocks found in the area. You can even watch short films about the National Park and the Geopark.
Outside, there's a grassy area perfect for kids to play games. It's also a great spot for a picnic!