Our 2026 family holiday to the Brecon Beacons

On one September Friday, us Chai’s drove cross-country to spend a long weekend in the Brecon Beacons. It was our collective first time in Wales, and we all came away having fallen in love with its dramatic sweeping views, glorious glades and moody atmosphere. The name of the game? To walk, lots!

We stayed at the most wonderful Airbnb, a converted barn with three double en-suite bedrooms and a gorgeous mezzanine. It was the perfect space to share with my parents, my sister, and my brother and his wife, plus the three dogs! Our hosts were really lovely, leaving us a home-baked Welsh cake and plenty of their personal recommendations. But, before we arrived at our Airbnb, we’d already been to…

The Four Falls Trail! This famous South Wales trail offers stunning views of four waterfalls and gorgeous trees, on a three-hour walking trail. It was perfectly sign-posted, along with ratings of how difficult each waterfall descent is, making it great for all ages and abilities.

The next day, my siblings, sister-in-law and I headed over to hike Corn Du and Pen Y Fan! The views were stunning, and we completely lucked out with the weather. Notable moments: the little running creek, how otherworldly Corn Du felt, and how wildly windy the open top of Pen Y Fan was.

Then, of course, we rustled up home cooked meals, since we were staying in the middle of nowhere. Feast your eyes on the family-favourite serve your own tacos, bibimbap for six, and French toast for brekkie!