Pen Y Waun Farm livery stables

A working livery operation tucked into the Powys hills, Pen Y Waun Farm is where you go if you actually want to ride a horse rather than just look at one. This isn't a visitor attraction in the polished sense - it's a proper working yard where people bring their own horses or hire for the day. The farm sits in decent riding country, with access to bridleways that cut through the Beacons without the crush of the main tourist trails.

You'll need to ring ahead and check what they offer - hiring tends to be straightforward if you've got experience, though they'll assess your abilities first. Novices might find themselves pointed elsewhere. The real appeal here is the landscape: you're positioned well for exploring the foothills around Brecon rather than stuck at some twee riding school with a circular paddock.

If you're staying at Brecon Beacons Camping & Caravan Park, only 5.5 miles away, this makes an honest morning out. Plan on two to three hours if you're hiring for a ride. Summer's obviously peak season, but the trails don't get as rammed as Pen y Ghent or other Instagram spots.

Not for everyone - you need to be comfortable in a saddle and moderately confident. But if you ride, you'll appreciate being in actual countryside rather than pony-trekking down a queue. It's working farm life, not a leisure activity dressed up as one.