St Mary's Church, Brecon

Amazing, open, free church, with lot of space for people of all ages, including kids as they have a designated kid section towards the back.

The most lovely cafe right inside the beautiful church. What a novel, fantastic idea. So different. Great ambience to sit and relax with tea or delicious sandwiches. Father Mark has done a fantastic job and his team are all great

What a lovely cathedral, the main stain glass is stunning and captures the light. All volunteers were friendly and there's a nice tea counter inside the church

St Mary’s Church in Brecon is a remarkable place with a rich history. Origins and History: St Mary’s Church originated as a 12th-century chapel of ease associated with St John’s Priory, which was run by Benedictine monks. The priory church, now known as Brecon Cathedral, is a short walk north from the town center. The church has an unbroken tradition of worship that stretches back to the twelfth century. It has served as a place of prayer and refreshment for generations of worshippers. The Celtic church may have previously occupied the site where St Mary’s Church stands today. Architecture and Features: St Mary’s Buckingham Tower, the finest in Powys, dominates the landscape and is the most prominent building in Brecon. The 90-foot (27-meter) West Tower dates back to 1510 and is attributed to Edward, Duke of Buckingham. The church houses eight bells, which were installed in 1750 and were taken down for refurbishment in 2007. Worship and Community: St Mary’s continues to be a vibrant community of faith. Between 2022 and 2024, the worshipping community at St Mary’s experienced significant growth in Sunday attendance and launched new ministries. It has become a warm, welcoming, and loving place of worship. Combining traditional Anglican worship with a relaxed atmosphere, St Mary’s offers a blend of the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. This approach helps people feel rooted in historic faith while connecting with the community where they live. Tower Café: The Tower Café within St Mary’s Church offers a warm Benedictine welcome to all its customers. Situated in the glorious setting of the church, the café serves as a place of hospitality and community gathering. St. Mary’s strives to love God and neighbors, providing a beacon of faith, hope, and love in the heart of Brecon. Feel free to explore this historic church and immerse yourself in its rich heritage! 🏛️🕊️

Pretty church that you'll almost certainly walk past if you're exploring Brecon.

Lovely and beautiful church in the centre of Brecon. There is a cafe inside which sells all your usual teas and coffees and reasonable prices. Great for a little visit if you are visiting Brecon.

Super little cafe serving delicious cakes and drinks, situated inside this lovely church. Comfortable seats, calm surroundings and some fascinating reading of the lists of benefactors, hanging on the wall, make visiting this place well worth your while.

Great place to visit especially around rememberence day as the town is booming with pride.