The Ancient Briton, Pen-y-cae (Powys) ➤ Reviews, Rooms & Prices 2026

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The Ancient Briton Hotel Pen-y-cae Exterior photo

The Ancient Briton Hotel Pen-y-cae Beds photo

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Key details

About the Hotel

Ancient Briton Hotel Brecon Road, Pen-y-cae (Powys), United Kingdom, SA9 1YY

Near the Brecon Beacons National Park

Perfect

9.1

/10

Loved by The Ancient Briton Hotel guests

Mountain views
Friendly staff
Delicious meals
Comfortable room
Excellent breakfast

"We had booked for dinner and I can honestly say it was such a lovely meal."

Lindsay from United Kingdom

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"The room was a great size and had everything you could possibly need."

Ben from United Kingdom

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"Stunning location, very friendly staff, great food and a 'proper' pub."

James from United Kingdom

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Amenities

The Ancient Briton offers a cozy pub atmosphere with a selection of excellent ales and local craft beers. Guests can enjoy a large garden area suitable for outdoor dining and relaxation. Parking is available on-site, accommodating both guests and visitors.

Rooms

The hotel boasts 8 inviting guest rooms, each designed with a rustic charm to enhance the experience. Many rooms include en-suite bathrooms, ensuring privacy and convenience. Some accommodations feature stunning countryside views, adding to the appeal.

Dining

Dining is a significant offering at The Ancient Briton, with a menu featuring locally-sourced ingredients and traditional British cuisine. The pub-style restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with a range of hearty meals. Special dietary options are available upon request.

Location

Located in Pen-y-cae, the hotel is near the scenic Brecon Beacons National Park, making it an excellent base for exploring outdoor activities. The surrounding area offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife watching. Local attractions include nearby towns and historical sites.

Entertainment

The Ancient Briton frequently hosts live music events and quiz nights, providing entertainment for guests and locals alike. These events create a lively atmosphere and encourage interaction among visitors. Board games and darts are available for casual entertainment.

Highlights

Location: Near Brecon Beacons National Park for outdoor activities

Dining: Traditional British cuisine with locally-sourced ingredients

Rooms: 8 inviting guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms

Entertainment: Live music events and quiz nights available

“This place clearly gets the fundamentals right: expect a warm, lively pub atmosphere coupled with rooms that are clean and thoughtfully styled. The Welsh breakfast is a standout, setting the tone for days spent exploring one of Wales's most scenic regions. It's a worthwhile destination, even factoring in a longer journey.”

Anna BlackEditor-in-Chief at Tohotel

Location: Perfect

9.4/10Review score

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Highlights from guests

DiningTasty Treats

The menu offered fantastic choices. My breakfast was lovely, with lots of variety to pick from.

Olaf from Sweden

Review on

Room FeaturesTop Notch

Our room was spacious, clean, and very comfortable. It offered a fantastic view to wake up to.

Isabelle from France

Review on

BathroomSparkling Clean

The bathroom was spotless and modern. Fluffy towels and quality toiletries added a luxurious touch.

Kenji from Japan

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Guest ParkingHassle Free

Free parking on site was ample and convenient. Finding a spot was never a problem at any time.

David from Canada

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View all

Select your room type

The Ancient Briton Hotel offers a variety of rooms including double rooms, family rooms, and suites with breakfast, free cancelations, and special deals

Double Room

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Double Room Mountain View

2 persons

140 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Mountain view

Shower

Heating

room details

Deluxe Double Room

2 persons

205 sq. feet

1 Double bed

Shower

Heating

room details

Price and Room Availability Calendar

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Facilities

The Ancient Briton Hotel offers amenities for your comfortable stay and unforgettable experiences

Facilities: Perfect

9.1/10Review score

General

No smoking on site
Wi-Fi
Parking
No pets allowed
24-hour security
Smoke detectors
Fire extinguishers
Key access

Guest Parking

Electric kettle

Services

Welcome drink

Dining

Restaurant
Bar/ Lounge area
Picnic area/ Tables
Special diet menus

Children

Children's menu

Spa & Leisure

Garden area

Room features

Heating
Sitting area
Garden furniture

Bathroom

Free toiletries

Self-catering

Electric kettle

Media

Flat-screen TV

Dining Onsite

The Ancient Briton offers an array of dining options that seamlessly blend local flavors with inviting atmospheres. Guests can enjoy casual street food or sit down for a more refined meal, all while soaking in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and lush gardens.

The Ancient Briton Hotel Pen-y-cae Restaurant photo

The Little Briton Street Food Trailer

Street Food

Ambiance

Casual and vibrant outdoor setting

Key Offerings

A selection of quick bites that showcase local ingredients and flavors, perfect for a laid-back meal on the go.

Reservation

Breakfast and Lunch

The Ancient Briton Indoor Bar & Restaurant

British, Local

Ambiance

Cozy indoor setting with a welcoming bar atmosphere

Key Offerings

An enticing menu featuring vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options, emphasizing local produce and heartwarming dishes.

Reservation

Hours vary

The Ancient Briton Hotel Location

Ancient Briton Hotel Brecon Road, Pen-y-cae (Powys), United Kingdom, SA9 1YY

Map view

Ancient Briton Hotel Brecon Road, Pen-y-cae (Powys), United Kingdom, SA9 1YY

City landmarks

Cave

National Showcaves Centre for Wales

1.7 mi

Zoo

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

1.1 mi

Waterfall

Henrhyd Falls

2.1 mi

Landmark

St David's

3200 ft

Park

Craig-y-nos Country Park

1.4 mi

Landmark

Craig-y-Nos Castle

1.3 mi

Landmark

Abelina Theatre

1.4 mi

Landmark

Visitors' Centre

1.4 mi

Landmark

Dan-Yr-Ogof Showcaves

1.8 mi

Landmark

Dan-yr-Ogof National Showcaves Centre for Wales

1.9 mi

Landmark

Coelbren Roman Fort

2.0 mi

Landmark

Dan-Yr-Ogof Farm

2.0 mi

Camping

Dan yr Ogof Caravan Site

2.0 mi

Landmark

Sbri Cymru Ltd

2.2 mi

Landmark

Capel Coelbren

2.3 mi

Landmark

Moriah Baptist Chapel

2.3 mi

Landmark

Banwen Iron Works

2.5 mi

Landmark

National Showcases Centre for Wales

2.7 mi

Landmark

Sarn Helen

2.9 mi

Landmark

Chapel

3.0 mi

Explore Pen-y-cae (Powys)

Local Highlights

Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary

25 minutes' walk

Rescue sanctuary featuring a variety of primates. Guests can engage with animals and learn about conservation efforts.

St David's

12 minutes' walk

Historic chapel known for its stunning architecture and serene grounds. Perfect for a peaceful stroll or meditation.

Craig-y-nos Country Park

25 minutes' walk

Scenic park with beautiful walking trails and lush landscapes. Ideal for family picnics and nature appreciation.

Henrhyd Falls

40 minutes' walk

Impressive waterfall, the highest in South Wales. A picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Hiking at Craig-y-nos

25 minutes' walk

Panoramic trails through Craig-y-nos Country Park. Suitable for all skill levels, providing a thrilling outdoor experience.

Wellness Retreats at local spas

5 minutes' drive

Relaxation-focused spas offering massages and wellness packages. The perfect way to unwind after your adventures.

The Old Drovers Inn

15 minutes' walk

Traditional pub serving hearty Welsh dishes. Known for its cozy atmosphere and local ales, reservations recommended.

Café Cwtch

5 minutes' drive

Welcoming café with a menu of homemade cakes and local produce. Great for breakfast and lunch, catering to dietary needs.

Abelina Theatre

25 minutes' walk

A charming venue hosting a variety of performances including plays and concerts, perfect for an evening out.

Local Pubs with Live Music

15 minutes' walk

Quaint pubs featuring weekly live music. A lively atmosphere suitable for socializing or a fun family night.

Getting around

City Centre

Pen-y-cae (Powys)10 min · 2700 ft

Airports

Swansea (SWS)67 min · 27.5 mi

Cardiff (CWL)132 min · 54.6 mi

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Property information and rules

Check-in

from 15:00-22:00

Check-out

until 10 am

Internet

Wireless internet is available in for free.

Breakfast

The hotel The Ancient Briton provides visitors with a free full breakfast.

Pets

Pets are not allowed.

Reviews and Ratings

Feedback about The Ancient Briton Hotel from previous guests about their experience.

Review summary

Based on recent reviews

The Ancient Briton is appreciated for its excellent breakfast, featuring fresh produce, and its lovely restaurant, where you can enjoy stone baked pizza. The pub also offers a great selection of beers and a spacious beer garden, sometimes hosting live acoustic sets. While some guests have found the rooms basic for the price, many find the location ideal, especially for visiting nearby attractions like Craig y Nos country park and a wonderful waterfall less than 10 minutes away.

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Review score

Based on 258 verified reviews

9.1/10

Perfect

97%

Recommend

Free Wi-Fi

9.9/10

Staff

9.7/10

Facilities

9.1/10

Comfort

9.3/10

Pros

Great food

Friendly staff

Comfortable rooms

Good beer selection

Cosy atmosphere

Cons

Dark bedrooms

Loose panelling

Hudson from Canada

Single

Double Room

4 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:February 01, 2026

6/10

friendly staffdirty showerblack mildew

The staff were friendly. The breakfast and dinner was delicious.

I stayed in room 2 and the shower was really dirty. There was hair stuck in the plug hole. The shower tray and surround is covered in black mildew.

0 Helpful

Frederic from France

Single

Double Room

3 nights in November 2025

Reviewed:January 13, 2026

9.3/10

Cute atmosphere and really good meals

inviting decorexcellent mealquality ingredientbasic room

The decor created a cozy and inviting atmosphere. The meals were excellent. Breakfast used quality ingredients. An excellent evening meal and fantastic stone baked pizza were also served.

The room for the cost was very basic. The shower was awful. A room in a different hotel would have been better value and had better facilities.

Facilities

9/10

The venue has a fantastic facility for dining and drinking undercover. There is also an outdoor bar. Live music events take place. This creates a family friendly experience.

Service

10/10

The staff make every effort to use locally sourced products. They work hard to make the business successful. The staff were very helpful and kind, i noticed.

Rooms

8/10

The room was comfortable and clean. The room included everything i could need. The room has a view of the mountain. The bed was very comfortable. I appreciated the room.

Dining

10/10

The food was the best i have ever had. There was a wide choice for our cooked breakfast. It was so delicious and locally sourced, i was grateful. The pub had a large selection of ales.

0 Helpful

Reese from United States

Couple

Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:November 04, 2025

6/10

friendly staffdirty bathtubsmall room

the staff were very friendly and helpful.

The bathtub wasn't clean enough. I found hair in it. i also found that we only got one towel per person. the room felt small, and the view wasn't great (i had hoped for better).

0 Helpful

David from United Kingdom

Couple

Deluxe Double Room

3 nights in August 2025

Reviewed:October 10, 2025

7/10

room sizegarden drinksawesome breakfastunmanaged check-incar park viewdelayed check-in

My room was a great size and had everything I could possibly need. The pub itself is superb and I had a few drinks in the garden. The breakfast provided was also fantastic. The food was AMAZING!!!

Check-in was not managed well. I was standing by the bar with all my bags, and the bartenders and kitchen staff continued serving around me. When I asked one of the staff whether I could check in, she said there was only one person on duty who managed check-ins. She was serving so I waited for some time. The bathroom window overlooked the car park, so I needed to keep it shut most of the time.

0 Helpful