Romantically revamped showman's wagon in the Brecon Beacons National Park (sleeps 2)
Space & setting.
Once a 1950s circus showman’s wagon, this quirky escape still brims with character. Its interiors have been thoughtfully revamped by first Bailey’s Home then its present-day owners, and whilst the atmosphere and original craftmanship still remain, they’ve been blended with modern day comfort and style (meaning you don’t have to cram into an old tin bath by the stove, or indeed tame lions for your supper).
Best of all, you’re joyously secluded from the real world, tucked away in the arboretum of a grand Victorian house in the Brecon Beacons National Park. Views soar over hay meadows out to the Black Mountains and stunning walks are all around. Spring and summer promise river swims, picnics and long evenings by the firepit; winter stays are all about frosty strolls then cosying up indoors, with red wine and Scrabble. Though you’ll pop out to foodie pubs and Hay-on-Wye’s indys, the real treat is returning here for absolute peace.
Getting here: you’ll need to drive
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Sustainability.
A compost loo and solar lighting around the wagon. Wood for the firepit and the stove is harvested from the estate. The land on the estate is sustainably farmed and the owners are increasing biodiversity with their hay meadows and management of ancient trees and hedgerows.
Surrounds.
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Horses grazing on the Black Mountains. -
Old wild flower hay meadow in summer -
Aerial view of rural farmland -
Pen Y Fan,Brecon Beacons ,Wales -
Tiered waterfall, autumn colours, Brecon Beacons, Wales -
Aerial panoramic view of a beautiful natural lake in Brecon Beacons surrounded by rural farmland (Llangorse Lake, Wales) -
Walkers in the Black Mountains, Wales. -
Llangors Lake, Breacon Beacons at Sunrise, with the jetty leading into the photo
- Walk through the hay meadows to St Gastyn’s, an ancient church on the shores of Llangorse lake, then along the lake to a bird hide (45 mins). Take binoculars and enjoy the peace – the lake is a nature reserve and SSSI, with plenty of birdlife. If you want to make a day of it, go for lunch or supper at The Castle Inn in Llangorse.
- Take a picnic up the Allt (the hill behind the wagon) for sunset – the views of the Brecon Beacons from its summit are glorious.
- Go wild swimming in the River Usk; the owners can recommend secluded spots a short drive away.
- The New Inn in Bwlch is a 5-minute drive away; a small cosy pub with a fire and a good selection of ales and homecooked food. Or for a knockout meal, we love the Felin Fach Griffin; a nearby gastropub with local beers and an organic kitchen garden.
- Climb Pen y Fan, the highest peak in the Brecon Beacons (and swim in Llyn Cwm Llwch, the pond under the summit, on the way down).
- Day trip to Hay-on-Wye. We’d recommend its newly renovated castle, Shepherds Parlour for an ice cream, the Old Electric Shop for vintage finds, and all the second-hand bookshops. Thursday is market day, with wonderful local produce.
- Bring bikes or hire them at Bikes and Hikes in Talybont and take a leisurely cycle along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
- If the weather doesn’t play ball, drive to Brecon (15 mins) to visit its impressive Y Gaer museum and the Found art gallery. Brecon Cathedral is also worth a visit, as is the Hours Bookshop and Café alongside it.
- Ask the owners for a tour of their historical house, with its archways, turrets, gargoyles, elaborately carved stone fireplaces and secret passageway in the library!
Specifics.
- Wagon in the secluded grounds of an estate in the Brecon Beacons National Park
- Super-kingsize bed
- Simple indoor kitchen (woodburning stove and in-built oven, coolbox, toaster and kettle)
- Separate hut with compost loo and semi-alfresco shower; bathrobes and toiletries provided
- Outdoor kitchen with fridge, double-burner gas hob and firepit with grill
- Basic supplies
- Breakfast hampers on request
- Books, candles, binoculars and Scrabble
- Deck chairs and a double hammock
- No WiFi but there is phone reception
- You can bring a tent to pitch alongside for 2 additional guests (extra cost)
- Sorry, no dogs
- Walk/drive to pubs, shops and restaurants (45 min walk via countryside, 5-min drive)
- Booking conditions: a 2-night min stay
- Remember to pack: eyemasks in summer, wellies and waterproofs in winter, hairdryer
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30% deposit, with the balance due 8 weeks prior to stay.
Cancellations
8+ weeks prior to stay: deposit refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
6-8 weeks prior to stay: deposit retained, 70% balance refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
4-6 weeks prior to stay: 50% of the total booking fee retained, 50% refunded, minus a £30 processing fee.
No refunds if booking cancelled within 4 weeks of stay.
See our full booking Ts & Cs
FAQs.
In summer you can walk around Llangorse lake to the Red Lion pub (lovely walk, about 40 minutes); in winter the path tends to be flooded.
It’s not recommended because of the reeds and the pike! You can hire rowing boats and pedalos however.
Small well-behaved dogs can stay by special request and provided they sleep in their own bed; the wagon is not really big enough for large dogs.
Yes, there are two, both on the river Usk, about 15 minutes’ drive from the wagon. Directions are in the notes that you’ll be sent after booking.
Check-in is 4pm but in the winter you’re welcome to arrive earlier.
Yes, the owners can recommend 3 or 4 companies after you’ve booked a stay.
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