Crickhowell is a pretty Georgian-era market town and a popular place to visit when exploring the Brecon Beacons National Park. The town is a great place to spend a few days browsing quaint shops and visiting ancient ruins. Crickhowell sits in the foothills of the Black Mountains, which is the eastern range of the national park. This strategic location makes the town an ideal base for unhurried walks and long hikes amid a countryside of beautiful landscapes.
The town itself spreads north from the banks of the River Usk in a peaceful collection of meandering streets. Admire the well-preserved townhouses, many of which are home to antique dealers, boutiques, galleries and handicraft shops. Enjoy lunch at cozy cafés and teahouses and experience the charm of the town pubs. One example is The Bear Hotel, a one-time coaching inn that dates back to 1430.
Make some time to visit the town’s historic landmarks. See the remains of a Norman castle in Castle Park and spot impressive artwork at the 12th-century St. Edmund’s Church. Enjoy panoramic views of the River Usk and encompassing green hills from an 18th-century arcaded bridge.
When the weather is fine, Crickhowell is a paradise for ramblers. The Beacons Way passes through the town center and leads up into the Brecon Beacons National Park. Follow easy trails to limestone caves at Llangattock Quarries and Crug Hywel (Table Mountain), an Iron Age hillfort. Longer hikes will take you to Tretower Castle and 1,955-feet (596-meter) tall Sugar Loaf Mountain.
Come in late-winter for the Crickhowell Walking Festival, a 9-day event of guided walks and a photography competition. In August the Green Man Festival celebrates art, music and spoken word. In 2015 the town launched the first Crickhowell Literature Festival, with a program of debates, poetry reading, writing workshops and more.
Crickhowell is about a 1-hour drive north from Cardiff and Swansea. A convenient way to get here is via rented car, which gives you the freedom to travel to nearby attractions. Abergavenny Castle and Blaevanon’s Big Pit: National Coal Museum are short drives from the town center.
