Welsh National Park Named a Top 10 Destination by Lonely Planet for 2025
Lonely Planet highlights Bannau Brycheiniog as a must-visit park in 2025
Bannau Brycheiniog, Brecon Beacons, Wales, Travel, Nature
Brecon: A stunning Welsh national park has made it to Lonely Planet’s top 10 places to visit in 2025. They’re all about those hidden gems, and Bannau Brycheiniog is shining bright.
This park is all about nature, music, and good food. Lonely Planet is urging folks to soak in the “beautiful bleakness” of the area. It’s been a popular spot, with 4.4 million visitors a year, and that number is only going up.
They suggest skipping the busy spots and exploring the quieter trails. You can find breathtaking views and peaceful vibes. The park is home to some amazing peaks like Pen-y-Fan and Cribyn, perfect for hikes.
Plus, nearby towns like Brecon and Hay-on-Wye are charming, with Hay-on-Wye boasting over 20 bookshops and hosting a massive book festival every year. It’s a book lover’s paradise!
Lonely Planet describes the park as a stunning stretch of scenery, with mountains, valleys, and beautiful landscapes. It’s a place where you can really escape the hustle and bustle.
Even though it’s popular, the park is so vast that you can easily find your own little slice of tranquility. If you wander off the main paths, you’ll discover serene countryside that feels like a world away.
Getting there is a breeze too! It’s less than 30 miles from Cardiff, and you can drive from London in under three hours. Perfect for a weekend getaway!
This isn’t the first time Bannau Brycheiniog has been in the spotlight. It was also featured in the New York Times’ list of the best places to visit in 2024.
In a nod to its Welsh heritage, the park recently dropped its English name, Brecon Beacons, to embrace its Welsh name fully. It’s all about celebrating the culture and language.
Jon Pimm, a park warden, shared that every corner of Bannau Brycheiniog has something unique to offer. After ten years there, he’s still finding new spots and stunning views.
Lonely Planet’s full list of travel trends for 2025 is packed with exciting ideas, from train-hopping adventures to exploring underrated parks like this one.
If you want to dive deeper into these trends, check out Lonely Planet’s Best in Travel guide for 2025. It’s available for purchase online or at your favorite bookstore.