Ch i’r Dd Pont Bigsweir ger Llandogo (onemanandhiscamera.co.uk), Brynbuga – Enillydd Prydain yn ei Blodau, Yr Olygfa o Lwybr Arfordir Cymru (Hugh Gregory Ffotograffiaeth), Priordy Llanddewi Nant Hodni (Alyn Wallace)
L to R Bigsweir Bridge near Llandogo (onemanandhiscamera.co.uk), Usk – Britain in Bloom winner, View from the Wales Coast Path (Hugh Gregory Photography), Llanthony Priory (Alyn Wallace)
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Welcome .............................
09
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year.
Great days out ...................
10
Monmouthshire offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy.
Don’t miss
Our top things to do when visiting this picturesque county.
Shopping ..............................
20
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Shopaholics will love Monmouthshire for its eclectic mix of boho-chic boutiques, high-street staples and quirky independents.
“ The 870-mile-long Wales Coast Path, runs right around the Welsh coast. ” Don’t Miss, P20
MARCHNADOEDD MARKETS
Come down and visit Monmouthshire Markets offering a wide variety of goods and produce all year round!
Abergavenny Market Hall provides a fabulous backdrop to a vibrant and eclectic market. The current building dates back to the mid-1800s, but the Market can be traced back to 1657 when it was decreed that a market should be held twice a week in the town as it continues to be to this day.
ABERGAVENNY
Abergavenny Market Hall & Brewery Yard
• General Markets every Tuesday, Friday & Saturday
Abergavenny Market Hall provides a fabulous backdrop to a vibrant and eclectic market. The current building dates back to the mid-1800s, but the Market can be traced back to 1657 when it was decreed that a market should be held twice a week in the town as it continues to be to this day.
• Flea Market every Wednesday
ABERGAVENNY
Abergavenny Market Hall & Brewery Yard
• Craft Fair 2nd Saturday of the month (March – December, Excluding September)
• Farmers’ Market 4th Thursday every month
MONMOUTH
Shire Hall & Cattle Market Car Park
• General Markets every Tuesday, Friday & Saturday 9am-4pm • Flea Market every Wednesday – 9am-4pm • Craft Fair 2nd Saturday of the month (March – December, Excluding September) 9am-4pm • Farmers’ Market 4th Thursday every month 9am-12.30pm • Street Food & Craft Night Market 4th Thursday of the Month 5pm-9pm
• General Markets every Friday & Saturday
MONMOUTH
Shire Hall & Cattle Market Car Park
CALDICOT
• General Markets every Friday & Saturday
CALDICOT
Newport Road
Newport Road
• General Markets every Tuesday & Saturday
• General Markets every Tuesday & Saturday
region is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
Monmouthshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for
This wonderful county draws visitors back like a magnet year after year
Welcome, visitor!
Whether it’s a weekend break to stretch your legs in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park (formerly known as the Brecon Beacons), a day out with the kids, a taste sensation at one of the countless food festivals or a meal at one of the Michelin-starred eateries, Monmouthshire has got it all.
Shopping in Monmouthshire is a real treat, with independent boutiques and local markets to suit any budget. Fill your baskets with local produce or hunt down one-off treasures to take home.
Those with a taste for fine dining can indulge themselves at a number of award-winning eateries across the county. Restaurants of particular note include the Whitebrook in Monmouth and the Walnut Tree in Abergavenny.
Outdoor lovers can explore well over a thousand miles of public footpaths or uncover the stories of the grand castles that dot the landscape. Discover awardwinning vineyards, lush gardens and historic houses galore.
And it’s not just about the historical interest. Modern-day Monmouth is a thriving county with theatres, galleries, performance venues and a rich programme of festivals including Big Love Festival, Green Gathering and Castell Roc.
Whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, you can always be assured of finding something exciting to do, tasty to eat or interesting to explore. So whatever you do during your visit to the county, please enjoy –and come back soon! ■
Monnow Bridge is the only remaining fortified river bridge in Great Britain
Xxxxxx offers an abundance of things to do with days out and top attractions for the whole family to enjoy
Great days out
Fancy spending the day touring sun-soaked Welsh vineyards? Perhaps you’d like to follow in the footsteps of Wordsworth and Turner with a trip to Tintern Abbey? Or maybe a tranquil kayak trip on the River Wye beckons? Monmouthshire offers all this and more, with atmospheric castles, lush gardens and fascinating museums galore.
Rain or shine, you’re guaranteed a great day out in this special part of Wales, with something to suit everyone. When the weather plays ball, the great outdoors beckons – and if it does happen to rain, there are plenty of indoor attractions including museums and galleries.
Let’s start with the vineyards, shall we? Yes, you heard us right. Wales might not be the first
Rain or shine, you’re guaranteed a great day out in this special part of Wales
country that comes to mind when you think of wine-producing regions, but Monmouthshire’s picturesque wine trail is world-class. The number of vineyards has grown in recent years and production has soared.
Not all the local wineries are open to visitors, but family-owned Parva Farm Vineyard in Tintern is a good place to begin. They offer a self-guided vineyard tour and a well-stocked farm shop selling local ciders, ales and foodstuffs alongside their own award-winning wine. Originally planted in 1979, the current owners took it on in the 90s, and it now contains around 4,500 vines of 17 different varieties. They’ve picked up a range of accolades, including Best Wine Overall
Parva Farm Vineyard in Tintern offer a tour and farm shop selling their award-winning wine
at the 2022 Welsh Wine Awards and Best White Wine at the 2023 Welsh National Wine Competition.
You’ll find White Castle Vineyard and its award-winning wines in the village of Llanvetherine, near Abergavenny. Husband and wife Robb and Nicola Merchant are veterans of the Welsh wine-making scene, and Robb has even been awarded an MBE for services to viticulture. Together, they run the 12-acre smallholding with over 13,500 vines and their very own winery, Y Gwindy. Their reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines have all been recognised at the Welsh Wine Awards, and White Castle also produces an unusual fortified wine that makes the perfect accompaniment to after-dinner cheese. The owners themselves lead regular vineyard tours, including a deluxe version where you get to taste six different wines at the end.
Finally, at the base of Sugar Loaf Mountain, in Abergavenny, is the aptly named Sugar Loaf Vineyards. Its south-facing slopes produce seven varieties of grape. Tour, taste the wares and enjoy a cheeseboard or a light lunch at their on-site café.
If you don’t think grapes are great, perhaps you’ll find joy in juniper. Silver Circle Distillery is the most easterly distillery in Wales. As well as a bar and shop serving their famous small-batch spirits and pre-mixed cocktails (try the amazing Bloody Mary in a can), they also run distillery tours, tastings and even opportunities to make your own craft gin.
Keen walkers and wildlife spotters can stroll along the River Wye’s western bank. Make your trek as long as you like, with routes of varying lengths and difficulties available. Or, for a different perspective, you could always hire a canoe, kayak or paddle board. Remember that some parts of the River Wye are tidal, so if you’re a less experienced paddler you might be safer with a guide.
Whichever way you choose to explore this landscape, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for the magnificent wildlife. Otters, herons and birds of prey including red kites all call this part of Wales home.
Monmouthshire has some incredible hiking, especially in the north west, where you’ll find the Black Mountains and the famous Sugar Loaf (596m). Among the most popular walking trails is the Skirrid (Ysgyryd Fawr in Welsh). Known locally as the ‘Holy Mountain’, probably because the ruins of St Michael’s Chapel sit on its summit, the trail to reach the 486m summit is a moderately energetic four-mile circuit. It takes in woodland and an open mountainside before ending with a steep hike to the top. If that last
climb doesn’t get your heart rate up, then the sight of the chapel ruins and the panoramic views below will.
If you’re looking for more energetic or adventurous activities, Borderlands Outdoor can cater to all your needs. Try abseiling, archery, bushcraft, caving, navigation and rock climbing under the guidance of experienced teams at various locations across the county.
For a gentler kind of day out, Monmouthshire has several beautiful gardens that are ideal for a leisurely amble and a nosey at some truly inspirational horticulture.
According to gardening guru Alan Titchmarsh, one of the best is Veddw House Garden. Set in Devauden above Tintern, the old house has two acres of woodland with poems and plaques to discover along the way and another two acres of ornamental gardens. Created by Anne Wareham and the garden photographer Charles Hawes, Veddw House Garden has regular open days during the summer.
Other favourites include 12 acres of elegant gardens at High Glanau Manor (open to the public a couple of times a year) and the gorgeous Llanover garden in the Usk Valley. Set in 18 acres, this Grade II-listed park and garden opens at least once a month during summer, with all dates listed on their website. And you don’t even have to venture out into the countryside to get your horticultural fix, since Admiral Nelson’s favourite Georgian garden in Monmouth is open on Friday afternoons in summer.
If you like your gardens with a dash of art, you’ll love how the two are blended together at the Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, in Tintern. Open on Wednesdays and weekends from June to mid-September, and for snowdrops in the winter, the three acres of organically managed gardens are home to a series of sculptures by Gemma Wood – and l
Silver Circle Distillery is the most easterly distillery in Wales
Email: enquiries@beaconparkboats.com
Tel: +44 (0)1873 858277
Family run, 5 star boating holidays on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, just an hour from Cardiff.
With 20 totally unique luxury narrowboats, self-contained and packed with character, we offer an experience you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you need a fourposter bed, real wood burning stove or an on-board hot tub, we want you to feel inspired to get out there and see the Wales you love from a new perspective.
Whether your passion is stargazing, relaxing in a cosy pub or exploring the local trails, a holiday cruise through the stunning scenery of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is an experience that you can shape to best suit you. Choose where you wake up each morning, take your time and be immersed in the beauty of the canal from the comfort of a hand-crafted, charming narrowboat. You don’t have to go far to get away from it all.
If a day trip is more your style, we offer a variety of options; day boats, pedal boats and canoes for an intimate experience on the canal. However, you want to do it, we can get you out on the water and as close to nature as you can get. The Boathouse, Hillside Road,
BEACON PARK
Darganfyddwch ryfeddodau Sir Fynwy gyda MonLife
Discover the wonders of Monmouthshire with MonLife
Fel rhan o Gyngor Sir Fynwy, rydym yn arbenigo mewn darparu ystod amrywiol o brofiadau hamdden, diwylliannol, theatrig ac awyr agored sydd wedi’u teilwra i ymhyfrydu ymwelwyr o bob oed. I gyd sydd rhaid gwneud yw sganio’r cod QR isod i ddatgelu’r holl gyrchfannau a digwyddiadau gwefreiddiol sydd gan MonLife i'w cynnig. Gan gynnwys:
As part of Monmouthshire County Council, we specialise in providing a diverse range of leisure, cultural, theatrical and outdoor experiences tailored to delight visitors of all ages. Simply scan the QR code below to uncover all the thrilling destinations and events MonLife has to offer. Including:
Canolfannau Hamdden yn Nhrefynwy, Y Fenni,Cas-gwent a Cil-y-coed
Castell a Pharc Gwledig Cil-y-coed
Hen Orsaf Tyndyrn
Amgueddfeydd Y Fenni, Cas-gwent a’r Neuadd Sirol
Borough Theatre, Y Fenni
Leisure Centres in Monmouth, Abergavenny, Chepstow and Caldicot
Caldicot Castle and Country Park
Old Station Tintern
Abergavenny, Chepstow and Shire Hall Museums
Borough Theatre, Abergavenny
If you’re keen on history, a visit to Chepstow Castle is a must
each summer she invites a selection of other artists to exhibit there too.
Many of Monmouthshire’s historic gems are set on stunning backdrops blessed by nature’s paintbrush. Step back in time as you hop from castles to ruins and museums.
If you’re keen to unearth Monmouthshire’s rich history and monuments, a visit to Chepstow Castle is a must. Work started on building the castle in 1067, and as the centuries rolled by, its look evolved in line with military architecture. The castle is believed to be the oldest surviving postRoman stone fortification in Britain and its location, overlooking the River Wye, is breathtaking. The ruins of this Grade 1-listed castle are open daily to visitors, and there’s plenty here for young and old to explore. In the summer, the castle hosts regular events.
For another castle with serious ‘wow’ factor, make your way to Raglan Castle. Built in the 1430s and destroyed during the Civil War, this feat of medieval architecture was designed to impress. Centuries later it’s clear that mission was accomplished – it’s even appeared in TV series including Wolf Hall and Merlin.
Also well worth checking out is Caldicot Castle. Founded by the Normans, developed by the royals and later converted into a Victorian home. It’s free to enter and, after you’re done exploring the castle itself, you can spend some time enjoying the 55 acres of parkland it’s set within. The castle is open
from April to November, but the grounds are open year-round.
Right in the centre of Monmouth, you’ll find the scant remains of Henry V’s birthplace, Monmouth Castle. Built by William Fitz Osbern in the 11th century, the castle has an intriguing and varied history. Today, a house built on the castle’s former round tower is home to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers. Open each afternoon from April to October, a volunteer-run museum details the regiment’s fascinating backstory and the wider military history of Monmouth.
Usk Castle’s ruins are small but well maintained with impressive views of the surrounding area. Unlike most of the other castles in the area, the ruins are actually in someone’s private garden and are operated as an event space, but they’re open to visitors from April to September if there isn’t a private event on.
If the weather is fine and you’re feeling energetic, the 19-mile Three Castles Walk takes in three fortresses – Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle – built by the Normans after the invasion of 1066. The route starts at Offa’s Dyke and takes you through countryside teeming with wildlife.
Of course, Monmouthshire’s history isn’t just about medieval castles. The Romans founded Caergwent as a market town and today it’s built around Roman ruins that are considered some of the best-preserved on l
Photos courtesy Geoff Griffiths & John R Jones
amgueddfa.cymru museum.wales
Be inspired by the story of WALES Gadewch i stori Cymru eich ysbrydoli
Amgueddfa Lofaol Cymru, Blaenafon ac Amgueddfa Lleng Rufeinig Cymru, Caerllion Big Pit National Coal Museum, Blaenavon and National Roman Legion, Caerleon
Mynediad am ddim. Mae’n bosibl y codir tâl ar gyfer rhai digwyddiadau, arddangosfeydd a gweithgareddau.
Free entry. Charges may apply for some events, exhibitions and activities.
Tintern Abbey is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales
the continent.
Then, of course, there’s the absolutely iconic Tintern Abbey. This jaw-dropping edifice has attracted visitors for centuries and has inspired some of the country’s most celebrated artists and writers. English landscape painter JMW Turner’s watercolour painting of Tintern Abbey is on display at the Tate Britain, while visits here also inspired Lord Tennyson and William Wordsworth. Centuries later, Iron Maiden chose the ancient monument as the setting for their ‘Can I Play with Madness?’ video.
Today, it continues to captivate all who visit. Tintern Abbey is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, despite being open to the elements, and was the first Cistercian foundation in Wales. The Abbey’s church was rebuilt, but the monastery’s design remains unchanged. What exists today is a mix of buildings dating from 1131 to 1536. Enjoy a picnic in the grounds or grab a spot of lunch at The Anchor Inn before exploring the surrounding Wye Valley. As you do, you might remember Wordsworth’s immortal lines: ‘O sylvan Wye! Thou wanderer thro’ the woods, How often has my spirit turned to thee!’
Monmouthshire’s museums are well worth visiting for history buffs. Learn more about
Chepstow’s history at Chepstow Museum, which includes the wine trade, as well as shipbuilding and salmon fishing. Over in Monmouth, Shire Hall Museum is in the process of becoming the new home of the Monmouth Museum. At time of writing, the exhibitions are still evolving and the famous Nelson collection is currently not on display as it undergoes extensive conservation work, but everyone’s really excited to see the new museum take shape.
In Abergavenny, in the grounds of what was a Norman castle, Abergavenny Museum details the history of the market town from prehistory right through to the modern era. If you’re travelling with the kids in tow, check the schedule for workshops and events.
Whatever your dream day out has in store, Monmouthshire provides. From hiking in the Black Mountains to strolling through majestic gardens or admiring the wildlife on the banks of the River Wye, it’s a top spot to put some miles on your walking boots. After exploring the county’s natural beauty, touring vineyards or snapping selfies with castles and mysterious ruins, there’s always a fantastic pub or café nearby to refuel. And if the weather doesn’t go your way, there are more than enough museums and other indoor activities to keep you out of mischief. ■
Teithio Mewn Amser gyda MonLife! Time Travel with
MonLife!
Ewch i’n safleoedd eraill i archwilio dros 5000 o flynyddoedd o Hanes y Sir! Visit our other sites to explore over 5000 years of the County’s History!
1 Castell a Pharc Gwledig Cil-y-coed
Castell canoloesol a drodd yn nifer o gartrefi! Archwiliwch ei thyrion a’i dir parc.
2 Amgueddfa’r Fenni a Dolydd y Castell
Archwiliwch Gastell Normanaidd a darganfyddwch filoedd o flynyddoedd o hanes y dref. Yna ewch i’r Dolydd am dro hyfryd ar lan yr afon.
3 Cwm Angidy
Yma ceir cliwiau sy’n adrodd hanes yr hyn oedd yn un o gymoedd diwydiannol cynharaf y wlad.
4 Man Picnic y Graig Ddu
Unwaith yn fan croesi i bobl hwylio ar draws yr Hafren. Encil hardd gyda golygfeydd godidog.
5 Y Neuadd Sirol
Llys gyda stori! Archwiliwch y llys gwreiddiol a’r celloedd arswydus. Darganfyddwch hanes hynod Trefynwy.
6 Yr Hen Orsaf
Lle prydferth ar lan yr afon, unwaith yn orsaf bwysig ar reilffordd Dyffryn Gwy. Archwiliwch natur, hanes gyda llawer o hwyl i’r teulu.
7 Amgueddfa Cas-gwent
Darganfyddwch dreftadaeth anhygoel
Cas-gwent gan gynnwys y Taith Gwy adeiladu llongau, yn ogystal
â llawer o ddiwydiannau eraill.
8 Parc Cefn Gwlad Rhosied
Hen iard gynnull trenau, yn allweddol i gludo glo De Cymru i'r byd! Bellach wedi ei hadfer i natur i bawb ei mwynhau.
Caldicot Castle and Country Park
A medieval castle that became many homes! Explore its towers and parkland.
Abergavenny Museum and Castle Meadows
Explore a Norman Castle and discover thousands of years of the town’s history. Then head to the Meadows for a beautiful riverside walk.
Angidy Valley
Here lie clues that tell the tale of what was one of the country’s earliest industrialised valleys.
Black Rock Picnic Site
Once a crossing point for people to sail across the Severn. A beautiful retreat with stunning views.
Shire Hall
A courthouse with a story!
Explore the original court and spooky cells. Discover Monmouth’s fascinating history.
Old Station Tintern
A beautiful riverside spot, once an important station on the Wye Valley line. Explore nature, history with lots of family fun.
Chepstow Museum
Discover Chepstow’s incredible heritage including the Wye Tour, its shipbuilding as well as many other industries.
Rogiet Countryside Park
A former train marshalling yard, key to transporting South Welsh coal to the world! Now restored to nature for all to enjoy.
Ewch i’n gwefan am fwy o wybodaeth a’r amseroedd agor: monlife.co.uk/treftadaeth
Please visit our website for more information and opening times: monlife.co.uk/heritage
Arfordir
Taith Gerdded
Wye ValleyWalk
Llwybr Clawdd
Offa’s Dyke Path
Gogledd North
Gogledd North
Gogledd North
Gweithfeydd
Haearn Clydach
Clydach Ironworks
Gweithfeydd Haearn Clydach Clydach Ironworks
Gweithfeydd Haearn Clydach Clydach Ironworks
Priordy Llanddewi
Nant Hodni
Llanthony Priory
Priordy Llanddewi
Bryn Hatterrall Hatterrall Hill
Nant Hodni
Llanthony Priory
Bryn Hatterrall Hatterrall Hill
Parc Cenedlaethol
Bannau Brycheiniog
Priordy Llanddewi Nant Hodni Llanthony Priory
Ysgyryd Fawr Skirrid
Castell y Grysmwnt Grosmont Castle
Castell y Grysmwnt Grosmont Castle
Pen-y-fâl Sugarloaf
Bryn Hatterrall Hatterrall Hill
Bannau Brycheiniog National
Ysgyryd Fawr Skirrid
Castell Gwyn White Castle
Castell Ynysgynwraidd Skenfrith Castle Castell Trefynwy Monmouth Castle
Parc Cenedlaethol
Pen-y-fâl Sugarloaf
Bannau Brycheiniog National Park
Blorens Blorenge
Y Tymbl The Tumble
Pen-y-fâl Sugarloaf
Safle Treftadaeth y Byd Blaenafon Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Y Fenni Abergavenny
Ysgyryd Fawr Skirrid
Y Tymbl The Tumble
Blorens Blorenge
Safle Treftadaeth y Byd Blaenafon
Y Fenni Abergavenny
Y Tymbl The Tumble
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Castell y Grysmwnt Grosmont Castle
Castell Ynysgynwraidd Skenfrith Castle Castell Trefynwy Monmouth
Amgueddfa’r Fenni a Dolydd y Castell Abergavenny Museum and Castle Meadows
Afon Wysg River Usk
Cei Goetre Goytre Wharf
Camlas Mynwy ac Aberhonddu Mon & Brec Canal
Safle Treftadaeth y Byd Blaenafon
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Castell Gwyn White Castle
Trefynwy Monmouth
Castell Rhaglan Raglan Castle
Castell Ynysgynwraidd Skenfrith Castle Monmouth Castle
Amgueddfa’r Fenni a Dolydd y Castell Abergavenny Museum and Castle Meadows
Abergavenny
Afon Wysg River Usk
Cei Goetre Goytre Wharf
Trefynwy Monmouth
Y Neuadd Sirol Shire Hall
Castell Rhaglan
Amgueddfa’r Fenni a Dolydd y Castell Abergavenny Museum and Castle Meadows
Rhwydwaith Beicio Cenedlaethol National Cycle Network
Llwybr Arfordir Cymru Wales Coast Path
Taith Gerdded Dyffryn Wysg Wye Valley Walk
Allwedd | Key
Taith Gerdded Dyffryn Gwy Wye ValleyWalk
Llwybr Arfordir Cymru
Wales Coast Path
Llwybr Clawdd Offa Offa’s Dyke Path
Rhwydwaith Beicio Cenedlaethol National Cycle Network
Taith Gerdded Dyffryn Gwy
Wye ValleyWalk
Taith Gerdded Dyffryn Wysg
Wye Valley Walk
Llwybr Arfordir Cymru
Llwybr Clawdd Offa Offa’s Dyke Path
Wales Coast Path
Taith Gerdded Dyffryn Gwy
Wye ValleyWalk
Llwybr Clawdd Offa
Offa’s Dyke Path
Castell Rhaglan Raglan Castle
Brynbuga Usk
Brynbuga Usk
Lôn Las Cymru
Brynbuga Usk
Lôn Las Cymru
Lôn Las Cymru
Castle Monnow Bridge
Pont Mynwy Monnow Bridge
Ardal o Harddwch
Trefynwy Monmouth
Naturiol Eithriadol Dyffryn Gwy Wye Valley National Landscape
Y Cymin The Kymin
Y Neuadd Sirol Shire Hall
Y Cymin The Kymin
Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol Dyffryn Gwy Wye Valley National Landscape
Pont Mynwy Monnow Bridge
Cwm Angidy Angidy Valley
Ardal o Harddwch Naturiol Eithriadol Dyffryn Gwy Wye Valley National Landscape
Cwm Angidy Angidy Valley
Cas-gwent Chepstow
Cwm Angidy Angidy Valley
Cil-y-coed Caldicot
Y Llwybr Celtaidd Celtic Trail
Magwyr Magor Y Llwybr Celtaidd Celtic Trail
Cil-y-coed Caldicot
Magwyr Magor
Cefn Gwlad Rhosied Rogiet Countryside Park
Magwyr Magor Y Llwybr Celtaidd Celtic Trail
Parc Cefn Gwlad Rhosied Rogiet Countryside Park
Parc Cefn Gwlad Rhosied Rogiet Countryside Park
Y Neuadd Sirol Shire Hall
Afon Gwy River Wye
Y Cymin The Kymin
Afon Gwy River Wye
Yr Hen Orsaf Old Station
Abaty Tyndyrn Tintern Abbey
Afon Gwy River Wye
Yr Hen Orsaf Old Station
Cas-gwent Chepstow
Castell Cas-gwent Chepstow Castle
Abaty Tyndyrn Tintern Abbey
Castell Cil-y-coed Caldicot Castle
Amgueddfa Cas-gwent Chepstow Museum
Yr Hen Orsaf Old Station
Castell Cas-gwent Chepstow Castle
Amgueddfa Cas-gwent Chepstow Museum
Abaty Tyndyrn Tintern Abbey
Castell Cas-gwent Chepstow Castle
Amgueddfa Cas-gwent Chepstow Museum
Picnic y Graig Ddu Black Rock Picnic Site
Castell Cil-y-coed Caldicot Castle
Castell Cil-y-coed Caldicot Castle
Man
White
Man Picnic y Graig Ddu Black Rock Picnic Site
Man Picnic y Graig Ddu Black Rock Picnic Site
Parc
DON’T MISS
Our top things to see and do when visiting this picturesque county
1
Eat local
It’s not called the ‘food capital of Wales’ for nothing. Monmouthshire has Michelin-starred restaurants and awardwinning gastropubs, while the mighty Abergavenny Food Festival in September attracts some of the biggest names in the culinary business. If simple, flavourrich, locally-produced food is your thing then you’re going to love it here!
2
The coastal path I Chepstow is the official end point of the 870-mile-long Wales Coast Path, which starts from Flint (near Chester) and runs right around the Welsh coast. While some people undertake the whole route as a twomonth odyssey, most walkers just pick a section – and the final 97-mile stage from Porthcawl past Cardiff and into Monmouthshire along the Severn Estuary is one of the most popular segments.
3
Get snap-happy at Tintern Abbey
The whole county is exceptionally photogenic, but one particular site stands out above all others. 12th-century Tintern Abbey is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales, and its beauty has bewitched generations of visitors for many hundreds of years. The glassless windows frame the sky and the landscapes beyond – it’s perfect for any shutterbug.
4
Explore Sugar Loaf & the Usk Valley
Looked after by the National Trust, Sugar Loaf and the Usk Valley is a landscape of contrasts. This is where the dramatic Black Mountains of south Wales give way to rich and green open pastures. The distinctive ‘Holy Mountain’ of Skirrid stands on the very edge of the mountain range – the legend of a landslide at the moment of Jesus’s crucifixion coupled with the now-ruined chapel
at the summit are likely origins of the mountain’s local nickname. Ancient woodlands and riverside walks provide the perfect escape from everyday life and each season brings something new to discover.
5
Pet an alpaca
At Amazing Alpacas in Earlswood, they specialise in breeding these famous South American camelids. The farm offers alpaca encounters: visitors can book a group visit for around 90 minutes, meet the herd and have a chance to hand feed some of the friendlier residents.
6
Go Green Green Gathering is a popular and award-winning off-grid festival that takes place in Chepstow each summer. It showcases exciting live music, spoken word and debates at a solar-powered
four-day event every August. You can enjoy over a hundred live acts – as well as magicians and mystics, children’s activities and plenty of affordable bars.
7
Hop on your bike
If you’re looking for an energetic way to explore Monmouthshire, two wheels are absolutely the way to go. Bikes can be hired from a number of locations dotted across the county such as Dirt Farm (formerly Black Mountains Cycle Centre) in Abergavenny. If you’re feeling quite brave then
why not try and tackle the Tumble? This famous 6km climb up to the Blorenge rises at a 10 per cent incline. It often features in big cycle races and is a must-do for any keen cyclist.
8
Enjoy a day at the races
Chepstow Racecourse hosts a series of meets throughout the year, including the Welsh Grand National and New Year Race Day
Chepstow Racecourse hosts a series of meets which take place throughout the year, so whatever time of year you are in the area you should be able to catch some of the action. In the winter, the course hosts fantastic jump events, such as the Welsh Grand National and New Year Race Day, while during the summer there are a number of flat racing meets. And even if there’s no racing on, you’re sure to find some kind of event taking place.
9
Sip a glass of wine L Wales’s status as a wineproducing region may not
have reached the lofty heights of France, Italy or Spain, but these days it’s starting to make its presence felt. Monmouthshire boasts several award-winning vineyards worth visiting, including Parva Farm, White Castle and Sugar Loaf vineyards.
10
Play king of the castle
Sitting in glorious countryside, the medieval Raglan Castle was designed to impress and intimidate. Even in its ruined state, it’s still an imposing sight, and it’s appeared in TV series including Wolf Hall and Merlin. ■
SHOPPING
Monmouthshire is overflowing with a range of quirky and independent stores to suit every taste
Forget grand shopping centres in Monmouthshire, this is a shopping heaven for vintage treasures and local crafts. That’s not to say you won’t find designer brands, contemporary homewares and the odd bigname brand. You absolutely will! However, it’s all about taking your time to find just the right thing down cobbled lanes and in boutiques you won’t see anywhere else.
If you’re looking for a unique outfit or designer accessories, you’ve come to the right place. Monmouthshire brims with contemporary stores to keep you shopping
This county is a haven for vintage treasures and local crafts
all day long.
Home to a mixture of big-name brands and quaint boutiques, there’s plenty to tempt your wallet in the busy market town of Monmouth.
For lingerie and swimwear fittings, nowhere is more qualified to help than the family-run Harts of Monmouth on Monnow Street. On the same road, you’ll also find high-street casual clothing favourites including FatFace and White Stuff. Did you know White Stuff was founded in the 1980s by two friends who sold T-shirts to fund their passion for skiing? More than three decades
later, the brand’s fun, urban and bohemian take on casual clothing is very much a hit with children and adults worldwide.
If you love jewellery, Atelier Gilmar was set up in 1983 by award-winning contemporary goldsmiths Gill and Alan Saunders and all of their pieces are unique. For pretty accessories, luxury women’s footwear and stylish gift ideas, try Envee of Monmouth on Monnow Street.
If you prefer to make rather than buy your clothes, then Monmouth is well-endowed in the fabric and haberdashery department. At the Cotton Angel, rows of exquisite fabrics in every imaginable colour and pattern adorn the beautifully presented shelves.
For a special headpiece to complement your outfit, there are few creations more exquisite than those of award-winning Alison Tod Couture Milliner, in Abergavenny. Alison’s pieces are internationally renowned. Browse her pret-à-porter collection of hats, fascinators and accessories or order a bespoke creation for that special occasion. Also in Abergavenny is Style Boutique, offering ladies’ fashion apparel, bags and accessories from the likes of YAYA, Marble and Alice Collins.
Meanwhile, gents with a penchant for stylish attire, take note. Located near the Angel Hotel is Revue, with impeccably curated men’s clothing from designer labels such as Claudio Lugli, Mish Mash DRK, Guide London and Maddox Street London. It’s one of those fantastic and increasingly rare independent menswear shops with a charismatic owner-operator who takes real pride in what he does. Expect retro-chic polo shirts, colourful and untraditional shirts, and dapper suits.
When it comes to childrenswear, you’ll want to make a beeline for Joules in Monmouth. Tom Joule started selling bright, family-oriented clothing across the UK more than 25 years ago at outdoor events. Today, his company Joules has scores of stores across the country, and the Monmouth shop remains incredibly popular. Head here to find colourful, heritage clothing and accessories for all the family.
For an indie take on kids’ clothing, head to Cuddle & Cwtch in Abergavenny, where you’ll find a kaleidoscopic mix of organic baby and children’s clothing brands, such as Frugi and Emilie et Rose, along with a selection of toys and gifts. Along the same lines, if you want to make little people smile, then Toytastik in Chepstow is the place to go. The independent, family-run toy and gift shop stocks everything from board and card games to books, soft toys and magic powders that turn your bathwater into lurid-coloured slime.
In this Amazon era, independent bookstores are a rarity, making Rossiter Books in Monmouth a particularly special find. Husband-and-wife duo Andy and Victoria Rossiter run the store. It’s their second, as they opened their first store in Ross-on-Wye before venturing into Monmouth. Bibliophiles can while away hours leafing through the pages of the store’s carefully curated titles, both new and classic. Keep your eyes peeled for details of their regular author events, too.
From bustling markets to vintage shops and local foodie favourites, you’ll never run out of spots to find treasures of all kinds in Monmouthshire. Monmouth’s historic Shire Hall Market and Monmouth Bridge Market take place every Friday and Saturday. Visit to discover an eclectic mix of traders selling local produce alongside hand-crafted jewellery pieces, local artwork and vintage items.
Over in Abergavenny, the town’s market has played an integral role in the community for centuries. Lovers of local produce and Welsh heritage crafts should head to the market l
L Fat Face, Monmouth j Monmouth High Street I St Mary’s Street, Chepstow
Adrian Gaunt&Company
Stockists of TI SENTO, 55 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 3EW Tel: 01600 772635 Email:monmouth@adriangaunt.co.uk
Stockists of TI SENTO - Milano, 55 Monnow Street, Monmouth NP25 3EW Tel: 01600 772635 Email:monmouth@adriangaunt.co.uk
Square Farm Shop is a family-run business focusing strongly on traditional farming methods. The business incorporates a flourishing farm shop selling homegrown, organically produced foods as well as an expanding range of selected local produce from the Wye Valley and surrounding areas.
Comprising a variety of meats, including lamb, pork, beef, and a selection of healthy, organic vegetables, our farm produce is always of an unrivalled quality.
We have a facebook and insagram page that is kept upto date as well. Square farm shop | Monmouth | Facebook Square farm shop (@squarefarmshop) • Instagram photos and videos
Shop. Eat. Play.
in the heart of Newport
Shop high street favourites & unique independent stores
Discover our wide range of cafés & restaurants
Have fun with 12 lane bowling & Laser quest Plus…easy parking!
Abbey Mill
Award-winning Abbey Mill, original mill site of Tintern Abbey, is set amidst breathtaking scenery on the banks of the River Wye. Offering riverside shopping and dining in a relaxed setting for you to enjoy.
Arts, craft & gift centre | working water wheel | unique shopping experience | licensed coffee shop & restaurant | function room five distinctively different shops | folk & cider festivals Wye Valley Craft Association showcase shop | group bookings welcome
A large selection of hand-carved Love Spoons available. Mention ‘Welcome to Monmouthshire’ and purchase one Cream Tea or Welsh Tea & Get One Free at our Woodsaw and Wheel Coffee & Tea Shop Open
Wye Valley Centre, Tintern, Monmouthshire NP16 6SE T. 01291 689228 E. info@abbeymill.com www.abbeymill.com
• Herbaceous, herbs and alpines
• Climbers, perennials, roses and houseplants
• Terracotta and glazed pots of various types
• Aggregates, gravel and paving
• Large selection of composts and fertilisers
• Shrubs, conifers and fruit trees
• Bedding plants grown on the family nursery
• Stoneware and garden ornaments
• A range of garden tools including Bulldog
• National Garden gift vouchers and giftware
in the historic village of Tintern beside the River Wye.
spread over two floors containing 20,000 books
hall in the centre of town on a Tuesday, Friday or Saturday for the weekly General Markets. If you’re a bargain hunter, there’s a flea market every Wednesday, plus a farmers’ market every fourth Thursday of the month.
The farmers’ market in Usk is well worth a visit. It started in 1998 and, as you’d expect from a county famed for its local produce, remains a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Held at the Memorial Hall on the first and third Saturday of every month, it offers a delightful blend of food and local crafts.
Who doesn’t love coming across innovative local shops for fantastic souvenirs? Salt and Pepper in Monmouth is one such business, started by professional cake decorator and master baker Brenda Elsmore, and later joined by her daughter Catherine. The award-winning family business has become a destination in its own right. It began as a cook shop specialising in stylish cookware and pottery brands, but quickly expanded to create a gift shop. They later added a toy shop and clothing boutique to the portfolio.
Over in Abergavenny, Carpanini’s Emporium flies the flag for fancy foodstuffs and upmarket homewares. It’s an exclusive, family-run business with a focus on small independent producers and product provenance, selling a carefully curated selection of wines, liqueurs, deli-style food and home products. Carpanini’s are particularly well-known for their luxury wicker hampers, in which artisan Italian biscuits and olive oil cuddle up to small-batch gin, Belgian chocolates and Welsh honey. Move over, Fortnum’s…
Nicholls department store is also worth a visit, and the Abergavenny branch is this family-owned company’s flagship store. They offer everything from the latest fashions and jewellery to kitchen accessories, homewares and soft toys. They do a particularly good line in country clothing, with big brands including Barbour and Fairfax & Favor. Don’t forge to stop by the café while you’re there.
That’s Lovely That, situated in the west of Abergavenny, pretty much does what it says on the tin. You’ll find home items, unique cards and gifts with a strong focus on Welsh producers, and they’re also a major stockist of Annie Sloan paint.
For creative types, The Art Shop & Chapel is a must. Here you’ll discover top-shelf artists’ materials, fine papers, books and pieces from local artists and makers. There’s also a delightful café to stop at for a cuppa and a cake, or even lunch.
Black Mountain Fabric is also a must-visit while you’re in Abergavenny. It sells top-
quality patchwork and dressmaking fabrics from designers including Liberty and Moda. Once a staple of the town centre, the shop has moved to a log cabin a mile or two outside town, and is open every Saturday except the first one of the month.
In Chepstow, head to Country Clutter on St Mary Street. You’ll find a gift for almost any occasion, from candles and chocolate to jewellery and mugs.
After a busy day of shopping in Monmouth, treat yourself to an indulgent cake or pastry at Alex Gooch Bakery. Cheese lovers should also try the artisan produce on offer at The Marches Delicatessen, where you can pick up honeys, chutneys and other treats alongside local cheeses including Angiddy and Blue Wenallt.
If you’re a shopaholic, you’ll find plenty of treasures to catch your eye in the varied boutiques of Monmouth and Abergavenny. Outside the main towns, you’ll come across all kinds of temptations on your travels, from foodie farmers’ markets to hidden artists’ studios. So what are you waiting for? ■
L Maryport Street, Usk
I Cross Street, Abergavenny
EATING OUT
This fertile county is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite
Monmouthshire takes its food seriously. So much so that the picturesque county is known as the ‘food capital of Wales’ – and it’s not difficult to see why. Home to the largest food festival in Wales, with Michelin-starred restaurants and the most scrumptious Welsh ingredients right on its doorstep, Monmouthshire is one place where you’ll never go hungry. Did someone say a night out with
Michelin stars? This county really delivers, along with a wealth of international menus to die for.
If you love the sound of Michelin-starred dining minus the starchiness and pomp, visit The Walnut Tree Inn in Abergavenny. It’s been famous since the 1960s when it was opened by Italian chef Franco Taruschio. The arrival of Shaun Hill, one of Britain’s most successful chefs, marked a delicious
new chapter in its history. Shaun Hill cut his teeth at some of the most prestigious addresses in London before winning a Michelin star as head chef at Gidleigh Park in Devon. In 2008, he fell for the considerable charms of South East Wales and turned his attention to The Walnut Tree – quickly transforming the country pub’s ailing fortunes. Expect a warm welcome and dishes packed with exquisite flavours and
This spread: Chef Chris Harrod creates Michelin-star dishes at The Whitebrook, south of Monmouth
the finest local ingredients.
Just south of Monmouth, you’ll find Chris Harrod creating Michelin-star dishes at The Whitebrook. Nestled in the Wye Valley, this renowned restaurant with rooms gives the illusion of utter seclusion, though in reality it’s within a few miles from Monmouth. Harrod, who was on the BBC’s Great British Menu, is a protégé of Raymond Blanc’s. His unique approach to local produce and freshly foraged ingredients from the area saw the restaurant earn a Michelin star within 11 months of opening. It’s also the proud recipient of four AA Rosettes.
In the centre of Abergavenny is The Gaff, an award-winning venue run by two former staff members of the Walnut Tree. They specialise in small plate meals served from a building that was originally three sheds deemed derelict, then restored and converted into the airy establishment. The menu features around 20 small plates such as Fowey mussels with sriracha butter, sticky duck gnocchi and heritage tomato terrine with goat’s cheese.
You’ll find further evidence that Monmouthshire is a magnet for foodies at Abergavenny’s Angel Hotel, home to the plush but unstuffy Oak Room restaurant. It serves up elegant British and European classics, created using the best of local produce – think Llanarth pheasant pie or leek, lemon and herb risotto. It’s no surprise that it’s earned two AA Rosettes and is included in the 2022 Good Food Guide.
At Restaurant 1861, in Cross Ash, the trend for provenance and ultralocal ingredients has seen the owner and head chef Simon King source most of his vegetables from his father-in-law’s local nursery. King has worked at some of the UK’s best restaurants. He worked for the Roux brothers at the three-Michelinstarred Waterside Inn at Bray and at the famous two-Michelin-star Lettonie restaurants in Bristol and Hertfordshire as Martin Blunos’ right-hand man.
Hankering after a more international dining experience? You’ll find plenty to sink your teeth
into in Monmouthshire. Tucked away in a Monmouth courtyard, the Whole Earth Thai Bistro serves breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea with a Thai twist. Owner Prae’s Thai lunches and Thai-themed Friday and Saturday bistro evenings make this place stand out. She and her team of Thai cooks prepare authentic and flavoursome dishes that transport you to more exotic climes.
If you’re craving dishes from the Indian subcontinent, you’re in luck. Monmouthshire has plenty of restaurants offering neighbourhood curry house experiences. In Monmouth, the Misbah serves up authentic Bangladeshi cuisine with the occasional Welsh twist from a Grade 2-listed building in the heart of town. Also in Monmouth, the Jewel Balti’s open restaurant, friendly service and generous portions keep the locals coming back for more.
As a former South Wales Argus Indian Restaurant of the Year winner and British Curry Awards finalist, Indian Empire in Caldicot is a firm favourite with locals and visitors alike. Whipping up curries from India and Bangladesh, they’re particularly proud of having done the catering for Status Quo when they played nearby Caldicot Castle.
For Italian fare in Monmouth try La Piccola. A team of chefs from Naples prepare the dishes at this independent, family-run Italian restaurant. Pizza aficionados, meanwhile, should check out
Abergavenny’s independent, familyrun Pizzorante. Everything from the pizza dough to the pasta, sauces and even the furniture is hand-made.
If you’re in Chepstow, try Stone Rock Pizza. Co-owners Scott and Danielle have combined their love and knowledge of traditional pizza-making methods with the best Italian and Welsh ingredients to create tasty Neapolitan pizzas. In fact, they even won best pizzeria at the 2019 Welsh Restaurant Awards. If you’re hankering after some meat, they offer a tasty alternative menu of smash burgers at weekends.
Sticking with the Italian theme, you’ve got Il Fiore in Chepstow. This Nelson Street venue has an extensive menu, with dishes including Tortelloni Alaragosta – rich parcels of fish, shrimp and brandy served with mussels and king prawns in a cherry tomato white wine sauce. Chepstow’s also home to the popular Panevino’s, which boasts a wonderful riverside location on the Wye. It’s a gorgeous spot for a bit of alfresco dining, and you’ll find an extensive menu of pastas, pizzas, risottos and meat or fish dishes to tickle your tastebuds.
It’s all about succulent local produce lovingly crafted to create your favourite pub grub in Monmouthshire. Plus, you’ll sample the best of it at foodie events.
To meet Monmouthshire producers and taste the best of what they have to offer, visit in September when the county’s food and drink l
The Gaff
is an award-winning
Abergavenny venue specialisng in small plate meals
culture is at its most buoyant. This is when the Abergavenny Food Festival comes to town. Around mid-month, tens of thousands flock to the small medieval market town for a two-day celebration of all that is fabulous about Welsh (and British) food.
Known as the ‘Cannes of food festivals’, it was launched in 1999 following the BSE crisis by two local farmers who were keen to restore people’s faith in British produce. They took an inclusive, welcoming approach in an effort to ensure people from all walks of life could learn more about the food they consume. It’s an approach that appears to be working, as the festival’s success has soared. Several years and awards later, it’s renowned for bringing together the finest chefs, food businesses, journalists, farmers and food producers.
Get ready to spot some culinary celebrities, too. Big-name guests have so far included Hugh FearnleyWhittingstall, Jamie Oliver, Monica Galetti, Jane Baxter, Jose Pizarro and Valentine Warner. This is one occasion when gluttony is encouraged, so put the diet on hold. Expect mind-blowing feasts and a world of flavour served up in the most tempting of bite-sized tasters. Fancy doing more than just eating? Tutored tastings, a cookery school, chef demos, masterclasses, forages and tours, talks and debates are all on the menu.
Monmouthshire has a number l
The Gaff, Abergavenny
Family-run restaurant Panevino is welcoming everyone with home-cooked Italian food such as pizza, pasta, risotto, steaks and a wide variety of fish dishes and exceptional wines.
Dine in the beautiful rustic restaurant and outside dining area with views over the river and historic buildings of Chepstow, in the comfort of high-quality service, with affordable prices and a cosy atmosphere.
Considering it was a difficult year, Panevino has managed to adapt to all regulations and safety measures, has stayed open at all times, and now are offering everyday delivery and take away as well as dine in services, making it easier for all customers to enjoy their food. Afon Gwy, 28 Bridge Street, Chepstow NP16 5EZ E. enquiries@panevino-restaurantchepstow.com T. 01291 409568
panevino-restaurantchepstow.com
Il Fiore welcomes you…
Il Fiore is a family run Italian restaurant in the heart of Chepstow welcoming everyone with our beautiful ambiance and hospitality.
Il Fiore delights with supper delicious home cooked Italian cuisine and great service, guests praise our lovely atmosphere and our attentive staff who ensure no hurrying you out the door. Dinners enjoy classics and exceptional desserts making it a new favourite restaurant with excellent food, a wide range of wines and cocktails and excellent service!
Dine in our cosy restaurant and enjoy delicious Italian cuisine, choose from our wide selection of pizza, pasta, meat & fish dishes. We also cater for vegans, vegetarians and we also have many gluten free options. Delivery and takeaway also available.
Finds us at 14 Nelson street Chepstow NP165HT. Book your table online at www.Ilfiore.co.uk or via telephone on 01291624666
of fun and affordable options for those seeking a cake, tea or coffee pit stop. If you find yourself in Abergavenny and want to treat yourself to something extra special, try the Angel Hotel’s legendary high tea. The hotel is located in the centre of town and won the British Tea Guild’s top award. Expect an impressive tea library, complete with a selection of pastries, cakes, savouries and bread baked by the hotel’s specialist baker that day.
For a family-friendly cake stop with a twist head to the Old Station at Tintern, near Chepstow. You’ll find a charming Victorian tea room in the original railway waiting room. Enjoy a cream tea or freshly-baked cake on the 10-acre site before taking a walk along the old railway. There’s also a children’s play area and zip wire – both are guaranteed to keep younger family members entertained. It’s open seasonally from April to the end of October. If you’re looking for a more informal lunch or evening
destination in Monmouthshire, you’re spoiled for choice. Just a few miles from Monmouth, in the Wye Valley, you’ll find the Bush at Penallt. The award-winning 17thcentury country inn has sweeping views, a roaring open fire, an extensive wine list and a menu that offers everything from snacks to à la carte dining.
The Old Court Hotel is a welcoming restaurant in Rosson-Wye and ideal for a rest from exploring the Wye Valley and Symonds Yat. In the historic Tudor Dining Room restaurant there’s an expansive menu offering the best of local and seasonal produce including pedigree Hereford Beef and traditionally reared lamb – all prepared at their on-site butchery. Diners can also enjoy fresh fish, seafood and game when in season.
There are several reasons the Crown at Pantygelli, on the Old Hereford Road, is a popular haunt for locals and visiting foodies. Firstly, there’s the first-class, filling
fare, such as traditional Welsh rarebit or the ‘miner’s breakfast’ – a fry-up with the addition of cockles and greens. Then there’s the view. The centuries-old, three-storey coach house sits between the Sugarloaf and Skirrid mountains. Locals and visitors alike appreciate the oak-beamed pub’s selection of real ales and ciders.
The Golden Lion in Magor manages to capture the best of the pub and restaurant world. Featuring regular entertainment including sport, live music and quiz nights, this popular local village pub offers a menu of hearty pub staples such as burgers, roasts and pies, with plenty of veggie options too.
From tasty morsels created by Michelin-starred chefs to pub grub featuring salad from the house garden, eating out in Monmouthshire never fails to impress. And with so many stunning walking trails and other activities across the county, you shouldn’t have any trouble working up an appetite. ■
The Walnut Tree Inn is an Abergavenny institution
WEEKENDER
DAY ONE
All the best days begin with a good feed, so get your day off to a flying start with breakfast at the Art Shop & Chapel in Abergavenny, which is open for food from 10am, Tuesday to Saturday. Walk it off with a stroll around Abergavenny’s historic market – we dare you to keep your wallet in your pocket as you pass stalls filled with local produce and hand-crafted items.
If the market has put you in the mood to shop, spend an hour wandering the town’s central shopping area to discover its independent boutiques, then rebalance at Linda Vista Gardens, just off Tudor Street. Once the private gardens of the Linda Vista villa, built in 1875, it passed between wealthy families before being sold for use as a public garden. Today, it offers a serene space in the centre of town that is filled with rare plants, trees and flowers.
After a hand-stretched, woodfired pizza at Pizzorante for lunch, there’s just time to discover Abergavenny’s history at the town’s museum, which is set in the grounds of a ruined Norman castle. End your cultured afternoon in Abergavenny with a visit to the gallery of artist Daniel Williams at Seventeen Traitors’ Lane.
Dinner plans don’t come much more decadent than Abergavenny’s Michelin-starred Walnut Tree –book a table and enjoy a delectable meal in stylish surroundings. If you fancy a nightcap afterwards, you could try Auberge, on Frogmore Street, which claims to have the best cocktail menu in town.
DAY TWO
There are few better places in the country to be out and about than Monmouthshire – and one of the best ways to see it is on foot. If you’ve got the energy and inclination, you could try walking a stretch of the Wye Valley walk. The full 136-mile route takes most people at least a week, but the 6-mile section from Chepstow to Tintern makes a perfect leisurely day out. Look for
the leaping salmon waymarkers. Your first stop should be the wellpreserved Chepstow Castle, home to the earliest known surviving castle doors in Europe. Take in the remarkable views over the River Wye, then grab a sandwich or some baked goods from Parsons and set out on the walk to Tintern Abbey, which should take three to four hours.
What awaits you at the end is the best-preserved medieval abbey in Wales. Tintern Abbey has inspired poets and artists from Wordsworth
The walk to Tintern Abbey should take three to four hours
to Turner, and the remains are a mix of buildings established between 1131 and 1536.
After a good dose of exercise, it’s time to refuel and relax. For a dinner to remember in breathtaking surroundings, you could visit The Whitebrook, a Michelin-starred restaurant just a few miles’ drive away. Alternatively, enjoy a meal at the Bush at Penallt before catching some live entertainment or a big-screen stream of a West-End production at Monmouth’s Blake Theatre. ■
Tintern Abbey has inspired poets and artists from Wordsworth to Turner
Culture vultures assemble! This county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals
Culture Club
Music and song are at the heart of Welsh culture and there’s a vibrant arts scene on offer here. From local talent at pub gigs to headline acts at major music festivals, music accompanies you across this beautiful county wherever you go.
Along the way, you’ll see arts and crafts in an array of gorgeous galleries. From the UK’s top tribute acts to open mic nights at the local pub and dazzling festivals, performing artists love entertaining in Monmouthshire.
A three-day music and arts event set in the beautiful countryside
outside Usk each July, the Big Love Festival showcases over 130 DJs and music acts – you’ll hear everything from folk to jungle to jazz. It’s not just about the music, however. You can also watch stand-up comedy and live circus acts, take part in an art workshop or fancy dress competition and tuck into some seriously delicious street food.
Another favourite with music fans of all ages is Castell Roc, which takes place every summer in the spectacular historic grounds of Chepstow Castle. Set over a series of evenings spanning more than
two weeks, expect a gig each night with performances from wellknown artists, as well as the UK’s finest tribute acts. If you like to let your hair down and rock out, be sure to head to the festival’s annual ‘Monsters of Roc’ tribute bash. Long hair optional, air guitars obligatory. For a broader celebration of the arts, head to the Abergavenny Arts Festival. You’ll enjoy sculpture, painting, photography, dance, comedy and much more besides. Marvel at the impromptu street performances or, if you’re feeling inspired, have a bash yourself by
Big Love Festival showcases over 130 DJs and music acts. Opposite page: Castell Roc
joining one of the many workshops or craft classes.
The fact that you can arrive at Redbrook village’s Live on the Wye music festival by canoe, bicycle or via the walking trails tells you almost all you need to know about the gentle vibe of this annual gathering. Set in early June, Live on the Wye has been quietly building quite a reputation for attracting original and upcoming musicians from Wales and slightly further afield. Perhaps they’re enticed by its location. Set in the Wye Valley, and bordering the beautiful Forest of Dean, it’s difficult to imagine a prettier place to hang out for a weekend. The sheer variety of music and child-focused activities always entice a crowd. Previous festivals have featured kids’ workshops for circus skills, art and crafts and drumming sessions.
If you’re visiting Monmouthshire during the second weekend in June, then hot-foot it over to Raglan to catch its annual three-day festival. It takes over the village, filling the air with live music from choirs, brass bands, rock bands and
tribute artists. Most of the gigs and activities are free, and there’s plenty to keep the kids happy, too.
There’s also a music festival in Devauden each May. Usually, the headliners play the main stage in a ‘big top’ circus tent, and there are plenty of child-focused activities.
Green Gathering is a popular and award-winning festival that takes place in Chepstow. It showcases live music, spoken word and debates at a solar-powered four-day event every August. Enjoy over a hundred live acts as well as magicians and mystics, kids’ activities and affordable bars.
You don’t need to go to a festival to enjoy the arts in Monmouthshire. There is plenty of live music to be unearthed at the county’s local pubs and hotels too. Old favourites include the Golden Lion in Magor, the Old Nag’s Head or the Boat Inn in Monmouth and the Kings Arms Hotel in Abergavenny.
Any venue that can boast The Beatles as one of its former headline artists is also well worth a mention. The Borough Theatre in the heart of Abergavenny played host to the
British rock band in 1963, just as Beatlemania was about to hit frantic heights. Today, the venue continues to offer a broad range of live events, from pop music to opera and theatre to comedy. From pre-schoolers to pensioners, there’s something on offer to tempt all tastes.
Do you like the idea of watching the world’s finest live theatre performances on the big screen? Head to The Blake Theatre in Monmouth. The exciting, 500-seat space opened its doors to the public in 2004 for music, talks, drama and film. One of the theatre’s particular selling points is its live broadcasts of some of the world’s most renowned performances. Its shows are often beamed live from the Royal Opera House, as well as productions from National Theatre Live.
You’ll find one of Wales’s oldest theatre sites in Monmouthshire – at Monmouth’s Grade 2-listed Savoy Theatre. Back in the 18th century, the Bell Inn was located on the site and was known to host theatrical performances. Since then, the site has hosted a theatre, a roller l
Discover the Borough Theatre: a cultural gem in Abergavenny
Nestled in the heart of the historic market town of Abergavenny, the Borough Theatre is a vibrant 263-seat venue renowned as the traditional Gateway to Wales. Owned and managed by Monmouthshire County Council, this charming theatre is part of the town hall building, dating back to 1870. Following extensive renovations in the early 1990s and most recently in 2023, the theatre now boasts an intimate auditorium with excellent sight-lines and acoustics, seamlessly blending historic charm with modern amenities.
The Borough Theatre offers a diverse year-round programme of live events, including drama, opera, ballet, live music concerts, children’s events, musicals, comedy, dance, and storytelling. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor, there’s always something special to experience at the Borough Theatre.
skating rink, several cinemas and a bingo hall. Today, it functions as a cinema and theatre space. Those who appreciate historic architecture may be interested to know the current building, which was built in 1928, is an example of a Cine Variety house, complete with three boxes at the back of the circle.
What Monmouthshire lacks in large museum and art gallery spaces, it more than makes up for with independent local galleries and exhibition spaces. Among the most striking is that of artist Daniel Williams, who lives and works in Abergavenny and has a gallery at Seventeen Traitors’ Lane. Inside the Tudor house is a body of his artwork along with pieces by other artists.
Daniel’s work is displayed at public and private galleries in the UK and further afield. He was the first to paint a rare orchid, Paphiopedilum ooii, after a 2004 trip to Borneo and that work is now part of a collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, alongside another drawing of the Vanilla
imperialis orchid. Today, however, his work is more abstract, with intense and vivid use of colour.
In Abergavenny, a key venue on the arts scene is the Art Shop and Chapel. Spread across two venues, the chapel part of the operation hosts events, workshops and regular exhibitions where you can buy affordable artworks by established and emerging artists.
For sculpture, ceramics, paintings, wood turning, jewellery and glass art, make a beeline for Court Robert Arts in Tregare, near Raglan. It even has its own sculpture garden which is the perfect way to enjoy art outdoors.
The Frogmore Street Gallery in Abergavenny is home to the Black Mountains Circle of artists and makers, who used to be based at the Court Cupboard Craft Gallery. Run as a not-for-profit co-operative, you’ll find jewellery, paintings, textiles, pottery and more, all handmade by more than 20 artists. The displays change often, and there are regular guest exhibitions.
If you like to get hands-on, Paint
On Me is a boutique paint-yourown-pottery studio in the historical and very pretty town of Chepstow.
Just near Abergavenny is Gallery at Home, operated by gallerist and former photography lecturer, Sonia Pang. Open by appointment or for various events including regular artist meets, workshops and lectures, the Guardian once rated it as one of the UK’s top 10 rural art galleries.
Based in a converted barn complex in the Usk Valley is Craft Renaissance. Discover themed exhibitions, locally-crafted items for sale, a farm shop and a café offering delicious hand-made cakes and locally-roasted coffee.
No matter who you’re travelling with, Monmouthshire’s arts and culture scene showcases inspiration for everyone. Music fans are in for a real treat at annual festivals and weekly pub gigs. Meanwhile, art lovers will struggle to leave without buying a unique local creation. To top it off, the stunning scenery is nature’s art at its best. ■
Green Gathering is an award-winning Chepstow festival
It might not be jumping with trendy clubs and bars, but this county has a spectacular nightlife all of its own
After dark
With no major cities to call its own, you’d be hard-pressed to describe Monmouthshire as ‘party central’. But don’t worry – you won’t be tucked up in bed with a good book by 9pm unless you really want to be. There are plenty of entertainment options that continue long after the sun goes down.
In winter, nightlife in this beautiful county largely consists of drinks around roaring fires. Come summer, it’s all about pictureperfect beer gardens where you can while away the long summer evenings. And there are a decent
number of year-round haunts that ensure those seeking to dust off their dancing shoes or enjoy some live music won’t be left disappointed.
Starting in Chepstow, the Queen’s Head micropub, on Moor Street, is a must-visit . It’s won Gwent CAMRA pub of the year nine years in a row, so you can bet they know a thing or two about real ales and ciders. Fun and friendly, it’s the kind of place that celebrates National Dave Day every March by filling the pub with blokes called Dave and crowning one of them ‘King Dave’.
Owner Glen Ellis always extends
a warm welcome to visitors. And of course there’s the fantastic ale. You’ll usually find around six beers on tap. If you aren’t sure what to order, select the tapas. No, they don’t do Spanish food, that’s the word given to samples of the beers. Did we mention the bar is made from an old church altar?
Speaking of tapas, you can grab some at Tell Me Wine in Chepstow. This wine shop and bistro serves fine wines and classic French food, but also hosts evening events including live music nights and 1-hour wine and tapas
Tell Me Wine, Chepstow. Opposite page: Castell Roc
tasting experiences.
And if you want to sink a pint while watching live sport and chowing down on a burger or a toothsome chicken sizzler, then head to the Funky Duck in Chepstow. It’s lively, unpretentious and fun, especially on karaoke night…
Ale drinkers, take note. You can sup ales from the famous Welsh brewery, SA Brains, at two pubs in Chepstow – the Piercefield on St Arvans and the 16th-century Coach and Horses, which you’ll find on Welsh Street. Formerly owned by Brains themselves and now operated by Marstons, both pubs offer a wide selection of real ales and plenty of traditional pub fare. The Coach and Horses has recently refurbished rooms, so is perfect if you’d like to extend your stay, while the Piercefield is close to the famous Chepstow Racecourse.
Speaking of the famous Monmouthshire sporting venue, while Chepstow Racecourse is renowned for its horse racing it has also carved out a reputation as a
great concert venue. The King of Wales himself, Sir Tom Jones, has previously played the track, as have UB40, Paloma Faith and Madness.
Chepstow Castle is also known to host live music concerts – it’s the scene of a popular summer music festival called Castell Roc – so it is always worth looking to see what’s on when you’re in town.
Over in Monmouth, pull up a pew and chat with the locals at one of its many fantastic pubs. Just outside the town, along the river, is the Boat Inn, which hosts regular live music as well as an acoustic jam session every Thursday. The pub overlooks the old railway bridge from Redbrook to Penallt, which links Wales with England.
Meanwhile, at the Old Nag’s Head on Granville Street, you’ll find a Grade 2-listed pub with a stone drum tower that was part of the town’s walls. Constructed between 1297 and 1315, it’s a lively community hub with live music, quiz nights and pool tournaments.
From the old to the new. The Estero Lounge café bar, which
opened in 2016, is part of the Lounges chain, which was founded in 2002. Estero, Commerce House, can be found on Monnow Street and is open until midnight on Friday and Saturday nights, and 11pm during the rest of the week. There is often live music as well as occasional quiz nights and board game nights.
Of course, there is far more to Monmouth’s nightlife than just drinking establishments. At The Savoy Theatre, which occupies the oldest known theatre site in Wales, you can discover live music to comedy nights, guest speakers to stage shows. And the Blake Theatre hosts live drama, music and dance, as well as streaming live broadcasts from theatres around the world.
Abergavenny, in comparison to the other towns in the county, is positively raucous. Auberge, 25 Frogmore St, serves some of the best cocktails in town, with plenty of drinks deals so there’s no excuse not to indulge. Whether you’re after towering burgers, big-screen sport, live music or late-night DJs, Auberge is party central for the l
beautiful people of Abergavenny.
There is another member of the Lounges chain in Abergavenny, this one is called Portico Lounge and it’s decked out in bright colours, as is the chain’s theme. The name – all Lounges venues end with an ‘o’ –comes from the Spanish word for gateway, which is pretty fitting given that the town is seen as the gateway to Wales. The family-friendly bar has a corner with games and books for the kids. For the adults there is a host of beers, wines, spirts and cocktails to choose from, and extensive food menu.
Off the High Street is Marstons offering, the Hen & Chicken – a traditional pub with a great range of ales from famous Cardiff brewery, SA Brains. For live music, try the Kings Arms Hotel, Nevill St, on a Friday and Sunday. South of Abergavenny, the fantastically named Goose and Cuckoo Inn, in Upper Llanover, was voted Best Country Pub 2024 by Gwent CAMRA. Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays (except bank holidays), it’s another remote venue that offers
The Goose & Cuckoo Inn was voted Best Country Pub in 2024 by Gwent CAMRA
classics featuring traditional Welsh produce. In summer there’s an outdoor bar, plus a year-round programme of special events and nights to keep everyone interested.
And while Magor’s The Golden Lion, 23a The Square, prides itself on its tasty food, it’s also worth checking its website as they do host the occasional live music night.
live music and open mic nights.
Fancy a night at the theatre? The Borough Theatre in Abergavenny presents a packed programme of performances by both professional and community drama groups throughout the year. Part of the town hall on Cross Street, it is owned and managed by the county council and has hosted opera, ballet, live music and comedy.
If you’re looking for a traditional local in Caldicot, the Castle Inn, on Church Road, is an excellent bet. It has log fires, great beers and a top-notch menu of pub
The New Court Inn, on Usk’s Maryport Street, is known for its brilliant choice of real ale and cider, and it’s featured twice in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. They’ve got plenty of regular drinks deals, plus hearty pub food and a lovely enclosed beer garden that’s dogfriendly to boot.
Party the night away in Abergavenny or settle in at a country pub for chats with the locals over pints. Monmouthshire’s nightlife resounds with live music, especially when exciting festivals roll into town. So even if you feel like curling up early with a book, it’s likely you’ll be tempted out and about to check out the scene after dark. ■
Although Monmouthshire has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure
Time to explore
With so many fantastic places to visit in every direction from Monmouthshire, the most challenging part will be deciding what to do first. Bannau Brycheiniog (formally Brecon Beacons) National Park is renowned for its beauty and, luckily, Monmouthshire is the perfect base from which to explore it.
For a rural retreat, hire a narrow boat and enjoy a leisurely journey along the 33-mile-long Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, known as the Mon and Brec. It takes you through the national park, from Pontypool to Brecon.
If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to work in a Welsh coal mine, then now’s your chance to find out. Big Pit National Coal Museum, in the World Heritage Site of Blaenavon, is just a 40-minute drive west of Monmouth. A former miner will take you 300 feet underground to experience a taste of daily life on the coal face. There is also a multimedia tour of a modern coal mine, as well as exhibitions and historic colliery buildings to explore.
While you’re there, visit the Blaenavon Ironworks Stack Square cottages. The BBC TV series Coal House was filmed there and the cottages, which were built in 1789 and 1792, have been refurbished with technology that helps bring history to life. Did we mention it’s free?
To explore life further back in Welsh history, go to Caerleon – around 30 minutes south of Monmouth. There are the remains of a Roman fortress and an amphitheatre where gladiators and animals fought for the bloody enjoyment of up to 6,000 spectators.
For your shopping needs, Newport’s Friars Walk shopping centre is a half-hour drive away. l
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There are the remains of a Roman fortress and amphitheatre at Caerleon, 30 minutes south of Monmouth
You’ll find many of your favourite high-street brands there, plenty of recognisable places to eat, as well as a cinema, bowling alley and onsite parking. Or, make your way to Cardiff to enjoy the best the Welsh capital has to offer.
For a glimpse of life on the other side of the border, just minutes east of Monmouth lies the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Adventure seekers will find ample opportunities to kayak, canoe, cycle, mountain bike and even zip wire there.
At Symonds Yat, a popular riverside village near Ross-on-Wye, you can canoe down the rapids or take a more leisurely boat trip. Birdwatchers, take note: Symonds Yat Rock is the ideal place to watch peregrine falcons, as well as goshawks and buzzards.
Visitors are drawn to Herefordshire by its glorious and largely unspoiled countryside and away-from-it-all location. Discover ancient churches and castles or stroll through charming market towns crammed with independent shops and art galleries.
If that’s not your bag, Herefordshire’s open gardens and National Trust sites never fail to inspire. The medieval Goodrich Castle is one of England’s best preserved, and the area also boasts a maze, butterfly zoo and plenty of country pubs.
Sci-fi fans may also wish to make time for Puzzlewood, in the Forest of Dean. The beautiful ancient woodland is believed to have inspired JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth forests in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy and has also appeared in movies such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Doctor Who, Merlin and The Huntsman: A Winter’s War.
If you fancy a really wild day out, make your way south over the Bristol Channel and head to the awardwinning Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, home to all the big zoo animals including elephants, rhinos, giraffes, lions and bears. You’ll see more than 100 different species set in 100 acres of Somerset countryside. Play all day in the adventure playgrounds, enjoy the interactive keeper talks and explore Britain’s longest hedge maze. ■
L Symonds Yat, Ross-on-Wye I Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, Somerset
PHOTO-FINISH
Chepstow Castle
Archwilio Sir Fynwy
Ch i’r Dd Pont Bigsweir ger Llandogo (onemanandhiscamera.co.uk), Brynbuga – Enillydd Prydain yn ei Blodau, Yr Olygfa o Lwybr Arfordir Cymru (Hugh Gregory Ffotograffiaeth), Priordy Llanddewi Nant Hodni (Alyn Wallace)
L to R Bigsweir Bridge near Llandogo (onemanandhiscamera.co.uk), Usk – Britain in Bloom winner, View from the Wales Coast Path (Hugh Gregory Photography), Llanthony Priory (Alyn Wallace)
