Nythfa House
Brecon Beacons
Not many places in the UK outshine Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park when it comes to wide open spaces and soul-stirring views. So it’s easy to see the appeal of this charming property that plays a harmonious host to those seeking respite in the Welsh market town of Brecon. You’ll also be within easy distance of some of the area’s show-stealing spots, including the Black Mountains, the Mellte Valley, and Pen y Fan - the highest point in the national park at 886 metres. Equally visit-worthy is the Big Pit National Coal Museum in Blaenavon, the National Showcaves Centre for Wales in Abercrave, and the bibliophile’s paradise that is Hay-on-Wye. Should time allow, Hereford and Cardiff are both an hour’s drive away.
Nythfa House
| • Open March to November and during the festive season • 31 well-appointed guest rooms • Exclusive occupancy: 41 guests minimum • Check in from 4:00pm • Free Wi-Fi • Free on-site parking • Boot room and drying room • Travel cot & high chair • Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and information for self-guided walks • Books and games to borrow • Licensed bar • Lounges • Garden with putting green and croquet lawn • Electric vehicle charging point - Please note, you will need to bring your own cables to use this EV charging point |  |
Then & now at Nythfa House
Meaning ‘nesting place’ in Welsh, Nythfa House was built in 1867 as a private residence for wealthy solicitor and antiquarian Joseph Richard Cobb at a cost of £1,426. Known as Lord of the Manor of Brecon and Caldicot, he lived in the house with his wife, six children, cook, nurse, stable hand, and five servants. Cobb was a prominent member of the Cambrian Archaeological Association and played key roles in the restoration of the priory church (now Brecon Cathedral) and Manorbier Castle. He was also involved in the construction of the Brecon and Merthyr Railways during the 1860s. Cobb bought Caldicot Castle in Monmouthshire in 1885 (hence his dual title) and made that his home thereafter. In the 20th century, Nythfa House was occupied by the Mayberry family (relatives of the Cobbs) and later purchased by the Fowler family. It has been part of our HF Holidays line-up since 1990.
Sitting pretty on a hill above The Struet (one of Brecon's oldest and most historic streets for its Charles I connections), you’ll find a selection of comfortable public spaces, a handy boot and drying room for walkers, plus books and games to borrow during your stay. There’s also a Discovery Point offering a wide range of local area maps, route guides, and easy-to-follow information for self-guided walks. The house has 31 well-appointed guest rooms in three categories (Classic, Premium, and Superior), with many blending classic and contemporary furnishings. A licensed bar for gins and whiskeys, a light-filled dining room for a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients, and an attractive garden with a putting green and croquet lawn tops things off nicely.
Rooms
Designed with your comfort in mind, Nythfa House has 31 well-appointed guest rooms available in three categories: Classic, Premium, and Superior.
Classic rooms are comfortable en-suite guest rooms, ideal for a peaceful night's sleep. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, and shower gel), and a TV.
Premium rooms are more spacious en-suite guest rooms*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
Superior rooms are even more spacious en-suite guest rooms offering upgraded views of the surroundings*. Amenities include free Wi-Fi, tea and coffee-making facilities, toiletries (hand wash, shampoo, body lotion, shower gel), and a 32-inch TV. Extras include bathrobes, slippers, and comfortable mattresses.
We love: Rooms 6 and 7 in the main house both have gorgeous views across the garden and the Brecon Beacons. Room 21 is up in the eaves and has a separate seating area (please be mindful of the low ceilings). The garden guest rooms are very pretty and have their own small deck.
The Choose Your Room service is available at our UK country houses, allowing you the option of choosing and confirming a specific room for an extra charge of £30 per room. This is subject to availability. Upgrade supplements apply.
Check in & check out
You are welcome to check in from 4:00pm at the earliest. On arrival, you’ll enjoy a complimentary cream tea and get to meet your fellow guests, our HF Holidays Leaders, and the rest of the friendly team.
On the day of departure, we kindly ask all guests to check out by 10:00am. You’ll be asked to settle your bill prior to leaving. You may, of course, make a charitable donation to our HF Holidays Pathways Fund if you wish. Please note that we only accept card payments.
Room supplements
| Superior | Premium single | Premium double/twin | Choose your room |
| £25 pppn | £20 pppn | £20 pppn | £30 per room |
*Views and layout reflect each properties unique character and location
About your stay
A warm welcome
We want you to feel comfortable from the moment you arrive. You’ll find a welcome pack in your room with guest registration forms, menus, order forms for dinners and picnic lunches, the Wi-Fi password, and the front door code. Our houses are locked at night, so we recommend noting the Duty Manager’s number on arrival in case of an emergency (or getting locked out).
Evening entertainment
While evening entertainment varies from house to house, the HF Holidays Big Pub Quiz held after dinner on Wednesdays is a weekly staple. Your HF Holidays Leader may be around for tips on guided and self-guided walking routes as well as visit-worthy local attractions.
Walks talks
Our HF Holidays Leaders host guided walking information briefings before dinner on arrival days. This is followed by a group Walks Talk for information on the following day’s walking delights (held before dinner every evening). Self-guided walking guests are, of course, welcome.
The walking day
Prior to setting off on walks, your HF Holidays Leader will run you through a short safety briefing. There’s also an up-to-date weather forecast on display at the house to ensure you have appropriate clothing and footwear. If you choose to do your own walks or are on a self-guided walking holiday, we ask that you please complete an Independent Walker Card each day. These can be found near the Discovery Point in the house.
Food & drink
Led by experienced chefs, we serve a wide range of dishes made with fresh and seasonal ingredients. We always aim to source the best produce available and use home-grown herbs and vegetables from our own gardens whenever possible. Additionally, we have a licensed bar with beers, soft drinks, and a superb selection of spirits. Full-board comes as standard and includes a cream tea on arrival and a hearty breakfast on departure day.
HF Holidays understands the importance of managing allergens effectively to ensure food is safe for guests with food allergies. Whilst we are always able to confidently inform guests which allergens are present in our ingredients and dishes, we are unable to guarantee absolute freedom from the 14 main allergens in our kitchens. Vegetarian and vegan menu choices are available. If you have allergies, food intolerances, or any special dietary requirements, please inform our reservation team at the time of booking.
Accessibility
For accessibility and assistance information, please contact our expert team on 020 3974 8865 or view the accessibility information online for Nythfa House
House calendar
- Guided Walking
- Self-Guided Walking
- Special Interests
- Unavailable to Book
Discover Brecon Beacons
Places to visit
Whether you’re enjoying a guided or self-guided walking holiday, there’s always the opportunity to linger for longer. Here’s our pick of the very best things to see and do within easy travelling distance of Nythfa House.
Brecon
Located at the top edge of Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, this market town is most famous for its military connections, magnificent cathedral, and jazz festival. If time allows, take a scenic cruise from Brecon along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal.
Langorse Lake
Just east of Brecon between the Central Beacons and the Black Mountains, this is the largest natural lake in Wales. It’s also a popular wildlife-watching spot so keep your eyes peeled for otters, water voles, warblers, swifts, and large flocks of Canada geese.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Set in the Blaenafon Industrial Landscape and designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, this former working coal mine once employed up to 1,300 workers. Nowadays it has award-winning interactive exhibits as well as an underground tour. It’s only a 45-minute drive away.
Hay-on-Wye
A 30-minute drive away, this literary-loving Welsh town on the banks of the River Wye charms with second-hand bookshops, medieval ruins, and stunning surrounding scenery. The annual Hay Festival takes place for 10 days from the end of May to the start of June.
Hereford
An hour’s drive away, this attractive cathedral city is home to the famous Mappa Mundi, a medieval map of the world dating from the 1300s. Further highlights include the Chained Library, the Black and White House Museum, and the life-sized Hereford Bull Statue.
National Showcaves Centre for Wales
Home to a series of impressive show-caves, this top-rated attraction is a 30-minute drive away. Highlights include exploring the Dan-yr-Ogof cave, walking behind the 40-foot waterfall in the Cathedral Cave, and discovering how the Bone Cave got its name.
Tretower Court & Castle
This two-in-one architectural wonder located near the village of Crickhowell is a 20-minute drive away. Highlights include strolling around the recreated 15th century garden complete with white roses that symbolised creator Sir Roger Vaughan’s Yorkist sympathies.
Cardiff
An hour’s drive away, the Welsh capital of Cardiff warrants a visit for its cultural and historical thrills. Highlights include St. Fagan’s National Museum of History, Castell Coch, Cardiff Castle, and Cardiff Bay.
Brecon Mountain Railway
This heritage line follows part of the route of the original Brecon & Merthyr Railway which closed in 1964. The 90-minute journey heads north from near Merthyr Tydfil into Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) National Park, passing a large reservoir as it climbs up to Torpantau station.
Getting to Nythfa House
Getting here
Address
Nythfa House
Brecon
Powys LD3 7NN
Tel: +44 (0)1874 624287
By train
The nearest station is Abergavenny, from here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon (see details below).
Check National Rail for train times and routes.
By taxi
The 21-mile journey from Abergavenny railway station takes 40 minutes to one hour.
For pricing, please contact A&A Cabs directly.
A&A Cabs
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended company, A&A Cabs*. We recommend booking your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:
Tel: +44 (0)1874 622288
Email: aandabrecon@yahoo.ie
A return journey can be arranged on your behalf by the HF Holidays House Manager at Nythfa House.
*A&A Cabs is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.
By bus
The X43 bus operates from Abergavenny station to Brecon and takes about an hour. The most convenient bus stop for Nythfa House is the bus interchange in Brecon.
For bus times check Traveline.
By car
The A40 from Abergavenny and the A470 from the northwest converge at a roundabout on the Brecon bypass.
At the roundabout, follow the B4601 into Brecon. Turn right at the second mini roundabout on to Heol Gouesnou road. Drive straight over another mini roundabout and go straight on at the traffic lights. Turn right into Mount Street, then take the second left into Belle View Road. At the top of the road, go straight ahead up the drive to Nythfa House.
By air
The nearest airport is Cardiff.
Catch the 905 bus service to Rhoose Railway Station bus stop. Take the train from Rhoose Cardiff International Airport to Cathays Station and walk 10 mins to Merthyr Tydfil Bus Station. From here take the T14 bus to Brecon. You’ll need to allow up to 3.5 hours.
An alternate option is to fly to Heathrow airport. Take a train to London Paddington Station, where there are trains to Abergavenny (with one change at Newport). Here you can take a bus or taxi to Brecon.
