A storied hotel where history meets distinctive hospitality
The Castle of Brecon Hotel, nestled within the ancient ruins of an 11th-century Norman fortress, has been skillfully and lovingly restored. Its 42 unique rooms, each echoing the local landscape, sumptuous comfort whilst some offer splendid views over the Brecon Beacons and the River Usk. The recent multi million refurbishment has revitalised its charm, blending historic grandeur with modern style and comfort. The kitchen serves delectable fare, and the terrace and garden is perfect for soaking in the Welsh scenery. A true gem in the heart of Wales and a treasure of the Coaching Inn Group.
Take a walk with us, back in time
Brecon Castle is a glorious chapter in the long and often turbulent history of Wales. You can almost hear the clash of swords and cries of conquest echoing through the hills. Built in 1093 by Bernard de Neufmarché, a Norman nobleman dispatched to secure the realm of Brycheiniog, it was a statement of power, defiance, and Norman ambition. Its lofty position where the Rivers Usk and Honddu meet made it a formidable stronghold and a strategic gem.
Throughout the medieval period, Brecon Castle was both a bulwark and a prize. It passed through the hands of great feudal families, the de Braoses and the Bohuns each leaving their mark in stone and story. As with many Norman castles, it stood at the centre of unrest, enduring Welsh uprisings, border skirmishes, and royal intrigues. It even played a minor but symbolic role in the Wars of the Roses, that grand dynastic struggle that stitched its chaos into the fabric of Britain.
By the Tudor era, its military value faded. After the fall of Edward Stafford, The Duke of Buckingham, executed by Henry VIII the castle began a slow decline. And yet, ruin did not spell irrelevance. The picturesque decay caught the eye of Romanticists, and in 1809, Sir Charles Morgan began its transformation. By 1814, Brecon Castle had become a hotel, a sanctuary for travellers, thinkers, and dreamers.
Today, the Castle of Brecon Hotel stands proudly, offering visitors a unique blend of antiquity and comfort. In every stone lies a story, in every corridor a whisper of the past. It is, quite simply, one of the most evocative places to stay in all of Wales where history is not just remembered, but truly lived.
Brecon and The Beacons
Nestled at the edge of the majestic Brecon Beacons, this town is steeped in history and charm. With its ancient cathedral and Monmouthshire canal gliding through, it offers a captivating glimpse into rural welsh culture and heritage.
