Bannau

You couldn’t get closer to Bannau Brycheiniog National Park without actually being in it. The boundary is across the road from the glampsite, so you can get set for hiking and cycling adventures, or nights of watching stars in dark skies when the conditions are right. Other day-trip options include exploring deep underground at the National Showcaves Centre for Wales (40 minutes’ drive), or taking the Brecon Mountain Railway (an hour) up to Torpantau amid glorious views. There’s a good deal of Welsh heritage to check out too; visit the local castles of Carreg Cennen (15 minutes) and Dryslwyn (20 minutes) to learn their backstory of infighting between the Welsh and English in medieval times. You can also tour the lavish Jacobean mansion at National Trust-owned Newton House, or head for Aberglasney Gardens (both 20 minutes) to see the medieval manor house and restored walled gardens. For more gardening inspiration, have a look in the Norman Foster-designed tropical glasshouse at the National Botanical Gardens of Wales (25 minutes), while wildlife fans can take photos of massive birds of prey in mid-flight at the Red Kite Feeding Station (half an hour).