I’ll never forget the drive to Brecon Beacons – or rather, the bit where we took a wrong turn just past Abergavenny and ended up on a single-track lane with sheep eyeballing us like we’d gatecrashed their picnic. The kids were in the back, moaning about needing the loo, and I was pretending to be calm while my other half fiddled with the satnav. Typical us, turning a straightforward journey into a minor adventure. But honestly, as we finally crested that last hill and the mountains unfolded before us, all that stress melted away. Bannau Brycheiniog National Park looked proper stunning, even in the drizzly Welsh weather, and I couldn’t wait to get settled.

Pulling up to our second-floor apartment right in the heart of Brecon, we were hit with those first impressions that make a holiday. Off-road parking for the car was a godsend after the rural detour, and stepping inside felt like a warm hug. The sitting room welcomed us with its electric fire already flickering away (bliss on a chilly afternoon), a telly for lazy evenings, and that quirky pink fireplace feature adding a cheeky pop of colour. Next door, the snug with its comfy armchairs framed the Black Mountain range perfectly – we just stood there gawping at the views from the balcony, cups of tea in hand, while the little ones raced about unpacking crisps and sweets.

It was the perfect spot for a relaxed family break, all about those simple pleasures amid a bit of cottage life chaos. Mornings kicked off with brekkie on the balcony if the sun peeked out, watching mist roll off the peaks, then we’d bundle into wellies for gentle walks along the nearby paths – think spotting buzzards wheeling overhead or paddling in the streams that feed the River Usk, just a short stroll away. The kids loved it; no screens needed when you’re building dams or chasing each other up the grassy slopes towards the Beacons themselves. Afternoons were for pottering – I’d lose myself in a book in the snug, while the family played board games in the sitting room, the fire toasting our toes. One evening, we even managed a family cook-up of welsh rarebit and baked spuds, laughing as sauce splattered everywhere.

Of course, there were the classic mishaps: the youngest spilling juice on the rug (we mopped it up sharpish, feeling like proper amateurs), and me getting overexcited about a short hike to the waterfall at Ystradfellte, only to realise I’d forgotten my proper coat. Sat there sopping wet with a hot chocolate later, I had a quiet moment of self-reflection – why do I always pack light? But that’s the joy of it, isn’t it? These places strip you back to the basics: fresh air, family giggles, and mountains that put your daft worries in perspective.

Evenings wrapped up with stargazing from the balcony – the skies there are ink-black and magical – or a drive to the cosy pubs in Brecon village for a pint and chips. No grand plans, just us lot unwinding in that spacious, charming bolthole. It was chaotic, heartfelt, and exactly what we needed. If you’re after a tranquil escape with your crew, this neck of the woods delivers every time. We’re already plotting a return.