The Skirrid Inn: Wales’ Oldest Pub
At over 900 years old, The Skirrid Inn claims to be Wales’ oldest pub and it’s truly one of a kind.
Located in the Brecon Beacons National Park, the Skirrid Inn is steeped in history, overflowing with character and charm, from its roaring fires to its stone walls and wooden panelling.
Shakespeare himself is said to have taken inspiration from this place & Owain Glyndwr may have rallied his men on this very site.
If you are lucky enough to be able to spend a few nights at the Inn, you will have the chance to maybe encounter a ghost or two…
A claim to fame is that the first floor of the inn was reputedly used as a Court of Law where capital punishment was imposed for certain offences, including sheep stealing.
Legend has it that as many as 180 criminals were adjudged guilty of crimes serious enough to warrant the sentence of death by hanging.
The sentence was allegedly carried out at the inn itself, from an oak beam over the well of the staircase.
Markings, said to be from rope marks, still exist on the staircase wood.
The spirits of those executed here, are said to make their presences felt in a rather direct and disturbing way.
Another ghost to haunt the old and, in parts, spooky property is that of woman who, although never seen, is both felt and heard by staff as she rustles invisibly past them, her progress marked by a distinct chill in the air.
This lady is suppose to be an Victorian Landlady called fanny price. you can still visit her grave in the local graveyard.
The inn has, largely based on these unverified and undocumented stories, gained a reputation for being haunted by several ghosts or spirits and has been said to be the scene of numerous supernatural occurrences or paranormal activities.
So many ghostly happenings have been reported here that it has earned a reputation for being a terrifying and very intimidating place to spend the night.
Apparently, lots of their guests report that there has been a sinister atmosphere around them and in some of the rooms they have felt fearful and unwilling to enter them.
The inn was featured in series one of the television show Extreme Ghost Stories, and series two of Most Haunted.
Behind the bar, the pub features a wide selection of real ales, European lagers, ciders and fine wines which can be enjoyed either indoors or outdoors in our large beer garden – perfect for those Welsh summer nights.
Their menu, meanwhile, is based on traditional pub classics like steak & ale pie, fish & chips and Welsh beef lasagne.
Guest accommodation consists of three tastefully furnished ensuite rooms, two with four-poster beds and one cottage bedroom.
The cottage bedroom consists of one double bed with ensuite bathroom, TV, and tea and coffee facilities.
The pub is open seven days a week, according to their website.
Someone who recently visited the pub said: “I enjoyed doing a ghost tour with the haunted happenings team was fantastic.
The two tour guides were amazing and me and my auntie had a brilliant time and it was also lovely meeting other people on the ghost tour 10/10 would recommend.
The food is top notch so if you’re not into ghost hunting it is also a awesome place to have some food and learn some good history so I recommend Skirrid to every one young and old.”
Another person added: “A lovely pub with lots of atmosphere & extremely inviting feeling to it. A good selection of beers, wines & spirits.
”A wide & well presented selection of foods which are of good value, well presented and cooked to perfection.
”The staff are engaging with everyone & extremely friendly, always a benefit for any pub. Very historic & interesting history.”
Situated in Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacons National Park is a stunning and diverse protected area located in South Wales, United Kingdom.
Designated as a national park in 1957, it covers an area of approximately 1,344 square kilometers.
The park is known for its picturesque landscapes, which include rolling hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, and open moorland.
Key features of the Brecon Beacons National Park include:
Brecon Beacons Range: The park is named after the Brecon Beacons mountain range, which is a prominent feature.
Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain, is part of this range. The challenging terrain attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Waterfalls: The park is home to numerous waterfalls, such as Sgwd Henrhyd and Sgwd yr Eira, which are popular attractions.
The waterfalls are often surrounded by lush greenery and provide excellent opportunities for hiking and photography.
Welsh Countryside: The park showcases the beauty of the Welsh countryside, with rolling hills, grazing sheep, and charming villages.
The landscape is a mix of mountains, valleys, and open spaces.
Dark Sky Reserve: The Brecon Beacons has been designated as an International Dark Sky Reserve, making it a great location for stargazing.
The absence of light pollution enhances the visibility of celestial objects in the night sky.
Outdoor Activities: The park offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, and water sports.
The diverse landscape provides opportunities for both challenging adventures and more leisurely pursuits.
Cultural and Historical Sites: In addition to its natural beauty, the Brecon Beacons National Park has historical and cultural significance.
There are ancient castles, standing stones, and remnants of industrial heritage that provide insights into the region's past.
It’s a lovely place to stay during your visit to The Skirrid Inn.
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