A landscape wide shot of the sand and water outdoor play area at Cantref Adventure Farm, with a lovely view behind.

History of Cantref

It's a family business

Established over 45 years ago Cantref went from being just a working Farm to adding Horse Riding and Camping

Mary still runs the riding centre and her son Colin and daughter in law Gwen (with their children) now run the farm, adventure farm, camp-site and holiday cottages. They have spent over 20 years developing the Adventure Farm in to the Brecons Biggest Adventure.

An image of riders on horseback returning from their Brecon ride, down a dirt track.

The Riding Centre

Established over 45 years ago by Elfan and Mary Evans on their Cantref farm, the riding centre has a rich and storied history. The journey began unexpectedly when campers requested rides on the farm's shepherding ponies. This sparked a demand that soon evolved into group outings for soldiers and, subsequently, a thriving business catering to riders of all levels.

The 1970s and 80s marked a golden era for Cantref, with its popularity soaring. Today, the centre offers a diverse range of equestrian experiences, from riding holidays and day trips to hour-long sessions and tailored packages for Duke of Edinburgh award participants. Unique offerings include 'Own a Pony' days and VIP pamper sessions for horses.

Prior to the pandemic, Cantref held the esteemed status of a Pony Club centre, a recognition culminating in a visit from HRH The Princess Royal in 2017. Mary Evans' dedication to the Duke of Edinburgh awards earned her an invitation to Buckingham Palace to meet Prince Philip. Notably, Cantref is the sole establishment licensed to trek on the Brecon Beacons' main peaks.

The centre's royal connections extend further, with a visit from the Prince of Wales now King Charles in 2002. The Evans family's equestrian passion is evident in the accomplishments of their children, Christine and Colin, who were both accomplished Pony Club members and represented Wales in equestrian competitions. Christine's contributed to the centre by teaching riding lessons before starting her own family and her daughter went on to spend a period of time managing the stables and won many competitions , while Colins daughter excelled in show jumping winning many competitions before changing direction and pursuing a professional ballet career in the United States.

Cantref Riding Centre's legacy is a testament to the Evans family's dedication and the enduring appeal of horseback riding against the breathtaking backdrop of the Welsh countryside.

Cantref Accommodation: From Camp to Comfort

Cantref’s accommodation journey began humbly in the 1970s with campers pitching tents in its fields. Responding to guests seeking shelter from inclement weather, a barn was converted into a basic bunkhouse, marking the first step towards a more substantial offering.

Building on this, Colin and Gwen Evans added a 24-person bunkhouse and a smaller 10-person counterpart. The larger bunkhouse gained royal recognition when officially opened by the then Prince of Wales in 2002, following the challenges posed by the foot and mouth outbreak.

In 2020, a significant transformation occurred as the bunkhouses were repurposed into three charming holiday cottages, each equipped with a luxurious wood-fired hot tub, accommodating between four and eight guests. Beyond traditional camping, Cantref now offers a range of accommodation options, including cosy pods and yurts, all complete with hot tubs for ultimate relaxation.

An action shot of a boy zooming down a wet artificial grass slide in a sledge, whilst being sprayed in the face with sprinklers.

Cantref Adventure Farm: A History of Innovation and Community

Cantref Adventure Farm opened its gates to the public in 2004, with a grand opening officiated by Prince Edward. Its immediate impact was undeniable, as it was crowned Farm Attraction of the Year in 2005, a title it reclaimed in 2016, a testament to its enduring appeal.

At the heart of Cantref's success are its founders, Colin and Gwen Evans. Gwen's exceptional contributions were recognized in 2008 when she was a runner-up for the Welsh Woman of the Year award. Her role as a director of the National Farm Attractions Network underlines her industry expertise. Colin's influence is equally significant, having served as chairman of both the National Farm Attraction Network and Brecon Beacons Tourism, as well as being a committee member of Mid Wales Tourism.

Beyond its attractions, Cantref has a knack for capturing the public's imagination. Two of its animal residents, Star the pig and Brydie the pig, achieved celebrity status. Star famously reached the second round of Britain's Got Talent, while Brydie made a memorable appearance on Ant and Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway with The Vamps.

Cantref's commitment to the local community is evident in its employment practices. The farm seasonally employs up to 50 staff, providing valuable opportunities for young people. Many former employees have returned to Cantref with their own families, creating a strong sense of community.

Distinguished from other farm parks by its dynamic program of hands-on shows and activities, which occur every half hour throughout the day, Cantref also boasts unique attractions such as the sledge ride. A pioneer in sustainable practices, the farm was among the first to install solar panels and plant trees, reflecting its ongoing commitment to carbon neutrality.

Colin and Gwen have been instrumental in developing industry standards, playing a pivotal role in creating the code of practice that ensures visitor safety in farm parks. Cantref's adherence to the AAAS scheme for compliance and animal welfare places it in an elite group of Welsh farm attractions. The farm's dedication to the local community is further evidenced by its extensive work with schools and charities.

Cantref Adventure Farm is more than just a visitor attraction; it's a cornerstone of the local community, a champion of industry standards, and a pioneer in sustainable practices.