Our Family Getaway to Middle Bridge Cottage – A Cosy Escape in the Brecon Beacons

We’ve just got back from an amazing few days in the Brecon Beacons, staying at the super cosy Middle Bridge Cottage ( Locally known as Pontganol Cottage)! If you’re looking for a family-friendly spot that ticks all the boxes (and makes life easy with kids and a dog in tow), this is the one.

Getting There – No Getting Lost This Time!

Let’s start with something simple but SO important – the cottage is actually on Google Maps. I know, sounds basic, but if you’ve ever tried finding a remote cottage in the pitch black with hungry kids and a restless dog, you’ll know why I’m mentioning it! We pulled right up to the front door with zero stress.

There’s secure parking behind a gate, and loads of space to park. We’ve got quite a big car and usually struggle squeezing into tiny spots at countryside cottages, especially when we’re juggling bags, kids, and our black lab Freddie. But here? Plenty of room to unload everything (and everyone) without the usual chaos.

Safe Spaces for Kids & dogs

The cottage has two enclosed gardens, which was a total win for us. The kids (aged 10 and 8) and Freddie could run around safely without us having to hover constantly. I love places where you can actually relax because you know everyone’s secure.

First Impressions – A really Cosy Cottage

The cottage itself? Just lovely. It’s got that perfect mix of being super cosy but still spacious enough that you’re not on top of each other. The kids LOVED exploring all the nooks and crannies, and they were so excited to find a welcome basket filled with tasty treats. And Freddie didn’t miss out—there were some nice dog biscuits waiting for him, plus water/food bowls, towels, and even poo bags. It’s always such a nice touch when places think about the four-legged family members too!

Family Fun & Games – Perfect for rainy days and family nights in

One of the biggest hits was the snug with a TV and a Nintendo Wii. My husband and I had a blast playing some old-school games (hello, Wii Sports!) while the kids took it VERY seriously, as usual. We also spent loads of time in the evenings around the log burner, playing Welsh Monopoly and Pass the Pig. The cottage has a fab selection of board games, DVDs, and even toys for the kids.

Oh, and there’s a telescope, which the vistor book really encourages you to try out! We didn't get around to using it, but this is a great addition to make the most of the clear countryside skies. 

The Log Burner – Our Family Tradition

We ALWAYS book cottages with a log burner—it’s kind of our thing. The kids love learning how to build a fire with their dad, and this one didn’t disappoint. Loads of kindling, firelighters, and wood were provided, so we were all sorted.

Charming & Full of Character (With a Few Quirks!)

This is an old cottage, and you can definitely tell—in the best way. The walls are a bit wonky, the floors slope, and the stairs have that narrow, creaky charm. We love that kind of character, but if you’ve got toddlers or anyone who’s a bit unsteady, it might be something to keep in mind.

Also, most of the floors are stone or tiled, and in February, they were freezing. Pack slippers or some seriously warm socks!

The Bathroom – A Little Slice of Luxury

The roll-top bath under the Velux window was dreamy. If you like the sound of having a lovely long soak, watching the rain tapping on the window one night, this is the perfect spot for you. The kids also thought it was amazing to stargaze from the bath. There’s also a freestanding shower, but it’s on the small side, so maybe not ideal if you’re tall or broad-shouldered. Still, the bath is fab and has a shower attachment you can use if you prefer.

Local Adventures – All from the Front Door

We’ve been to the Brecon Beacons a few times, but this trip was special because we didn’t get back in the car once after we arrived. Everything we needed was right on our doorstep.

• The Red Lion Pub (5-minute walk):  Family and dog friendly, with simple meals (think chicken, fish, sausages, and chips) served in baskets. There’s a little outdoor play area too.
• The Walnut Café (15-minute walk): We loved this place. So much so that we went two days in a row for breakfast! The kids gave the hot chocolate a 10/10 (they love rating food everywhere we go), and I can confirm the pancakes and sausage sandwiches were top-notch.
• River Usk Walks: From the café, we followed a footpath (I use that term loosely—it got a bit wild in places!) along the River Usk. The kids loved climbing over rocks, and we ended up at The Coach and Horses Pub. It’s right on the canal, and the beer garden was perfect for our rare February sunshine. The kids played on the swings, we had a drink, and we even made friends with the lovely pub owner, who sorted us out with a takeaway pizza for dinner that night.

Final Thoughts – We’ll Be Back!

Three days flew by way too fast. We left feeling like we’d barely scratched the surface and are already talking about when we can come back. Middle Bridge Cottage had everything we could’ve asked for—a cosy, family-friendly space that made us feel at home from the moment we arrived.

If you’re after a Brecon Beacons escape that works perfectly for families (and dogs!), I couldn’t recommend this place more.

Have you stayed at Middle Bridge Cottage? Let me know what you thought in the comments!