Discover cultural delights in historic Brecon

It's an area probably best known for its spectacular landscapes and bracing outdoor pursuits,

. But now Brecon is aiming to tempt visitors down from the mountains to spend some of their stay discovering the cultural delights of this historic market town.

It's true that the peaks of the Brecon Beacons and the Black Mountains have views to take your breath away. Spared the effects of industrialisation, the Brecon Beacons National Park has retained its unspoilt landscapes of pasture, moorland and mountains.

But it's still worth taking a break from the wide open spaces to explore the town's narrow streets and passageways lined with Georgian and Jacobean shop fronts or to relax in one of its pubs or coffee shops after a long day's walk.

There are plenty of traditional ways to while away an hour or two - including a wander around the cathedral which originates from a fortification built by the half brother of William the Conqueror after he captured the town in 1094.

A heritage centre created from a 17th century Tithe Barn provides a fascinating insight into various aspects of cathedral life and history.

And the Pilgrims Tearooms, which pride themselves on serving home-made food from fresh local ingredients, provide an added attraction in their own right to the cathedral grounds.

Gourmets will not be disappointed with what else the town has to offer - from the tempting array of goods at the regular farmers' markets, including cakes and cheeses to rival any French patisserie or deli, to independent restaurants such as The Bridge Cafe, where the short but interesting menu of daily specials includes homemade delights such as a delicious rich game pie with mouthwatering light shortcrust pastry.

The "real" food ethos continues at one of Brecon's finest old buildings Cantre Selyf, a Grade II star listed town house dating from the early 17th century which offers bed and breakfast accommodation in three en-suite rooms. It retains many fine original features including oak beams - and all creaks and squeaks are entirely authentic.

Hosts Helen and Nigel Roberts pride themselves on their breakfast including a choice of the full Welsh works featuring home cured bacon and local sausages, or alternatives such as smoked salmon and scrambled eggs with homemade soda bread, French toast with maple syrup, fruits, yoghurts and pastries.

But there is also a new recipe for wooing tourists to the town along an art trail with a few surprises in store. Local business group Arbeat Brecon was formed to market the town's galleries, music and theatre groups, support local artists and craftspeople and encourage work distinctive to the Brecon area.

In total 13 galleries, shops and the Theatr Bryncheiniog on the western side of the river Usk have signed up to the scheme.

Members painted the town red with the first Brecon Arts Week last October and hope to build on its success to become a focal point for creative arts in Mid Wales. The venture - supported by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority's Collabor8 project - showcased an eclectic mix of talented local artists with a series of workshops, demonstrations, private viewings and exhibitions.

Offering chances to make a lampshade, watch a local glassmaker at work, join a writing workshop with local poet Huw Parsons, or even take part in a Samba drumming workshop, it aimed to have a new intake of tourists beating a path to Brecon.

Another week of arts, crafts and cultural events aims to get the town moving to the art beat again between Saturday October 22 and Sunday October 30 this year. And organisers are sure they have hit on a winning way to drum up new business for Brecon. For more details visit Artbeat Brecon or call 01874 620640.

TRAVEL FACTS

• Cantre Selyf has rooms costing from £75 to £85 a night, including breakfast, based on two sharing.

• The Bridge Cafe reopens on March 31 for the season until October. Main meals cost from around £8 to £12.

• Pilgrims tearooms are open every day and usual cathedral visiting times are 8.30am to 6pm but often longer.