It's 7 miles away (10 minutes by car), known as the town of books is the largest second-hand book selling town in the world and home of the Festival of Literature (end of May-June). There are breathtaking views to the north of the town from Hay Bluff.

Market day on Thursdays

It's 10 miles away (20 minutes by car), a small but busy market town and centre of the now famous international Jazz Festival (August). Brecon nestles at the feet of the Brecon Beacons in some of Britain’s most outstanding scenery. At one time the town boasted a castle and was surrounded by a wall with ten towers, today only fragments of the town wall and castle remain.

You can visit the Cathedral and Heritage Centre, Museum and Regimental Museum, walk along the promenade by the river Usk or relax on the Bistro Terrace at the Theatre watching the canal boats. From here you can access the Brecon Beacons for walking and climbing, and also visit the mountain centre for information and maps.

Market day on Tuesdays and Fridays.

It's 11 miles away (25 minutes by car), known as the home of the Royal Welsh Show Ground. The Wye River cuts through the middle of the town.

One of the town’s major attractions is the Wyeside Arts Centre housed in a fascinating Victorian Market Hall. Builth has a lot to offer, shopping, relaxing, entertainment, history and scenic walks for more energetic visitors.

Market day on Mondays.

It's 5 miles away (10 minutes by car). It has Talgarth Festival of the Countryside in August.

Livestock market day on Fridays.

http://www.talgarthcentre.org.uk/

If you are looking for a pleasant afternoon stroll, week-end break, or a 2 week walking holiday then the Wye Valley Walk is well worth considering. This beautiful 136 mile (218km) trail, passing half a mile from our house, follows the river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales.

http://www.wyevalleywalk.org/english/

Enjoy horse riding and pony trekking for beginners and experienced riders of all ages.

The Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons, Wales, are well established as one of the most popular riding areas in Wales. The varied and rugged scenery, open commons and sheltered forest bridle paths are familiar to riders from all over Great Britain and Europe. Like much of Central Wales, they are ideal riding country. Old drovers tracks and paths lead along the steep sided valleys, whilst commons and flat topped ridges provide for those who enjoy the occasional canter or gallop.

Tregoyd riding centre  http://www.tregoydriding.co.uk/

Llangorse riding stable  www.activityuk.com

If you want to laze away a sunny day on the River Wye, paddle along one of Britain's most beautiful rivers. The River Wye from Glasbury is ideal for family trips with only a few Grade 1-2 small rapids. A wide range of wildlife  such as the kingfishers, swans, herons and cormorants can be seen on the river and around the river banks. On route you can stop at selected places to take a break or have a small BBQ.

Tremendous views of the Black Mountains and Hay Bluff can be seen to the South with 'Kilvert' Country and Clyro to the North.

Wye Valley canoes at Glasbury. www.wyevalleycanoes.co.uk

Peddles and Paddles at Hay-on-Wye www.canoehire.co.uk

Talgarth airfield is home to a small but very active gliding club, set 970 feet above sea level in the stunning scenery of the Black Mountains halfway between Hay on Wye to the east and Brecon to the west.

Black Mountain Gliding Club  http://www.talgarthgc.co.uk/

The premier online guide to Great British B&Bs  www.clickbedandbreakfast.co.uk

Online guide to accommodation serving organic food  www.organicplacestostay.com