Wye Valley & Vale of Usk Visitor Guide 2010

Wye Valley & Vale of Usk

What The 2010 Ryder Cup means for Michelin-star chef James Sommerin The Wye Tour: Accessible and fashionable once again Independent shops worth their salt A guide to everything green

Visitor Guide 2010

Monmouthshire & Newport visitwyevalley.com

Wye Valley & Vale of Usk

2010

‘ The Wye Valley & Vale of Usk will be in the spotlight as never before in the run up to and the staging of the Ryder Cup. Here, on a plate, is our opportunity to show the World our culinary as well as sporting excellence and to leave our American and European visitors with unforgettable memories of this fantastic region and a burning hunger to return.’

James Sommerin

is a big year for us So many things are happening for the first time in the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk. You may already know about the Ryder Cup being held at The Celtic Manor Resort in the City of Newport this autumn. It’s the first time the world’s biggest team golf event has come to Wales. And the first time a golf course has been designed and built specifically for the Ryder Cup. But it’s not just golfers who are excited by this chance to put the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk on the world stage. So, too, is local boy and Michelin-star chef, James Sommerin. It’s the first time that James will cook for twenty-four of the world’s top golfers, when they dine at The Crown at Celtic Manor where he is Executive Head Chef. And spoiling them is easy, not least because of the range of superb local produce in this area.

What you may not know is that we have other significant ‘firsts’ happening in 2010.

And for some, they may be even more important than the Ryder Cup. Pear and Perry Festival at Llanvetherine on May Day. villagealivetrust.org.uk 103-year old Newport Transporter Bridge re-opens this summer, following its restoration. newport.gov.uk/transporterbridge Digital television throughout the whole of Wales from the end of March.

Autumn Walking Festival walkinginmonmouthshire.co.uk Movies return to Abergavenny with the opening of an independent cinema. abergavennycinema.com Season of events to commemorate the centenary of the death of Charles Rolls, pioneer motorist and aviator. rolls100.com Newport Festival 2010 – a year-long programme of events. newport.gov.uk/newportfestival New visitor experience in the Shire Hall, Monmouth opens on the 170th anniversary of the Chartists’ Trial.

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James Sommerin Executive Head Chef, The Crown at Whitebrook and The Crown at Celtic Manor Resort

For the very latest news about these, and other milestones in the year, go to visitwyevalley.com and sign up to receive our e-newsletter.

Originally from Caerleon, James Sommerin has been Executive Head Chef at The Crown at Whitebrook, near Monmouth, in the Wye Valley, since 2003 after joining in August 2000. James’ hard work, combined with that of his dedicated team at Whitebrook, resulted in a first Michelin star being awarded in 2007 and retained ever since. A sister restaurant, The Crown at Celtic Manor, which opened two years ago, holds three AA rosettes. James gained greater prominence across the UK in 2009 when he represented Wales in the BBC’s Great British Menu. He’s one of a growing band of exceptional chefs who have chosen to ply their extraordinary talent at restaurants here in Wales’ first Food Tourism Destination. crownatwhitebrook.co.uk crown.celtic-manor.com

Left to right: The Rolls of Monmouth The Marriott St Pierre

Find a course near you Abergavenny monmouthshiregolfclub.co.uk (map ref A4) wernddu-golf-club.co.uk (map ref B4)

Caldicot & Chepstow dewstow.com (map ref C7) stpierregolf.com (map ref D6)

twenty ten

Monmouth monmouthgolfclub.co.uk (map ref D4) therollsgolfclub.co.uk (map ref C4)

Newport & Caerleon 12th hole, The Twenty Ten Course

At first glance it’s impressively beautiful.

Caerleon 01633 420342 (map ref B6) celtic-manor.com (map ref B6) greenmeadowgolf.com (map ref B6) llanwerngolfclub.co.uk (map ref B7) newportgolfclub.org.uk (map ref A7) parcgolf.co.uk (map ref A7) peterstonelakes.com (map ref A7) stmellonsgolfclub.co.uk (map ref A7) tredegarparkgolfclub.co.uk (map ref A7)

European Ryder Cup captain, Colin Montgomerie, tees off on The Twenty Ten Course

Even to the untrained eye, The Twenty Ten Course, at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport – built to stage The Ryder Cup this Autumn – is a stunner.

Raglan & Usk

On closer inspection, the details are even more impressive.

Apart from The Twenty Ten Course, where would a caddy play on his day off, and why?

• Around £16 million has been invested in building the new course, clubhouse and surrounding infrastructure for The Ryder Cup

• Course plans changed a dozen times as new archaeological finds were uncovered, including Roman pottery kilns, villa foundations and graves

• 7,493 yards off the back tees with a par of 71, it has 81 bunkers and water hazards on half of the holes

• Overhead road crossings for dormice and underground road crossings for toads have been incorporated into the design

• 1.1 million tons of earth and rock were shifted during its two-year long construction

• A 6-metre exclusion zone exists along the banks of the River Usk to preserve otter holts

• Over 15 miles of drainage were laid under fairways and greens to ensure course playability

• Indigenous grasses, plants and wildlife have returned to the area of The Twenty Ten Course since its conversion from intensive farmland

• 50 separate planning conditions were adhered to during the course build, to address archaeological and ecological issues

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It was back in 2001 that the Ryder Cup Committee made the historic announcement that The 38th Ryder Cup would be held at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport. A central component of Wales’ successful bid was The Celtic Manor Resort’s commitment to build a new golf course specifically to host The Ryder Cup. The challenge was to develop 18 holes which would provide a supreme test to the world’s best golfers in match play conditions, while ensuring that the course offered better viewing for spectators than at any previous Ryder Cup match.

The Twenty Ten Course opened in July 2007 and many visiting golfers are already enjoying the challenges that will confront the world’s finest players this Autumn.

For scenic views on a glorious day Monmouth Golf Club. From the top of the ‘Cresta Run’, the difficult 8th hole which is a double dogleg, entirely downhill.

Alice Springs Golf Club. Panoramic views of the Brecon Beacons from the 5th fairway of the Monnow course.

If you don’t mind losing a ball or two Woodlake Park. To hit the 16th green without losing a ball in the lake which runs along the left-hand side of the fairway, is to be totally satisfied.

alicespringsgolfclub.co.uk (map ref B5) raglanparc.co.uk (map ref C5) woodlake.co.uk (map ref B5)

When in need of a challenge

diary dates

Marriott St. Pierre. The 5th hole is the toughest on The Old Course, which has played host to the Solheim Cup and many European Tour Events. Be careful not to lose a ball in the secret WWII bunker which was unearthed recently during the £1.6 million remodelling project. The bunker formed part of a secret network, constructed by local forces, to underpin resistance action had Britain been invaded.

3 – 6 June The Celtic Manor Wales Open walesopen.com 27 September – 3 October The Ryder Cup rydercupwales2010.com

more to explore golf.visitwales.com greensofsouthernwales.com monmouthshiregolfbreaks.co.uk

Dewstow. The Park course has what is believed to be the only par 6 hole in play in the UK, at 690 yards.

The Rolls of Monmouth. You have to carry the ball at least 180 yards to clear the water on the 18th hole. Many don’t.

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Opposite, left to right: Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail The Old Station, Tintern The Hardwick Shire Hall, Monmouth Newport Transporter Bridge

news

Monmouthshire stretch of Offa’s Dyke is now stile-free Visitors can now walk the first (or last) stretch of the Offa’s Dyke Path from Chepstow (map ref D6) to Llanthony (map ref A3) without going over a single stile. Monmouthshire County Council has replaced all the stiles on this National Trail with gates, and is one of only two counties in the UK to do so, through working closely with farmers and landowners.

The trail is still a very demanding one but walkers who tackle even a section of this 177-mile route are rewarded with fantastic views across the Wales-England border. nationaltrail.co.uk

Overlooking the Wye from Upper Wyndcliff

Historic viewpoints back on show Spectacular views of the Wye Valley, originally devised for 18th century tourists, are accessible to walkers once again following the completion of conservation works on the Piercefield Walks.

Shire Hall holds Court once more

Cwtch Cruises

Following nearly two years of careful restoration, Monmouth’s Georgian Shire Hall, will once again open its doors to the public.

The Grade I listed former courthouse, dating from 1724, has undergone essential refurbishment and, when doors reopen in July 2010, visitors will be able to visit the original courtroom where, exactly 170 years ago, the famous Chartists’ Trial was held.

Audio visual guides will interpret this, and other episodes in the court’s history. (map ref D4) visitwyevalley.com

Llandegfedd Reservoir has long been a favourite spot for watersports. Now visitors who’d like to take to the water without getting wet can enjoy a leisurely tour around the Reservoir on a small cruise boat named ‘Cwtch’. Its Welsh name (pronounced a bit like ‘coo-tch’) is a popular word even amongst English-speakers and has several meanings.

One is a ‘comforting hug’, another is a ‘small, hidden, safe place’, much like Llandegfedd Reservoir. Operating daily between 1 March and 31 October, the 50-minute cruises include a commentary on the history of the Reservoir, wildlife and watersports. (map ref B5/6) cwtchcruises.co.uk

Old Station gets the Green Flag The dramatically-named viewpoints – The Alcove, The Platform, The Grotto, Double View, Giant’s Cave, Lover’s Leap and Eagle’s Nest – lie on a 3-mile section of the Wye Valley Walk along the west bank of the River Wye starting at Chepstow. They were originally created around 1750 for Valentine Morris, owner of the Piercefield estate, and later owned by Nathaniel Wells, Sheriff of Monmouthshire and said to have been the richest black man in Britain in 1800. Paid for by the profits of Morris’ sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean, these viewpoints are integral to one of the earliest designed landscapes in the UK. The route deliberately hides the surrounding landscape from the walker and then suddenly reveals the view at an awe-inspiring point. Back in the 18th century the experience of progressing along the

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cliff-top path and encountering these various structures and dramatic views was all the rage – it was the ‘theme park’ of its day and the culmination of the fashionable Wye Tour.

The conservation work – undertaken as part of the £2.8 million Overlooking the Wye scheme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund and managed by the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership – has been complex and often dangerous. However, the results are spectacular and, in the case of The Alcove, rather unexpected. The conservation work revealed a much larger structure than was originally thought to exist.

Go to wyevalleywalk.org for maps and further information, or to purchase the official route guide. (map ref D6) wyevalleyaonb.org.uk wyetour.adventa.org.uk

The Old Station in Tintern is officially one of the country’s finest green spaces, having received a coveted Green Flag. The judges were impressed with the environmental management, signage, amenities and customer service at this tranquil spot on the banks of the River Wye. Read more about what’s on offer at The Old Station on page 20. (map ref D5) greenflagaward.org.uk monmouthshire.gov.uk/oldstationtintern

Rest your head at ‘The Hardwick’ The recently restored Eagle’s Nest viewpoint

The Hardwick, Stephen Terry’s restaurant just outside Abergavenny, is already The Good Pub Guide County Dining Pub of the Year 2010 for Wales. By June it will offer even more, with the addition of eight guestrooms and a larger dining area. (map ref B4) thehardwick.co.uk

Welsh Waterways Festival comes to Newport The Welsh Waterways Festival will take place on, and around, the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal at Kimberley Park, Newport on 29-31 May. Hosted by the Monmouthshire, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust, the Festival will see dozens of colourful boats gather on a recently-restored 2½-mile stretch of the waterway. Admission is free and there will be boat trips through the locks, plus a variety of stalls and entertainment. (map ref A7) mon-brec-canal-trust.org.uk fourteenlocks.co.uk

Newport Transporter Bridge to re-open This Grade I listed structure across the River Usk at Newport is due to re-open in the summer following a £1.2 million refurbishment. The largest of the eight remaining transporter bridges in the world, it was designed by Frenchman Ferdinand Arnodin and opened in 1906. Vehicles and foot passengers are transported in a gondola suspended from a high level bridge.

This innovative design provided a route across the Usk while maintaining access for tall ships along a river that has a very high tidal range. A small Visitor Centre on the west bank of the River Usk provides information about the bridge’s history and construction. (map ref B7) newport.gov.uk fontb.org.uk

‘The Walnut Tree’ in Top Three According to the National Restaurant Awards, Shaun Hill’s restaurant near Abergavenny is No. 3 in the entire UK, beaten only by Heston Blumenthal’s ‘Fat Duck’, and ‘Hibiscus’ in London. Inevitably, then, it also takes the accolade of Best Restaurant in Wales. (map ref B4) thewalnuttreeinn.com

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Ideas for a short break Stay in a castle. There’s the Grade II-listed 600-year old Gatehouse at Moynes Court, Mathern (map ref D6), which recently received an award for its building conservation work. Offering 4-star self-catering for two people, it even has a viewing platform at the very top of the tower. welshgatehouse.com Or the 3-star Lodge in the grounds of Abergavenny Castle (map ref B4), site of the Christmas Day massacre in 1175, when Norman Marcher Lord, William de Braose, invited the local Welsh Chieftains to a feast and had them massacred!

Sleeps up to four people, with breakfast served at The Angel Hotel 50 yards away. angelhotelabergavenny.com Why not dine in style at Caldicot Castle? (map ref C7) Join the noble court for a candle-lit 4-course medieval feast while minstrels and troubadours entertain you. caldicotcastle.co.uk

We all have the urge to escape occasionally, don’t we?

near Venta Silurum* 1st century A.D. It’s a form of escapism, wouldn’t you say?

Grown men and women dressing up and pretending to be other people.

Officially, it goes by a number of monikers – living history – re-enactment. And apparently, it’s on the increase. More and more people are joining these societies, or forming new ones, and huge numbers are attracted to living history events, to get a glimpse of a lost world.

Living history attracts all sorts but the majority are quite normal. Take one couple Teresa and Dean, for example (pictured above).

A neonatal intensive care nurse and a neuroscientist. Most weekends, however, they become 1st century Romans and their routine changes. Wearing tunics, cooking over a fire and ‘killing’ Britons are all par for the course.

Dean’s day job, caring for premature babies in the local hospital, is demanding.

Re-enacting is one way he switches off.

It was their son, originally, who wanted to play at being a Roman. A few years later and it’s now very much a family pastime.

They’re all paid-up members of Vicus, an Iron Age and early Roman re-enactment society, which holds public events at many historic 6

sites. The society’s name means a temporary settlement that grew outside Roman military bases to cater for the needs of the soldiers, and which eventually grew into permanent towns, like Caerleon (map ref B6) and Caerwent (map ref C6).

We have more than our fair share of castles, churches and other historic buildings so there are plenty of places where re-enactors regularly escape from the 21st century.

Unsurprisingly, this border region has been a bolt-hole for hundreds of years. It was a stronghold of Roman Catholicism during the turbulent Elizabethan era, with plenty of hidden priest holes. In the 17th century Charles I sought refuge in Raglan Castle (map ref C5) and also, reputedly, at Llanvihangel Court (map ref B4), a Grade I-listed Tudor manor house near Abergavenny.

Others have been drawn here in search of inspiration. Because it offers tranquillity.

Even today, the Black Mountains and Llanthony Valley remain a world away. It was here, in the

* Now known as Caerwent, Venta Silurum was founded by the Romans in 75 AD and became the largest centre of civilian population in Roman Wales. The name means ‘market town of the Silures’, the Celtic tribe that lived in southern Wales. Regarded as a fierce people, it took the Roman army over 30 years to subdue the Silures.

former Capel y Ffin monastery, that sculptor and type-face designer Eric Gill sought solace, along with his entourage. The typefaces Perpetua & Gill Sans are just two of the enduring results of this productive period in Gill’s life. The world’s foremost calligrapher, Donald Jackson, now has his Scriptorium near Monmouth, where work continues on the seven-volume, handwritten and illuminated St John’s Bible, commissioned by St John’s University in Minnesota, USA. You might not want to take it as far as our re-enactor friends but easier options do exist. Join the audience for ‘The Tempest’ at Raglan Castle, keep your distance as The Sealed Knot prepares for battle at Caldicot Castle (map ref C7) or experience the upstairs and downstairs versions of Christmas past at the magnificent Tredegar House in Newport (map ref A7).

Less obvious groups are also bringing our built heritage back to life. The Friends of Friendless Churches and Caldicot & District

Local History Society are now the proud custodians of the medieval church of St Michael & All Angels at Llanfihangel Rogiet (map ref C7), following the completion of £50,000 of restoration work. Closed back in 1983 and re-opening this Easter, the church will host local history exhibitions and talks.

It has some interesting connections: the inventor of self raising flour, Henry Jones, was married there and one-time Rector, William Wroth, went on to found the first non-conformist chapel in Wales in 1639 at nearby Llanvaches.

Back with the Vicus, the Britons lie slaughtered on the battlefield and the Romans are celebrating their victory.

No harm done really. After all, it’s just escapism. Like needing to swap the city for a rural backwater or wanting to avoid the weekend routine of lawn-cutting and DIY. We all have the urge to escape occasionally, don’t we?

diary dates 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 July and 1 August From Dirt to Display – Workshops about the role of the archaeologist, from excavations to putting finds on display, National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon. museumwales.ac.uk (map ref B6) 25 –26 September Caldicot Castle hosts the Vicus for a thrilling weekend of living history. vicus.org.uk (map ref C7)

more to explore cadw.wales.gov.uk friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk llanvihangel-court.co.uk newport.gov.uk/tredegarhouse saintjohnsbible.org vicus.org.uk

Left to right: Vicus Tredegar House Vicus Church of St Michael’s and All Angels, Llanvihangel Rogiet

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Gareth Baker, owner of Wye Valley Apiaries

local food heroes You wouldn’t think it to look at them, but Helen Tongue and Gareth Baker are hardened campaigners.

I enjoy seeing the delight on our customers’ faces when they taste the Hogroast. They just cannot believe pork can taste so good.

Helen Tongue, of The Pedigree Welsh Pig Society

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Every Pedigree Welsh Pig in Wales is traceable

Two of many, set in this peaceful landscape, fighting battles on several fronts. Against cheap imports, new diseases, consumer indifference... the list goes on. Both are campaigning to ensure a secure future for their livestock.

Because, ultimately, they are passionate about improving the quality of the food we eat.

And no-one can rob them of that dream.

The aptly-named Helen Tongue is a pig farmer just outside Chepstow and one of the Directors of The Pedigree Welsh Pig Society.

A few years ago she became involved with saving the ‘Welsh’, the only native breed of pig to be found in Wales. It soon became clear that many consumers were unaware of its existence, let alone its threatened demise. It’s still early days; the Welsh pig is not yet seen very often in butchers’ shops. But, if Helen has her way, this traditional-looking, curly-tailed, pink pig will

soon be back in favour. Her Hogroast business is part of a campaign to get people tasting and enjoying the Welsh pig. Then, hopefully, demand will grow and more breeders will get involved in this revival.

By comparison, the dwindling numbers of bees is well-documented. And it may feel like an insurmountable problem which can be tackled only on a global scale. But Wye Valley bee-keeper Gareth Baker believes that simple actions by each of us can help. And it looks as if our habits have begun to change for the better in recent years. Some people are growing-their-own, avoiding pesticides, filling compost bins, buying from farmers’ markets, cooking from scratch.

For Gareth, it all started as a hobby back in 1982, with two hives and a short course in bee-keeping. Almost imperceptibly,

it developed into an entire way of life for him and his family. Now with over 350 hives, Gareth is completely smitten with these tiny creatures and it seems they are pretty happy too. The bees produce enough honey to fill around 80,000 jars each year, which means you’ll spot honey from Wye Valley Apiaries in many local outlets.

If we want a secure food supply and an interesting range of produce, we can’t afford to lose our bees, our traditional breeds, our local varieties, our artisan producers, our local outlets. We need enthusiasts like Helen and Gareth. They’re keeping the dream alive.

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Left to right: Ancre Hill Vineyard Celtic Spirit Company Kingstone Brewery Trealy Farm Charcuterie

diary dates 28 –31 May Welsh Perry and Cider Festival welshcider.co.uk 18 –19 September Abergavenny Food Festival abergavennyfoodfestival.com

more to explore

Bwyd blasus gan bobl go iawn Real food from real people

gbka.co.uk mim.adventa.org.uk newportcitycentre.co.uk pedigreewelshpigsociety.com specialisthogroast.co.uk

If you enjoyed this, you may also like...

Touring our vineyards ancrehillestates.co.uk parvafarm.com sugarloafvineyard.co.uk wernddu-wine.co.uk.

You can even stay at Ancre Hill, near Monmouth (map ref C4) and Sugarloaf, near Abergavenny (map A4).

small-scale, successful and savvy In the world of high quality food and drink, this area punches way above its weight.

Monmouthshire was the first county in Wales to be given the title of Top Food Tourism Destination when the award was inaugurated in 2008. This accolade was due in no small part to the fine work of our producers. In their hands, traditional methods combined with 21st-century innovation results in sought-after, speciality produce.

You might want to support our local producers because many of them are reaping rewards on the national and international stage. Or because you know it helps the local economy. Or you might simply like the taste, and go back for more.

Here are a few products not to miss – all winners of Great Taste Awards in 2009 Abbey Ale kingstonebrewery.co.uk Danzy Jones whisky liqueur celticspirit.co.uk Discovery & Bramley Apple Juice from Ty Bryn Cider +44 (0)1873 821237 Grenadier Single Variety Organic Apple Juice from Welsh Farmhouse Apple Juice +44 (0)1873 810275 Tomato & Garlic Bread and Sweet Pepper & Basil Bread from Wigmore Bakery & Malsters Coffee Shop in Monmouth +44 (0)1600 712083

Trealy Farm Charcuterie, which produces a range of salamis, chorizos, air-dried hams & pancettas, was named Best Food Producer in the 2009 Radio 4 Food & Farming Awards.

This young business was also a winner in the Country Living and Waitrose Made in Britain Awards 2009, and a finalist in UKTV Food’s Market Kitchen Local Food Heroes.

Great innovators, they recently worked with pupils at Monmouth Comprehensive School to produce the Spicy Monmouthful Sausage. Now, for every kilo sold they donate 25 pence to the school!

The Goose and Cuckoo, CAMRA Gwent Country Pub of the Year 2009 and a remote gem on the Blorenge mountain near Abergavenny (map ref A5).

Worth seeking out for a decent pint, a homemade lunch, a huge selection of whiskies and great views. gooseandcuckoo.com Bread and Cheese Stones at Llandogo (map ref D5) – Believed to be the site where Wordsworth wrote his poem ‘Lines composed a few miles above Tintern Abbey’. To reach the two large stones, take the Wye Valley Walk from Tintern heading north. Just before Cleddon take the turning off the main path and walk a short distance down a woodland path to find the stones on the right. wyevalleywalk.org

Winners in the True Taste Food & Drink Awards 2009 The Crown at Whitebrook – Regional and Overall Winner in the Eating Out (Pubs, Restaurants and Hotels) category Gentle Jane Tearooms, Grosmont – Regional and Overall Winner in the Eating Out (Cafes & Tearooms) category Usk Vale Poultry, Glascoed – for its free-range oven-ready turkey (Silver award) Ty Bryn Cider, Abergavenny – for its apple juice (Silver award) Sugarloaf Catering, Abergavenny – for its oak roast salmon fishcakes (Bronze award) Wye Valley Apiaries, Monmouth – for its Wye Valley Honey (Bronze award)

Ymwelwch â marchnadoedd ffermwyr a siopau fferm i gael blas ar fywyd lleol!

Visit farmers’ markets and farm shops for a taste of local life!

Cynnyrch o safon o siopau fferm,marchnadoedd ffermwyr,cynlluniau bocsys ac ar-lein Quality produce direct from farm shops, farmers’markets,box schemes and on-line

www.fforchifforc.org.uk www.fork2fork.org.uk 10

D E I TR & TED TES your little piece of monmouthshire woven in willow

captured on canvas

Jan Thompson

sealed in a jar

don’t go home without it For the best of local produce visit:

www.mim.adventa.org.uk

Mark 1

food outlets

Mark 2

The novices, Mark, Nicola and Mark, (yes, the guys have the same name!) work in the tourism industry locally. They were persuaded to do exactly what they usually encourage visitors to do: leave their comfort zones and go head-first (well, not literally) into a new activity. here’s the low-down, as told

by Mark 1, Mark 2 and Nicola.

Nicola

The Food Hall, Tithe Barn, Abergavenny stmarys-priory.org Chepstow Garden Centre chepstowgardencentre.co.uk Farmers’ markets in Abergavenny, Chepstow, Monmouth & Usk fmiw.co.uk Meadow Farm Shop Tintern meadowfarm.org.uk N S James & Son Raglan nsjames.co.uk

art & craft outlets

baked to perfection

Take three nervous novices, some patient instructors and send them out for the day.

One on land, one on water and one in the air. To discover the truth about these so-called ‘fun’ activities.

Court Cupboard Abergavenny courtcupboard.com Gallery in the Square Usk galleryinthesquare.net Gentle Jane Grosmont gentlejane.co.uk Riverside Pottery & Gallery Chepstow riversidepots.com The Great Atlantic Gallery Monmouth greatatlantic.co.uk

If it’s Made in Monmouthshire, quality and provenance are assured. Produced locally, from sustainable resources, in an environmentally-responsible way.

PADDLEBOARDING

1 Mark

Mark 1 was the guest of Gwent Adventures; his instructor was Mike.

‘Think I might have gone hungry if I’d had to catch my dinner this way.’

{Q} What exactly is it? {A} One of the fastest-growing sports to hit the UK, paddleboarding was developed in Hawaii hundreds of years ago as a means of stalking fish. It involves standing on a long, wide, stable board and propelling yourself across the water using a long paddle.

{Q} What’s needed? {A} Gwent Adventures provides a wetsuit, buoyancy aid, board and paddle.

All you need to take is a pair of shoes (with good grip to the soles) which won’t fall off. The shoes will get wet so beach shoes or old trainers are ideal.

{Q} What were your expectations? {A} My level of fitness is not what it once was but this activity was sold to me as being ‘not too strenuous and requiring little skill’.

Ideal. Even though I know this area well I was still blown away by the beauty of my surroundings when I arrived at the reservoir.

After donning a wetsuit and buoyancy aid, I had some instruction on dry land first then ventured out on to the water. The board was remarkably stable and I soon felt relaxed.

And I didn’t need help getting back to the shore at the end of the session; by that point I was steering the board pretty well.

{Q} What’s great about it? {A} There are no age or weight restrictions and it doesn’t require the same level of skill as other watersports. Llandegfedd Reservoir is very scenic and friends who aren’t joining you on the water can watch lots of activities including sailing and windsurfing.

{Q} What’s the typical cost? {A} Around £15 per hour including tuition.

{Q} What’s not? {A} It’s more difficult on a windy day and can be cold if you fall in the water.

I didn’t!

{Q} Where can you do it? {A} On Llandegfedd Reservoir (map ref B6) with Gwent Adventures. gwent-adventures.co.uk.

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PARAGLIDING

2 Mark

HORSERIDING

Mark 2 was the guest of Chris White, an instructor with Paraventure.

‘ Bramble, my new best friend’

{Q} What exactly is it? {A} Paragliding is being suspended in a seated position beneath a canopy, similar to a parachute, whilst soaring on thermal currents. To fly solo you’ll need to go on a course but, if you simply want to experience paragliding, a tandem flight (where the passenger is in front of the qualified pilot) is perfect. {Q} What were your expectations? {A} I was drawn by the idea of soaring above the countryside but had some concerns about the act of landing. Chris answered all my questions about what would happen and how things worked as he prepared the paraglider for the flight. I was strapped into my harness, he into his, and we walked towards the edge of the mountain. I must admit I was pretty nervous at this point. A few steps later we were yanked backwards as the air filled the wing and then we were gliding. It was a liberating moment. {Q} What’s needed? {A} Warm clothes, hat, gloves and boots.

The instructor provides all the technical stuff. {Q} What’s great about it? {A} As soon as my feet left the ground my fears disappeared and I just relaxed and enjoyed the views. I was even able to take the controls of the paraglider for a while. It was exhilarating and I could have stayed up there all day. {Q} What’s not? {A} It’s very weather dependent – ideally you need a dry day with light winds and good visibility.

You can’t guarantee where you’ll fly from; sometimes this has to change at short notice if the wind direction alters. And you need to be fit enough to walk from your vehicle to the flight site.

If you’re prone to motion sickness you may feel a little queasy once airborne. {Q} What’s the typical cost? {A} A tandem flight, lasting 20 –30 minutes, starts at £85. Allow a few hours for the entire experience including getting to the flight site and preparation. {Q} Where can you do it? {A} Good flight sites are the Blorenge mountain (map ref A4) overlooking Abergavenny and Hay Bluff (map ref A2) in the Llanthony Valley.

Fly with one of Paraventure Airsports’ instructors, Chris White 01873 856609 paraventure.co.uk or Axis Paragliding paraglide.co.uk.

‘ ...the air filled the wing and then we were gliding.

It was a liberating moment.’

Nicola was the guest of Llanthony Riding and Trekking Centre; her horse was Bramble and her instructor was Bryony.

Nicola {Q} What exactly is it? {A} It’s travelling on a horse through the countryside in small groups, led by an instructor who is also on horseback.

It generally lasts no longer than two hours and is very laid-back. Experienced riders go on ‘hacks’ which tend to go faster and cover more varied terrain, and longer rides lasting a few days are called ‘trails’. {Q} What were your expectations? {A} I was actually a bit nervous. But my worries disappeared once I’d met Bryony (28, friendly and reassuring), the trek leader, and had been introduced to Bramble (15 hands high, 5 years old and a sweet-natured piebald cob). After getting kitted out with a riding hat, and listening to some basic rules, I was up in the saddle.

I think pony-trekking suffers from an image problem; it’s seen as a bit passé because it’s been around on many farms, to varying standards, since the 1960s. But nowadays it’s very much a licensed business with strict safety standards. Each horse is registered and undergoes an annual veterinary check. {Q} What’s needed? {A} Each stable provides a hard hat.

Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear and take warm layers and waterproof clothing, just in case.

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{Q} What’s good about it? {A} It’s a great introduction to horseriding and the area. Instructors know their surroundings and horses intimately, many of which were bred on the farm. Choose a clear day and there are magnificent views.

From the top of the Black Mountains you can see no fewer than seven counties in two countries. There’s a relaxed feel around the stables: horses coming and going, riders getting ready, family members taking photos, walkers stopping to watch. {Q} What’s not? {A} You must be under 14 stones in weight and at least 8 years of age (some stables accept younger children by arrangement).

You need to be flexible enough to get on and off a horse and you should be prepared for some country smells! {Q} What’s the typical cost? {A} Pony trekking for a beginner starts at about £16 per hour. Most stables offer rides from April to October and advance booking is recommended. {Q} Where can you do it? {A} Grange Trekking, Capel Y Ffin (map ref A2) grangetrekking.co.uk

Llanthony Riding and Trekking, Llanthony (map ref A3) llanthony.co.uk Severnvale Equestrian Centre, Chepstow (map ref D6) severnvale-equestrian.com Trevelog Pony Trekking, Llanthony (map ref A3) llanthony.org.uk Werngochlyn Farm, Abergavenny (map B4) werngochlynfarm.org

Rather Spectate?

Chepstow Racecourse hosts a mixture of Jump and Flat race meetings throughout the year chepstow-racecourse.co.uk Abergavenny Cycling Festival includes a town centre race on 9–11July abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk Welsh Open Snooker Championship is at the Newport Centre 25 –31 January worldsnooker.com The regional rugby team is Newport Gwent Dragons but rugby is played in all towns, at varying levels newportgwentdragons.com

visitwyevalley.com

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6

world class

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One of the largest free music festivals in the UK takes place right here in Monmouth (map ref D4). From 23 to 31 July the town is choc-a-bloc with live music, including chamber music in the church, jazz nights down the pub and lively outdoor concerts. monmouthfestival.co.uk

priceless

4 Keeper’s Pond: perfect place for a picnic

Some would say the simple things in life are the most valuable.

We’d agree with that. In fact, we think some of the most down-to-earth experiences on offer in the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk are priceless. In a world obsessed with money, we’d like to point you towards real riches.

When fast is all that seems to matter, we’ve got some slow alternatives.

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EXPERIENCES. Some are luxurious.

Most are affordable.

And the first ten are completely free.

Blaenavon World Heritage Site (map ref A5) has enough to keep you occupied for a few days. Wander along the picturesque Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, admire the view from Keeper’s Pond or take a trip on the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.

The Ironworks, World Heritage Centre and Big Pit National Coal Museum will satisfy the most enquiring minds and entry is free. world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk museumwales.ac.uk

300 teapots and Nelson’s glass eye

Don’t think they’re parochial just because they’re small. Our museums hold some curious items, including the John & Elizabeth Wait teapot collection (at Newport) and a wealth of Nelson memorabilia (at Monmouth). So if you’re fascinated by the unusual, look no further than our museums.

And it won’t cost you a thing to visit them. abergavennymuseum.co.uk monmouthshire.gov.uk Tried and Testedmonmouthcastlemuseum.org.uk nelsonmuseum.co.uk newport.gov.uk/museum uskmuseum.org.uk

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Roman Caerleon

It’s well worth visiting Caerleon (map ref B6) for the amazing Roman remains: amphitheatre, barracks, baths and the National Roman Legion Museum.

Even more amazing, it’s all free. museumwales.ac.uk cadw.wales.gov.uk

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far from the madding crowd

Forget the supermarket queues.

Leave behind the traffic jams.

There’s no room for frenzy here.

Just miles of quiet public footpaths and your very own space. At New Grove Meadows Reserve (map ref C5), near Monmouth, you’ll find one of the best wildflower meadows in the UK. For great views, go up Abergavenny’s Sugarloaf mountain (map ref A4).

And for awe-inspiring beauty, walk in the Wye Valley (D5-6). gwentwildlife.org nationaltrust.org.uk wyevalleyaonb.org.uk

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top picnic spots

Two local sites were winners in the Warburton’s Picnic Awards 2009.

The majestic Tintern Abbey (map ref D5) is particularly stunning when the autumn colours are at their peak, though you may need to include a flask of soup in your picnic hamper. Whereas, industrial relic Keeper’s Pond (map ref A4), on the B4246 above Abergavenny, is best on a clear, sunny summer day, when the views are staggering. castlewales.com cadw.wales.gov.uk world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk

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music for all

5 wonderful wildlife Newport Wetlands (map ref B7) is a haven for wildlife, bordering the River Severn, on the edge of the city. It’s a great place for people, too, with a visitor centre, shop and children’s play area. And the birds are literally at your feet as you enjoy a Fairtrade coffee in the glass-fronted café. rspb.org.uk

just look at that view

High above Monmouth stands the Kymin (map ref D4), a wooded landmark hill offering 9 acres in which to stroll.

Free admission; croquet sets are available to hire. From the town, it’s possible to walk (1½ miles uphill following the Offa’s Dyke footpath) or drive (steep with hairpin bends, off the A4136). nationaltrust.org.uk

10 go to church There are almost 30 delightful churches to visit. From St. Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny (map ref B4) with its medieval Jesse tree, to the medieval wall paintings at Llangattock Lingoed (map ref B3), the beautiful carved rood screen at Llangwm (map ref C5) and the Arts and Crafts sgraffito murals at Llanfair Kilgeddin (map ref B5). You’ll come across real treasures. ctnw.co.uk

do your research

Preferably before you travel! Use visitwyevalley.com to check out the latest offers, to find accommodation close to the places you want to visit and to discover what’s on during your stay. But if you want to find out things from the web while you’re here, visit one of our libraries for free internet access. libraries.monmouthshire.gov.uk newport.gov.uk visitwyevalley.com

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pick your own

PYO is seeing a revival as consumers search for good value and fresh produce.

Reminiscent of bygone summer holidays, it’s a truly satisfying way to spend an hour or two out in the fresh air. And the fruit tastes all the sweeter for it!

Near Newport: Berry Hill Fruit Farm berryhillfruitfarm.co.uk (map ref A7).

Near Abergavenny: Glan Usk Farm 01873 880599 (map ref B5), Llanvihangel Crucorney Fruit Farm 01873 855558 (map ref B3), Tredilion Fruit Farm 01873 854355 (map ref B4).

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ladies’ day

The most glamorous event in the Chepstow Racing (map ref D6) calendar is 9 July. Along with the races, it’s a night of extravagant hats, champagne and dancing to live music.

Gentleman welcome, too, of course! chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

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a jolly good read

The unassuming Drill Hall in Chepstow (map ref D6) is the venue for an exciting programme of talks by rather well-known authors and personalities. Guests last year included Clarissa Dickson-Wright, Charley Boorman and Andy McNab. Expect to see more of this calibre throughout 2010 including the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and poet Gwyneth Lewis, whose six-foot high letters adorn the front of Cardiff’s iconic Wales Millennium Centre. chepstow.co.uk chepstowbooks.co.uk poetryontheborder.org

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they don’t make them like this any more

If you’d like a return to the good old days of cinema-going, visit the 400-seater Savoy Theatre in Monmouth (map ref D4). It’s the oldest theatre in Wales, with origins dating back to Elizabethan times, and a fine setting for both films and live shows. savoytrust.org.uk

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15 canoes and campfires Tipi Adventure combines a Canadian canoe expedition along the River Wye (map ref D4-6) with overnight accommodation in large, luxury Tipi lodges located in peaceful and exclusive riverside settings. Designed for families and couples (not large groups) wanting adventure AND comfort, and happy to travel at just 4 miles an hour. tipiadventure.co.uk

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peace, perfect peace

Swanmeadow Lodge is a traditional fishing lodge complete with the original rod racks in the dining room. Situated in secluded countryside halfway between Abergavenny and Usk (map ref B5) and just metres from the River Usk, it promises total relaxation.

Perfect for walkers, painters and twitchers.

And with a mile-long private beat on the Usk, it’s paradise for anglers. swanmeadow.co.uk

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practice makes perfect

With expert tuition in ideal settings, how can you not improve your skills?

We’ve got great courses for would-be sculptors (studysculpture.com map ref A4), gardeners (llanovergarden.co.uk map ref B5) and foodies (theculinarycottage.co.uk map ref B3).

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something caught your eye?

Buy an original work by one of our living artists, on display at The Art Shop, Abergavenny (map ref B4) or Newport Museum and Art Gallery (map ref B7), and you may be eligible to use the Principality Collectorplan.

It offers interest-free credit on purchases from £50 to £2,000.

So you get something new to love and your money goes a long way to supporting artistic talent in Wales.

Terms and conditions apply. collectorplan.org.uk artshopandgallery.co.uk newport.gov.uk/artgallery

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cut price castles

Many of our heritage sites are in the care of Cadw (the Welsh Assembly Government department which looks after our built heritage – it’s a Welsh word meaning ‘keep’).

If you intend exploring more than a few of them, it might be worth purchasing an Explorer Pass. Valid for 3 or 7 days, it enables you to visit as many Cadw sites as you wish. cadw.wales.gov.uk

relax Be pampered at our luxury spa facilities (marriottstpierre.co.uk, cwrtbleddyn.co.uk, celtic-manor.com) or try a more unusual way of relaxing... in a floatation tank (westusklighthouse.co.uk).

to the top ...so together we climb ed and shared the shock of a country unrolled b efore u s, the hedged fields breaking on the edge of Wales. a from my pocket I placed it on the trig point ng a camer i l l u P me, my cheek against the stone to find you in its fra t n a e l and ning you and waiting for the shutt er’s blink re joi o f e s, b me I had tain ld t ell caught this: n u u o w mo at the sky rubb ed raw over the the world... th f o edge e h t n o g n i us stand Owen Sheers’ rare descriptive power gives an insight into the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk. It’s his world, too. Cropping up again and again in his writings. Sheers’ first novel, ‘Resistance’, currently being made into a film, is set in the Black Mountains, near Abergavenny. He presented the BBC’s A Poet’s Guide to Britain which considered the biographical and literary context of landscape poems by the likes of Wordsworth and Sylvia Plath. owen-sheers.co.uk

a good walk spoiled Some of our countryside is given over to golf but the majority will never be tamed.

Thankfully. Our huge range of walking routes mean it’s the walkers alone who are spoiled.

The Brecon Beacons National Park offers rugged moorland and peaks while the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is exactly what it says – stunning!

Three long-distance footpaths pass through the area: Offa’s Dyke Path (177 miles from Chepstow to Prestatyn in North Wales) nationaltrail.co.uk/offasdyke Wye Valley Walk (136 miles from Chepstow to Plynlimon) wyevalleywalk.org Usk Valley Walk (48 miles from Caerleon to Brecon) uskvalleywalk.org.uk

Taken from ‘Farther’ by Owen Sheers.

Copyright © 2005 Owen Sheers.

First published in ‘SKIRRID HILL’.

Reproduced by permission of the author c/o Rogers, Coleridge & White Ltd., 20 Powis Mews, London W11 1JN

a green week could include....

For fewer blisters, try the 20 mile Three Castles Walk which links Grosmont, Skenfrith and White castles. Ideal done over two days, with an overnight stay at Gentle Jane’s in Grosmont which serves wonderful, homemade cakes in its tearoom, or the Bell at Skenfrith, (map ref C3), which has an organic kitchen garden. gentlejane.co.uk skenfrith.co.uk The new 5½ mile circular Kingswood route which starts in Dingestow (map ref C4) is suitable for walkers, horseriders and cyclists, while Newport Wetlands offers flat walking with abundant wildlife along the Severn Estuary (map ref B7). monmouthshire.gov.uk/countryside rspb.org.uk As if that wasn’t enough, our first Walking Festival takes place this autumn, from 22 to 31 October. A celebration of all that’s green, be it long, short, flat or steep.

And a time for friendship. Because walking is great. But walking with friends is better. walkinginmonmouthshire.co.uk

• relaxing in Tintern Abbey Cottage – with a wood burner, locally-grown firewood and solar garden lighting , a bus-stop outside, on the Wye Valley walk, strolling distance from pubs and cafés serving local produce, and uninterrupted views of the Abbey. (map ref D5) tinternabbeycottage.co.uk • scrub clearance, footpath maintenance, painting and bracken bashing – sense of fun essential on this National Trust working holiday near Abergavenny 27 February – 6 March nationaltrust.org.uk • pub lunches and picnics as you mosey along the ‘Mon & Brec’ canal from Goytre to Brecon (map ref B5) waterscape.com

too far for shanks’ pony?

You can’t come to the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk and not go walking. It’s integral to enjoying the beauty of the place.

But, there will be occasions when you’ll need some other form of transport to explore the area. Try these for size:

Beacons Bus & Offa’s Dyke Flyer A network of buses around the Brecon Beacons National Park during the summer. It links to the railway stations at Newport and Abergavenny, some services carry bikes and Bus Pass holders go free! breconbeacons.org

Ride & Hike

Newport University powered by chip fat Tractors, maintenance vehicles and machinery are powered by homemade biodiesel on the campuses of the University of Wales, Newport. It was the first UK university to set up an on-site plant for turning waste cooking oil into eco-friendly fuel. The high quality student accommodation is available to visitors from July to September. newport.ac.uk

A pick-up and drop-off service for walkers and cyclists, using a six-seater vehicle and six-bike trailer.

Get collected from your accommodation and taken to your starting point, or arrange to be met at the end of your route and brought home. rideandhike.com

Train There are frequent train services between Newport & Abergavenny, and Newport & Chepstow with stops at Severn Tunnel Junction and Caldicot. Heritage walks around Sudbrook and Portskewett are easily accessible from Severn Tunnel Junction. severnsideforum.co.uk nationalrail.co.uk

Boat Hire a boat for the day to explore the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal or paddle your way along the River Wye. waterscape.com monmouthcanoe.com backwatershire.co.uk

Bike Bikes can be hired from Fourteen Locks Canal Centre near Newport (map ref A7) fourteenlocks.co.uk and Pedalaway in Monmouth (map ref D4) and near Abergavenny (map ref B4) pedalaway.co.uk

left The last train 51 years ago

tion, ian country railway sta Formerly a busy Victor ch-loved mu ck, -ba laid a tern is now The Old Station in Tin events. d programme of family attraction with a packe -acre site 10 s try’s finest parks, thi On a par with the coun Flag award en Gre ed vet e won the co alongside the River Wy g. itin mises to be just as exc last year. And 2010 pro to a gift shop, me ho be l wil s ge ria car Newly restored railway ion. The tea ibit exh lley int and Wye Va tourist information po arty fireman’s tion building, serves he room, in the original sta bread pudding s. And its specialities like shovel grilled breakfast in the ce pla a it e have gained and lavender sponge cak also find u’ll Yo .

Tea n oo for Aftern AA guide Perfect Places exhibitions a, tables, children’s play are a riverside walk, picnic – six ds en Leg x and the Circle of in the former signal bo historical d an al stic my g ures depictin wooden, life-size sculpt tob Oc er. a’s past. Open April to characters from the are tintern on ati thshire.gov.uk/oldst (map ref D5) monmou .uk thecircleoflegends.co

[competition] T FAIR TRADE FIRS ’s first

e world Wales became th back in June Fair Trade nation a campaign to 2008, following lability of Fair increase the avai ross Wales and to Trade products ac s, businesses and encourage school ons to switch other organisati oducts. to Fair Trade pr fairtradewales.com

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Local author, Ben Giles, has written two new walking guides in the award-winning Pocket Mountain series, Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons. Each contains 40 routes – all the classics and some lesser-known gems. They are available from bookshops for £6.99 but we’ve got six copies of each to give away, thanks to pocketmountains.com To enter simply answer this question: In which month does our Walking Festival take place?

Put the answer in the subject line of an email to walking@visitwyevalley.com Closing date 30 September 2010.

For terms and conditions please see visitwyevalley.com

green events are par for the course 1 March An Evening with Terry Walton: Radio 2 Allotment Doctor Cwmyoy village hall (map ref A3) monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk/ llanthonygardenclub 27 March South Wales Three Peaks Trial Abergavenny (map ref B4) threepeakstrial.co.uk 2 May International Dawn Chorus Day Newport Wetlands (map ref B7) rspb.org.uk 15 May Big Black Mountains Challenge Abergavenny (map ref B4) longtownmrt.org.uk 13 June Open Farm Sunday at Gadr Farm (map ref C5) farmsunday.org 13-15 August Croissant Neuf Summer Party Near Usk (map ref B5). Winners of a Greener Festival Award 2009, organisers harness solar and wind energy to generate all their power onsite. partyneuf.co.uk

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

By his own admission, Alan Morgan is an ‘eco-warrior’ first but his livelihood for the past 25 years has been farming. His achievements at Gadr Farm, near Raglan (map ref C5), have resulted in several environmental awards. He has restored hedgerows to encourage dormice, built ponds complete with ‘newt hotels’ and protected veteran trees in his ancient woodland.

School groups visit his farm regularly for pond-dipping and his farm is featured in the annual Abergavenny Food Festival walks.

In this International Year of Biodiversity, get a glimpse of how one man’s efforts are greening the landscape during Open Farm Sunday on 13 June. farmsunday.org

blooming marvellous We have more than our fair share of greenfingered enthusiasts, tending everything from neat plots around town-houses to internationally recognised gardens. Take the Grade I listed gardens at Dewstow House dewstow.com (map ref C7). Or Veddw House, ‘the most controversial garden in Wales’, according to Helena Attlee, The Telegraph (28/2/09) veddw.co.uk (map ref C6). There are communitybased ventures such as Llanfoist Open Gardens (map ref A4) and Llanthony & District Gardens (map ref A3). They’ve followed the lead of Usk (map ref B5), a village which has been florallyminded for years. Its Open Gardens weekend (26-27 June) attracts over 3,000 visitors (far more than the local population) to view twenty or so gardens. Seemingly, every surface, from windowsills to lampposts, is adorned with flowers. Not surprising, then, that Usk has such an enviable reputation for winning prizes in the Wales in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions. llanfoist-open-gardens.co.uk monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk/llanthonygardenclub uskopengardens.com

gobsmacked National Geographic’s Traveler Magazine recently ranked Wales seventh out of 133 iconic tourist destinations from across the globe.

The findings were the result of a survey by sustainable tourism experts.

Wales was noted as being in excellent shape, relatively unspoiled and likely to remain so! After all, Wales is one of the few administrations in the world to have sustainable development as a statutory commitment within its constitution, and our ecological footprint is lower than the UK average. The experts did note that one downside was the ‘rainy weather’ but loved the ‘verdant’ surroundings.

Can’t really get one without the other, can you?

One panellist commented, ‘I was gobsmacked by the beauty of the Welsh countryside’. We think he visited the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk.

more to explore breconbeacons.org monmouthshiregreenweb.co.uk newport.gov.uk/countryside sustrans.org.uk wyevalleyaonb.org.uk visitwyevalley.com

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Left to right: Anna Tribe, great-great-great granddaughter of Admiral Lord Nelson Newport-born Bert Hodson, member of the Great Britain Ryder Cup Team of 1931 Bill O’Keefe and son, direct descendants of chartist John Partridge

who do you think you are?

President of Raglan Local History Group, Anna Tribe, has a story or two to tell.

Now a spry 80 year-old, she continues to play an active part in the group which was founded by her aunt back in 1955.

Anna has had a life-long interest in history and lectures regularly on subjects dear to her heart. Her enthusiasm for the past is understandable because her own long ancestry makes fascinating reading. Anna Tribe is the great-great-great granddaughter of Admiral Lord Nelson and Emma Hamilton.

And she displays a striking family resemblance.

Going even further back, the family home until 1646 was Raglan Castle. In fact her cousin, the Duke of Beaufort, head of the Somerset family, is still its hereditary keeper.

Unlike Anna Tribe, few people are so closely linked with such high-profile individuals and such well-documented events.

But for the thousands of people interested in researching their family tree, the Gwent Record Office is a good place to start.

It holds records for much of South East Wales going back as far as 1250. Currently in Cwmbran, it will be relocating next year to the Grade II listed offices of the former steelworks in Ebbw Vale. While the behindthe-scenes preparation for the move takes place, the opening hours are limited to Wednesday and Thursday 9.30am – 5pm and Friday 9.30am – 4pm.

Another new resource for budding genealogists is housed in the restored Victorian chapel at the entrance to Monmouth Cemetery.

Opening in February, it will provide access to the computerised burial records, tell the story of Monmouth Cemetery and provide information about the wildlife to be found across this 7-acre site. In Blaenavon, the Community Heritage Museum and World Heritage Centre hold useful records, too.

2010 also sees the 170th anniversary of the Chartists’ trial in Monmouth and the subsequent transportation of three of the leaders to Tasmania, leaving from Chepstow.

A new exhibition about the Chartists opened at Newport Museum late last year to mark the 170th anniversary of the rising itself, when thousands of men from the South Wales valleys marched on Newport only to be met by armed soldiers. Twenty-two men were killed and dozens injured, in their fight for democracy.

The newly-developed Chartist Trails in Newport and Monmouth will undoubtedly attract those with Chartist ancestry. Bill O’Keefe for one.

He’s a direct descendant of John Partridge; it was in Partridge’s house that Chartist leader John Frost was arrested. Interestingly, Bill is a Blue Badge Guide and spends much of his time talking about the events in which his ancestor played a part.

diary dates

more to explore

16 January Trials of the Chartists – 170 years after the death sentence was pronounced on the Chartist leaders, there is a day of talks and walks in Monmouth. newport.ac.uk/chartist (map ref D4)

gwentfhs.info gwentwildlife.org/livingchurchyards monmouthpartnershipforum.org/ cemetery_group.php newport.gov.uk/museum raglanvillage.co.uk rydercup.com

‘As a child, I used to wave as I went round Trafalgar Square on the No.11 bus.’

24 January –10 October Exhibition about the brief life of Charles Stewart Rolls (1877 – 1910) at the Nelson Museum, Monmouth rolls100.com (map ref D4)

Anna Tribe, describing how she delivered her own tribute to Nelson.

Throughout September Open Doors – get to see historic buildings which are usually closed to the public. civictrustwales.org

The Ryder Cup, taking place at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, this Autumn, is drawing one Peter Hodson all the way from America. Not just for the golf but also to catch up with the Hodson family in Newport.

His Newport-born father, Bert Hodson, was a member of the Great Britain team in the 1931 Ryder Cup in Ohio. Though largely self-taught, it appears that Bert initiated a strong golfing tradition which crossed the Atlantic when his son Peter settled in the States. Both Peter and his son Andrew make a living from golf, designing courses and clubs. Meanwhile, Bert’s younger brother Tim was the professional at Tredegar Park Golf Club in Newport from the 1940s to the 1960s. It’ll be interesting to see which side the Hodsons support in this year’s Ryder Cup. An increasing number of visitors to the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk are on the hunt for the significant people and the important places in their past. To unearth the facts.

To solve a puzzle. Even to find new relatives.

For some, it’s going to take quite a bit of searching. For others, it’s as plain as the nose on their face.

If you enjoyed this you may also like...

Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenavon (map ref A5) museumwales.ac.uk Blaenavon World Heritage Site (map ref A5) world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk Chepstow Museum (map ref (D6) monmouthshire.gov.uk

1 – 7 November Chartist Week – events at various venues. newport.ac.uk/chartist

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visitwyevalley.com

23

Go & explore Buy LocalLY

PROPRIETORS NOT PLCS.

Here’s a sample of our heroic shopkeepers.

You’ll discover many more when you wander up our high streets.

The perfect antidote to your very average clone town.

Thank s of hard in no smal l part -work to a b high streets ing sh unch opkeepers are ver Bustling , our w y muc Characte ith people of all h aliv ages en rised by e. joying th names y window es sw ou

give you hich display th won’t have se hopping experi en en e fr a local pro n insight into th uits of the curr elsewhere. Sho ce. p e propri ent seas ducts. S etor’s pa ome are on, or w elsewhe ssio hic spe re. importa All offer a pers cialist outlets fo n. Some shops h nt role. E onal serv sell r products ve ic to the v from iability o ry purchase in a e. And visitors play a h n indepe fa vibrancy uge nd of our to business. Each success ent shop contrib ly wns. An ful busin d people utes ess ad go where there’s li ds to the fe.

For home birds...

For wine connoisseurs...

Herbert Lewis

Fingal-Rock

9 –11 High Street, Chepstow (map ref D6) herbertlewis.com 01291 622347

64 Monnow Street, Monmouth (map ref D4) pinot-noir.co.uk 01600 712372

Open Monday to Saturday 9am –5pm (9:30am start on Wednesday) Sunday 11am– 4pm

Open Monday 9.30am –1.30pm Thursday & Friday 9.30am –1.30pm, 2.30-5.30pm Saturdays 9.30am–5pm

A traditional, family-owned department store which began life as a drapers in 1878. Now led by the 5th generation of the family, staff are extremely proud of their heritage. The Managing Director Dee Griffith says ‘Our business thrives because we change with the times and put customer service first’. Great cookshop, wide range of fashions and stylish gifts.

Established in 1987 by former barrister, Tom Innes, the shop is full of rarely seen, but carefully chosen, wines. Tom says, ‘Our wines have real character and are fairly priced. We sell wines that positively excite the palate rather than those that appeal to the mass market.’ Tom lives on the premises and is happy to attend to customers outside the stated opening hours (but within licensing hours). Don’t miss the wines from local producer Monnow Valley Vineyards. Tom also sells by mail order, with free delivery to mainland England and Wales.

For would-be chefs...

For bookworms...

For a well-earned rest...

Clarkes Butchers

Mandalay Books

Ffwrwm Art & Crafts Centre

38 Newport Road Caldicot (map ref C7) 01291 420364

10 Twyn Square, Usk (map ref B5) sophie@mandalaybooks.plus.com mandalaybooks.co.uk 01291 672567

High Street, Caerleon (map ref B6) ffwrwm.co.uk 01633 430238

Open Monday to Saturday 8am–5pm Alan Rae is proud of his shop and the skills of his staff. ‘We make our own faggots, brawn, burgers and sausages and enter products in competitions every year; it keeps us on our toes’, says Alan.

In 2009 their Beef Chilli Burger won first prize in the Wales Awards for Innovation and Excellence in Meat Products. Plenty of ideas for summer barbecues and tasty meals in your self-catering cottage.

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Open Monday to Saturday 9.30am – 5.30pm A delightful bookshop in a picturesque setting. Wide range of subjects with an excellent collection of local history books and works by local authors. ‘Please come in and browse, ask us questions and share your love of books with us’, says Manager, Sophie Matthews. Good for maps, walking guides and a super selection of unusual greetings cards.

Open Monday to Sunday 9am – 5.30pm (times vary for individual shops) A delightful, yet unexpected, find in the old stable yard of the town’s former mansion house. Here, Dr Russell Rhys has created probably the most eclectic mix of sculptures anywhere in Wales, based mainly on Arthurian legend and the Mabinogion (a series of tales from medieval Welsh manuscripts). ‘It’s a personal indulgence,’ says Dr. Rhys, ‘which I thoroughly enjoy sharing with visitors.’

Within the sculpture garden is a café, art gallery and craft shops.

visitwyevalley.com

25

eventful There are some exciting events happening this year.

For a comprehensive listing, which is updated weekly, go to visitwyevalley.com. The location of each event is shown by a map reference in brackets.

January

13th February – 31st October The saddest day of our lives

8 –17 Wye Valley Chamber Music Festival Treowen Manor, near Monmouth (C4) wyevalleyfestival.com 16 – 9 May Dinosaurs in your Garden: Exhibition Abergavenny Museum (B4) abergavennymuseum.co.uk

An exhibition at the Nelson Museum, Monmouth, to mark the 100th anniversary of Charles Rolls’ early death (1877-1910) at the controls of his Wright bi-plane.

Discover the exploits and achievements of this pioneer motorist and aviator, the youngest son of one of Monmouthshire’s wealthiest land-owning families. (D4) nelsonmuseum.co.uk

16 Mari Lwyd & Wassail Chepstow (D6) tworiversfolkfestival.com 16 The Trials of the Chartists Monmouth (D4) newport.ac.uk/chartist 25 –31 World Snooker Welsh Open at the Newport Centre (B7) worldsnooker.com

For the love of your life...

For art lovers...

Anthony Bingham

The Art Shop

10 Newport Arcade, Newport (map ref B7) anthonybingham.co.uk 01633 246187

8 Cross Street, Abergavenny (map ref B4) artshopandgallery.co.uk 01873 852690

Open Monday 9.30am –1pm, 2–5pm Tuesday to Thursday 9.30am–1pm, 1.30–5pm Friday & Saturday 9.30am–5pm

Open Tuesday to Saturday 9.15am–5pm

Anthony Bingham is a designer goldsmith based in the Grade II-listed Newport Arcade, part of Newport’s retail offer since 1893. Whilst Anthony specialises in bespoke jewellery, his shop also offers a wide range of designer jewellery at competitive prices. ‘We have a thorough knowledge of what we’re selling and take time to talk with customers,’ says Anthony. They can even turn an old favourite into a chic new item of jewellery.

February

May

15 –19 Roman Soldier Workshops For children. National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon (B6) museumwales.ac.uk

1 – 2 Border Counties Steam & Vintage Show Including flypast by a Spitfire.

Monmouth showground (D4) bordercountiesvintageclub.co.uk

24 Llanover Garden School near Abergavenny (B5) llanovergarden.co.uk

Everything for the artist, creative child and interior designer: materials, drawing equipment and specialist papers, cards, wrapping and ribbons, art books and Farrow & Ball products.

Upstairs in this quirky building is a wonderful gallery in a domestic setting. Owner Pauline Griffiths says, ‘I stock only products that I love; if I won’t use them or have them in my home, I don’t sell them. Watch out for their online shop, starting early in 2010.

March 5–19 Monmouth Women’s Festival (D4) monmouthwomensfestival.org.uk 6 March of the Giants Carnival parade in Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/newportfestival 13 Catrin Finch, Wales’ best-known harpist, teams up with Colombian band Cimarron.

The Riverfront, Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/theriverfront

PROPRIETORS NOT PLCS.

OPEN

3 Pear and Perry Festival Great Trerhew Barn, Llanvetherine (B4) villagealivetrust.org.uk

March onwards Newport Festival – a year long festival of music, theatre, comedy, film, dance, sports, arts, parades and more. newport.gov.uk/newportfestival 26 – 27 June Usk Open Gardens, large and small, open for this colourful weekend in Usk. And the town itself, a regular winner of Wales in Bloom, is festooned in flowers. uskopengardens.com

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July (dates tbc) Caerleon Arts Festival brings music, drama and sculpture to the centre of town. caerleon-arts.org 9 –11 July Abergavenny Festival of Cycling includes an exciting race around the town on the Friday evening. abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk 5 September Over 60 rafts with up to 10 people on each provide a colourful spectacle on the River Wye in the Monmouth Rotary Raft Race. mrrr.co.uk

25 –26 September Romans & Britons Re-enactment by Vicus at Caldicot Castle vicus.org.uk 17 October Hoggin’ the Bridge – Chepstow plays host to around 4,000 motorbikes that have driven across the Old Severn Bridge in this charity event. hogginthebridge.co.uk

28–31 Welsh Perry and Cider Festival Clytha Arms, near Abergavenny (B5) welshcider.co.uk 29–31 Welsh Waterways Festival Kimberley Park, Newport (B6) mon-brec-canal-trust.org.uk

8 –16 Llantilio Crossenny Festival near Abergavenny (B4) llantiliocrossenny.com

30–31 Abergavenny Steam, Veteran and Vintage Rally (B4) abergavennysteamrally.co.uk

15 Big Black Mountains Challenge around Abergavenny (B4) longtownmrt.org.uk

31– 5 June Rolls Revue A light-hearted celebration of the life of Charles Rolls.

Monmouth (D4) festivals.adventa.org.uk

1 May – 5 September Artists and the Wye Tour 1770 –1850

20 Craft Fair Chepstow Racecourse (D6) chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

27 Monteverdi Vespers St. Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny (B4) gwentbachsociety.co.uk

April 4 –5 The Sealed Knot Civil War battle gathering at Caldicot Castle (C7) caldicotcastle.co.uk 7–24 A Brush with Light Photography Exhibition at The Riverfront, Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/theriverfront

24 Monmouth Regatta (D4) monmouthrc.org.uk

7– 9 Tredegar House Folk Festival Newport (A7) tredegarhousefolk.ik.com

27 South Wales Three Peaks Trial Abergavenny (B4) threepeakstrial.co.uk

busier than usual

22–23 British Eventing Mount Ballan Horse Trials David Broome Equestrian Centre & Caldicot Castle (C7) mountballanhorsetrials.co.uk

Joseph Mallord William Turner The Chancel and Crossing of Tintern Abbey, Looking towards the East Window, 1794 ©Tate, London 2008

Chepstow Museum hosts a major exhibition of watercolours depicting The Wye Tour, Britain’s first package holiday. Tourists travelled in canopied rowing boats on a two-day trip, with a stop-over in Monmouth, following in the wake of Reverend William Gilpin who invented the quest for ‘picturesque’ scenery. This exhibition features nearly a hundred pictures – farm workers as well as the famous sites. It includes works by the masters, including JMW Turner and Michael Angelo Rooker, and also paintings by amateurs, sketch books, prints and guidebooks. (D6) monmouthshire.gov.uk

visitwyevalley.com

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June

October

Ongoing – 5 June Rolls Revue A light-hearted celebration of the life of Charles Rolls. Monmouth (D4) festivals.adventa.org.uk

8–9 Newport Extravaganza Free event comprising a circus, fire, live music, projections and more. Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/newportfestival

23 July–1 August Monmouth Festival

3 The Tempest Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre (B6) tlcm.co.uk

Bigger than ever, with free music events and special tributes to Charles Rolls.

Includes Rolls Royce Enthusiasts’ Club European Rally on Sunday 25 July (200 cars on display at Monmouth showground before joining the carnival procession, led by Rolls Royce Derby Brass Band), Dixton Fringe events 24 July-1 August and a Balloon Glow finale on 1 August (D4) monmouthfestival.co.uk monmouthshow.co.uk rolls100.com

3–6 The Celtic Manor Wales Open (B6) walesopen.com 4 The Tempest Chepstow Castle (D6) tlcm.co.uk 11–13 Raglan Festival (C5) raglan-festival.org 13 Vintage, Classic and Specialist Car Show Tredegar House, Newport (A7) tredegarhouserally.co.uk 14 Dragon Boat Race Monmouth (D4) stdavidsfoundation.co.uk 18–27 Caerleon Arts Festival and Sculpture Symposium (B6) caerleon-arts.org 19 Abergavenny Eisteddfod (B4) abergavennyeisteddfod.co.uk 26–27 Usk Open Gardens Weekend (B5) uskopengardens.com 26– 18 July Chepstow Festival Over 60 events including choral concerts, theatre in Chepstow Castle, and bands in the bandstand. (D6) chepstowfestival.co.uk

July Ongoing to 18 July Chepstow Festival Over 60 events including choral concerts, theatre in Chepstow Castle, and bands in the bandstand. (D6) chepstowfestival.co.uk

2–4 Two Rivers Folk Festival Chepstow (D6) tworiversfolkfestival.com 3 Maindee Festival Newport (B7) maindee.org 4 Pageant of the Horse Monmouth (D4) festivals.adventa.org.uk 4 Penallt Classic Car Show (D5) festivals.adventa.org.uk 9 –11 Abergavenny Cycling Festival (B4) abergavennyfestivalofcycling.co.uk 12 Service and flypast at graveside of Charles Rolls Led by Bishop of Monmouth at LlangattockVibon-Avel Church (C4) rolls100.com 18 Open Day Newport Wetlands (B7) rspb.org.uk 24 South Wales Shire Horse Show Abergavenny (B4) swshs.org.uk 28

August

14 Chepstow Show Crick (C6) chepstowshow.co.uk

5 The Tempest Raglan Castle (C5) tlcm.co.uk

20–21 Newport Extravaganza Free event comprising a circus, fire, live music, projections and more. Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/newportfestival

7 Llanthony Valley & District Show Llanthony (A3) llanthonyshow.co.uk 7 St Mellons Agricultural Show Tredegar House, Newport (A7) stmellonsshow.org.uk 13–15 Croissant Neuf near Usk (B5) partyneuf.co.uk

22–31 Monmouthshire Walking Festival walkinginmonmouthshire.co.uk

May to October Summer of Golf golfasitshouldbe.com rydercupwales2010.com

29 –30 Newport Extravaganza Free event comprising a circus, fire, live music, projections and more. Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/newportfestival

27 May– 6 June Hay Festival hayfestival.com 31 May–5 June Urdd National Eisteddfod urdd.org/eisteddfod

27 September – 3 October The Ryder Cup The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport (B6) rydercupwales2010.com

November

3 Walter Waygood: Photographic Exhibition Until January 2011.

Abergavenny Museum (B4) abergavennymuseum.co.uk

Here’s a small taster of what’s happening in other parts of Wales.

For a full listing go to visitwales.com

17 Hoggin’ the Bridge Motorbike mania in Chepstow (D6) hogginthebridge.co.uk

26 Monmouthshire Show Includes Charles Rolls exhibition and air display. Monmouth showground (D4) monmouthshow.co.uk

September

Elsewhere in Wales

December 5 Horse Hospital Open Day Monmouth (D4) swhp.co.uk 11, 12 18–24 Nativity with Live Animals Parva Farm Vineyard, Tintern (D5) parvafarm.com

4–5 Newport Extravaganza Free event comprising a circus, fire, live music, projections and more. Newport (B7) newport.gov.uk/newportfestival

11–15 Sculpture Course Govilon (A4) studysculpture.com 25 –26 Romans & Britons Living history at Caldicot Castle (C7) vicus.org.uk 27– 3 October The Ryder Cup The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport (B6) rydercupwales2010.com

6 –11 July Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod llangollen2010.co.uk 19 –22 July Royal Welsh Show rwas.co.uk 31 July–7 August National Eisteddfod of Wales eisteddfod.org.uk 6 –8 August Brecon Jazz breconjazz.org

18 Chepstow Male Voice Choir Concert Chepstow Leisure Centre (D6) chepstowmvc.co.uk 1–7 Chartist Week Events at various venues newport.ac.uk/chartist

27 The Welsh National The richest race meeting in Wales (D6) chepstow-racecourse.co.uk

5 Charity Raft Race Monmouth to Whitebrook (D4-5) mrrr.co.uk 11 Usk Show Usk showground (B6) uskshow.co.uk

July–August Cardiff Summer Festival cardiff-festival.com

Cardiff Summer Festival

18 –19 September Abergavenny Food Festival Enjoy the company of some of the most skilled, passionate and knowledgeable culinary practitioners in the country, alongside the region’s own burgeoning food community. (B4).

For the full ingredients register online at abergavennyfoodfestival.com

3–5 December Made by Hand Craft, design, food and drink exhibition at Tredegar House, Newport (A7) madebyhand-wales.co.uk

visitwyevalley.com

29

30 visitwyevalley.com 31

The Hendre

Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Brecon Beacons National Park

Cycle Hire

Golf Course

Tourist Feature with café

Vineyard

Country Park

Museum

Ancient Monument/Site

House or Building of Historic Interest

Abbey, Cathedral or Priory

Castle

Viewpoint

Bus or Coach Station

Tourist Information (seasonal)

Tourist Information (all year)

key to symbols

sources of information Tourist Information Centres (TICs) For the very best advice on where to stay, what to do, how to get about and what’s on, you should contact the staff at our friendly TICs. If, prior to your visit, you require information not contained within this guide, the TICs listed below will be able to help you. They also offer a free local accommodation booking service and a Book-A-Bed-Ahead service for anywhere in the UK. Please call to check opening hours.

Abergavenny Tourist Information & National Park Centre (open all year) Monmouth Road, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5HL Tel: +44 (0)1873 853254 Fax: +44 (0)1873 853254 Email: abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org

Freepost Information Service

Caerleon TIC (open all year) 5 High Street, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 1AE Tel: +44 (0)1633 422656 Fax: +44 (0)1633 422656 Email: caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk

Other Sources of Advice

Chepstow TIC (open all year) Castle Car Park, Bridge Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5EY Tel: +44 (0)1291 623772 Fax: +44 (0)1291 628004 Email: chepstow.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk Monmouth TIC (open all year) Market Hall, Priory Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3XA Tel: +44 (0)1600 713899 Fax: +44 (0)1600 772794 Email: monmouth.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk Newport TIC (open all year) Museum & Art Gallery, John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA Tel: +44 (0)1633 842962 Fax: +44 (0)1633 222615 Email: newport.tic@newport.gov.uk

Websites For the very latest information about the region, including events: visitwyevalley.com newport.gov.uk/tourism monmouthshire.gov.uk southernwalesevents.com

32

To receive further specific information, you may wish to use the Freepost Information Service. We offer a number of free leaflets. Please refer to the website visitwyevalley.com or contact one of the TICs.

Caldicot Tourist Information Outlet (open from April - October) Caldicot Castle, Church Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 4HU Tel: +44 (0)1291 420241 Fax: +44 (0)1291 435094 Email: caldicotcastle@monmouthshire.gov.uk Usk Tourist Information Outlet (open Easter – October) Usk Rural Life Museum, The Malt Barn, New Market Street, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 1AU Tel: +44 (0)1291 673777 The Old Station, Tintern (open from 1 April – 1 November) Tintern, Monmouthshire, NP16 7NX Tel & Fax: +44 (0)1291 689566 Email: johnsterry@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Local Tourism Groups Abergavenny & District Tourist Association Produces a comprehensive guide which includes details of accommodation, businesses, restaurants and services for visitors to the Abergavenny area.

Tel: +44 (0)1873 853254 Email: abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org visitabergavenny.co.uk

Abergavenny Farm Holiday Group For B & B and self catering on farms and smallholdings situated on the hills surrounding the bustling market town of Abergavenny. Brochure available.

Tel: +44 (0)1873 890359 afhg.co.uk Caerleon Tourism Forum Local traders and professional organisations working together to promote Caerleon, and the annual art and sculpture festival.

Trail leaflets available.

Tel: +44 (0)1633 422656 Email: caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk caerleon.net Newport Tourism Association Tel: +44 (0)1633 414514 Email: tourism@newport.gov.uk newport.gov.uk/visiting Stay Down Our Lane Rural self catering and bed & breakfast properties in Monmouthshire offering quality and a friendly stay.

For information and availability Freephone +44 (0)8000 935156, or visit downourlane.co.uk Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Association Produces two informative guides, ‘Do something different’ and ‘Great places to eat’ throughout this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

An additional and special guide for older visitors is also available.

Tel: +44 (0)845 053 1173 Email: info@wyedeantourism.co.uk wyedeantourism.co.uk

Blue Badge Guides If you wish to have a guided tour of the area why not contact a qualified member of the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association.

These freelance Guides will undertake various types of tours, ranging from hourly tours by car or coach, to extended tours of longer duration throughout Wales. The following Guides are resident in the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk: Alun Booth, Newport Tel & Fax: +44 (0)1633 663364 Mobile: 07742 715374 Email: alunbooth@hotmail.co.uk Phil Coates, Newport Tel: +44 (0)1633 774796 Mobile: 07867 786368 Email: phil@walestourguides.com walestourguides.com Jonathan Edwards, Usk Tel: +44 (0)1291 672507 Mobile: 07765 836539 Email: david27edw@tiscali.co.uk Sandi Gosden, near Abergavenny Tel: +44 (0)1495 785356 Mobile: 07748 007291 Email: sandigosden@lineone.net Gordon Hill, Caldicot Tel: +44 (0)1291 424143 Mobile: 07836 203295 Email: gordon.swguides@yahoo.co.uk Margaret McIntyre (German speaker), Monmouth Tel: +44 (0)1600 712799 Mobile: 07801 286098 Email: margaretmcintyre@onetel.com Rosemary Phillips, Usk Tel: +44 (0)1633 450397

Janice Williams, Abergavenny Tel & Fax: +44 (0)1873 831824 Mobile: 07710 200237 Email: janrob1@tinyworld.co.uk

Groups

Central Enquiry Service for Wales Tel: +44 (0)1286 678590 Email: enquiry@wotga.com wotga.com

If you’re planning to bring a group to the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk we offer help to organise tours and short breaks and to develop itineraries.

Tel: +44 (0)845 6002639 Email: travel@southernwales.com southernwales.org

Heads of the Valleys Green Badge Guides

Conferences and Meeting Venues

Details of those qualified to guide throughout the ‘Heads of the Valleys’ region including Blaenavon World Heritage Site. wotga.com/HeadsoftheValleys.php

Cordell Country Official Guides Let a tour guide introduce you to the landscapes and places which so inspired Alexander Cordell, author of ‘Rape of the Fair Country’. They are your ideal partners for bringing the sites and his writing to life. wotga.com/CordellCountry.php cordellcountry.org

Chartism Heritage Official Guides Guides qualified to interpret the heritage of the Chartism movement, particularly relating to sites within southeast Wales and the 1839 Newport Uprising. wotga.com/Chartism.php

Golf The region is an outstanding golf destination that will appeal to golfers who require pre-set or tailor made golf breaks. For information, advice and options please call our dedicated Golf Sales Team.

Tel: +44 (0)870 600 6088 Fax: +44 (0)1656 728483 Email: enquiries@walesgolfholidays.com greensofsouthernwales.com monmouthshiregolfbreaks.co.uk

For help finding venues and ideas for conferences, meetings, incentives & team building.

Tel: +44 (0)1633 233292 Fax: +44 (0)1633 232334 Email: tourism.conf@newport.gov.uk southeastwales.org.uk

Overseas Visitors If you’re travelling from outside the UK you may wish to visit the websites below with information on the southern Wales region in English, French, Dutch & German. southernwales.com lesuddupaysdegalles.com sudwales.com zuidelijkwales.com Email: tourism@southernwales.com

Weather Forecast Weather Call, run in association with the Met. Office.

Tel: +44(0)906 850 0409 weathercall.co.uk

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key to advertisements

All accommodation grades in this publication have been based on a new set of common quality standards agreed

by Visit Wales, Visit Britain, Visit Scotland and the AA. The star ratings reflect the facilities and overall quality of the experience.

Each establishment heading carries a map reference (which refers to a square e.g. A1) which can be located on the large map included with this guide. We hope that this will help you to select a holiday base close to those places of particular interest.

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A Guide to Quality Assurance

Here are the quality ratings:

All the accommodation featured in this publication has been quality graded so you can make your choice in confidence, knowing that each place to stay has been given a star grading according to the quality and facilities on offer. Star grades mean that you can be sure of standards and choose the accommodation that’s just right for you.

★

Simple, practical, no frills

★★

Well presented and well run

★★★

Good level of quality and comfort

★★★★

Excellent standard throughout

Visit Wales/AA are the only checking agents in Wales, checking out over 5,000 places.

In the case of properties handled by self-catering agencies, the frequency between visits can be longer.

Occasionally, it has not been possible to visit the accommodation prior to publication.

In these instances, the property is marked as ‘Awaiting Grading’.

STARS are your guide to quality.

The Star Quality Grading Schemes apply to all types of accommodation: serviced – hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast, farm accommodation, hostel/hostel type accommodation, self-catering cottages and apartments and caravan holiday home and touring/camping parks.

34

★★★★★ Exceptional, with a degree of luxury Also look out for that extraspecial property that has been awarded Visit Wales’ Gold Award, given for exceptional standards of hospitality, comfort and food in serviced accommodation.

Further detailed information on grading criteria and awards can be found at wales.gov.uk/tourism

Please note: All gradings and awards were correct at the time of going to press. Occasionally, it may not have been possible to undertake a grading. This situation is clearly identified by ‘Awaiting Grading’ appearing within the advertisement/entry. Grading assessments are on-going and improvements made by establishments may have resulted in a revision since publication. Please check when booking. Further information on gradings and awards is available from Visit Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, Rhodfa Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion SY23 3UR Tel: 0300 062 2000 Fax: 0300 062 2001 Email: quality.tourism@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Any problems?

In the unfortunate event that you do encounter problems with your chosen accommodation, please refer to wales.gov.uk/tourism for further guidance.

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★★★

Bookable through TICs Bus stop nearby (0.5 miles) Café/Restaurant Charge for fuel Close to long distance walks Close to short walking routes Coach parties welcome Cots available Disabled facilities Electric hook-up (caravan/camping site) Evening entertainment Evening meals by arrangement

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Short Breaks

Short Break Rates are available – ask for details

Room Rate – minimum & maximum Price per room per night including breakfast, for single occupancy and double/twin occupancy (unless specifically stated that the rate quoted is per person, per night)

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15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EN T: 01873 857121 F: 01873 858059 E: mail@angelhotelabergavenny.com W: www.angelhotelabergavenny.com Open: All Year Rooms: 32 En-suite: 32 Historic coaching inn recommended in Good Food Guide. Tea Guild ‘Award of Excellence’ for afternoon teas. One of Britain’s best Sunday lunches according to Observer Food Monthly Awards 2009.

Wine Spectator ‘Award of Excellence’.

Near Shaun Hill’s Walnut Tree restaurant.

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Facilities for visitors with sight difficulties

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Ground floor bedrooms available Gym/Health Club

Linen provided free of charge Major credit cards accepted Parking/private car park

Pets welcome by arrangement Railway station nearby (3 miles) Showers (caravan/camping site) Smoking area provided Special diets catered for Swimming pool Tea/coffee facilities in bedrooms Television Toilets on site (caravan/camping site or attraction/activity) Totally non-smoking Use of organic produce Welsh spoken Wireless broadband

Quality Grading

Accommodation Awards

Attraction & Activity Awards

Inspected & graded

by Visit Wales

Visit Wales Accredited Attraction

Visit Wales Accredited Activity

Museums, Libraries & Archives Council

Wales Trekking & Riding Association

British Horse Society

AALA accredited

Inspected & graded

by Visit Britain

Inspected and graded by the AA

Visit Wales Gold Award 2010

AA Restaurant Rating

True Taste Award

General Awards

Welcome

Host

Disability Access

Statement

Available Online

Savour The Wye

Green Flag Award

Les Routiers Listed Restaurant

Green Tourism Business Scheme

Green Dragon Environmental Standard Cyclists Welcome Award

Walkers Welcome Award

Families Welcome Award

Pets Welcome Award

Business Class Bedroom Standards

Business Class Meeting Room Standards

CYCLISTS

Visit Wales Platinum Business Class Standards

Welsh Rarebits

Access Symbols

Access improved for Access improved for

mobility impaired people visually impaired people

Access improved for hearing impaired people

Local Tourist Associations

Abergavenny & District Tourist Association

Abergavenny Farm Holiday Group

Caerleon Tourism Forum

Stay downourlane

Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Tourism Association

visitwyevalley.com

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Serviced Accommodation

Serviced Accommodation Abergavenny B5

Abergavenny B4

The Angel Hotel

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Llansantffraed Court

★★★

Caerleon B6

★★★★

Monmouth C3

The Priory Hotel & Restaurant

The Bell at Skenfrith

Skenfrith, Monmouthshire, NP7 8UH T: 01600 750235 F: 01600 750525 E: enquiries@skenfrith.co.uk W: www.skenfrith.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 11 En-suite: 11 Award winning inn with eleven fabulous rooms. Delicious food from our organic garden and local suppliers. An extensive wine list, real ales and local cider. Wonderful walks in Monnow Valley. Booking recommended.

Closed Tuesdays November to March.

15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EN T: 01873 857121 F: 01873 858059 E: mail@angelhotelabergavenny.com W: www.angelhotelabergavenny.com Open: All Year Rooms: 32 En-suite: 32 Historic coaching inn recommended in Good Food Guide. Tea Guild ‘Award of Excellence’ for afternoon teas. One of Britain’s best Sunday lunches according to Observer Food Monthly Awards 2009.

Wine Spectator ‘Award of Excellence’.

Near Shaun Hill’s Walnut Tree restaurant.

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £69-£130

Double £89-£150

Short Breaks

CYCLISTS

43 Hereford Road, Abergavenny, NP7 5PY T: 01873 851920 F: 01873 857885 E: blacklionaber@aol.com W: www.blacklionaber.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 5 En-suite: 2 Family run guest house. Ideal for Black Mountains, Three Castles Walk, Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal. Anglers, bikers, cyclists, walkers; all welcome. Golf courses nearby with public transport links. Packed lunches, evening meals and transport available. Opening early 2010, new Black Lion Country Hotel with rooms/ facilities for the disabled – check website.

Cardiff 25 mins by train.

Room Rate: Please enquire

Abergavenny B3

Old Raglan Road, Llanvihangel Gobion, Abergavenny, NP7 9BA T: 01873 840678 F: 01873 840674 E: reception@llch.co.uk W: www.llch.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 21 En-suite: 21 Set in 20 acres of landscaped grounds, deep in the ‘Foodie’ golden triangle of rural Monmouthshire, 5 minutes from Abergavenny and a short drive from Blaenavon World Heritage Site, this historic 4 star country house hotel offers comfort and warm hospitality.

Breathtaking views of the Brecon Beacons are the backdrop for some outstanding cuisine.

The multi award-winning Court Restaurant kitchen team produce locally-sourced food to an internationally recognised standard. With 21 individually styled bedrooms, log fires, croquet on the lawn, alfresco dining, afternoon teas, or a novel on the Short Breaks terrace; a must for lovers of the good things in life.

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £90-£130

Double £120-£175

Caerleon B7

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Room Rate: Single £60-£71.95

Double £80-£101.95

★★★

Guest House

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £31-£33

Double £62-£66

Short Breaks

Monmouth D5

The Leas

Awaiting Grading

Crown at Whitebrook

Awaiting Grading

★★★★★

Beachley Chepstow NP16 7HF T: 01291 627853 Open: Mar-Oct Rooms: 1 En-suite: 0 Situated 5 minutes walk from Offa’s Dyke Path at Sedbury Cliffs. Family run accommodation on the edge of the Royal Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Golf at St Pierre or 2010 Ryder Cup. Full English breakfast and warm welcome.

CYCLISTS

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Room Rate: Single £30-£35

Double £60-£65

Room Rate: Single from £35 Short Breaks

Double from £55

Chepstow D6

Uplands House

★★★★★

Crickhowell, Powys, NP8 1ES T: 01873 811288 F: 01873 810317 E: info@glancourt.co.uk W: www.glancourt.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 9 En-suite: 8+1 private Grade II listed family home standing in beautiful, peaceful gardens and parkland. Tennis available, log fires, honesty bar, comfortable sofas, charming spacious bedrooms all individually furnished. Bathrooms en-suite and one room has private Jacuzzi bathroom. Three self catering cottages within the grounds.

CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £65-£95

Double £85-£120

Abergavenny B4

Coldra Woods, Newport, NP18 1HQ T: 01633 410262 F: 01633 410269 E: bookings@celtic-manor.com W: www.celtic-manor.com Open: All Year Rooms: 400 En-suite: 400 Venue for The 2010 Ryder Cup, this world-class resort set in 1,400 acres of parkland in the beautiful Usk Valley boasts a five star Resort Hotel and an historic four star Manor House.

There are a host of facilities to help you relax and unwind including two luxurious health spas, three championship golf courses, two clubhouses, a world-class golf academy, five restaurants, a crèche and family games room, tennis, shooting, mountain-biking and walking trails.

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Room Rate: Single £165-£1,500

Double £198-£1,500

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CYCLISTS

Leechpool, Chepstow, NP26 5TY T: 07792 346071 E: uplandshouse@email.com W: www.uplandshouse.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 3 En-suite: 3 We look forward to welcoming you to our home and rustling up a cracking breakfast!

A former farmhouse, Uplands House is a family-run B&B offering luxury and convenience. Close to Chepstow and Caldicot, we are surrounded by golf courses and superb restaurants, wonderful country walks and cycle rides. Ryder Cup venue 9 miles.

Room Rate: Single £48.50-£55 Short

Double £70-£80 Breaks

★★★★

Abergavenny, NP7 9BT T: 01873 853513 / 07773 775179 E: carol@hardwickfarm.co.uk W: www.hardwickfarm.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 3 En-suite: 2 Warm welcome and homely atmosphere awaits you on our dairy farm. Situated on the edge of the Brecon Beacons, surrounded by mountain views and rolling countryside, bordered by River Usk. Ideal centre for walking, exploring castles, pony-trekking.

Brochure available.

CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £40-£45

Double £58-£65

The Golden Lion

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Whitebrook, Monmouth, NP25 4TX T: 01600 860254 F: 01600 860607 E: info@crownatwhitebrook.co.uk W: www.crownatwhitebrook.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 8 En-suite: 8 Situated in the Wye Valley, the award-winning Crown at Whitebrook is off the beaten track, but is well worth seeking out. This carefully renovated 17th-century drover’s inn retains many original features like old beams, and the elegantly dressed tables and original artwork create a fresh, contemporary feel. Service is attentive and friendly. The memorable menu, with bold interpretations of modern British ideas, is underpinned by a classical French theme, Short and the intelligent use of fresh, local ingredients produces some exhilarating results. Breaks

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Room Rate: Single £80-£100

Double £115-£140

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Monmouth C4

Magor C7

Hardwick Farm

36

Short Breaks

Mitchel Troy, Monmouth, NP25 4HZ T: 01600 712176 E: info@churchfarmguesthouse.eclipse.co.uk W: www.churchfarmmitcheltroy.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 9 En-suite: 7 A spacious and homely 16th century former farmhouse (Grade II listed) with oak beams and inglenook fireplaces. Set in large garden with stream. Easy access to A40. Two miles from historic Monmouth. All types of room so suitable for families/groups.

This former Cistercian Monastery, now a beautifully furnished 22 Bedroom Hotel in large landscaped gardens, offers a unique experience to suit all tastes and budgets. Set in the heart of the picturesque Village of Caerleon, steeped in history with Roman Museum, Barracks, Baths and best preserved Amphitheatre in Britain, The Priory Hotel & Restaurant boasts the largest selection of fresh Meat, Fish and Seafood in the area within a magnificent Mediterranean ambience. Taken together with proximity to the Short Breaks Celtic Manor and access to many outdoor activities, The Priory is second to none.

Chepstow D6

The Celtic Manor Resort

Abergavenny A4

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High Street, Caerleon, NP18 1AG T: 01633 421241 F: 01633 421271 W: www.thepriorycaerleon.co.uk Open: All Year (closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day) Rooms: 22 En-suite: 22

Pandy, Abergavenny, NP7 7PD T: 01873 890535 F: 01873 890792 E: kdwhite@brynhonddu.co.uk W: www.brynhonddu.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 4 En-suite: 4 Our friendly family-run B&B, voted ‘Best B&B in Wales 2003’ by overseas visitors, offers picturesque views over the Black Mountains and an historic country house setting with some of the ‘best walking areas in the country’ and extensive biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Glangrwyney Court

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Room Rate: Single £75-£120

Double £110-£220

Church Farm Guest House

Brynhonddu Country House B&B

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CYCLISTS

Monmouth C4

Abergavenny B4

Black Lion Guest House

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★★★★★

Awaiting Grading

The Square, Magor, NP26 3HY T: 01633 880312 F: 01633 880188 E: info@thegoldenlionmagor.co.uk W: www.thegoldenlionmagor.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 1 En-suite: 1 The Golden Lion, Magor. A Traditional Pub in picturesque village square. Half a mile from M4 (Magor) Services. A la carte restaurant with award winning chef. Bar meals and Lunch menu. B&B with en suite; 2-Bed self-catering cottage nearby in Caerleon.

Room Rate: Single Please enquire

Double Please enquire

Hendre Farmhouse Wonastow, Monmouth, NP25 4DJ T: 01600 740484 E: thehendrefarmhouse@hotmail.com W: www.pam-baker.org Open: All Year Rooms: 3 En-suite: 3 Spacious well-furnished 18th century farmhouse set in a large attractive garden with trout and carp ponds overlooking open countryside towards the Sugar Loaf and Black Mountains. Farm bordered by Rolls Golf Course, with Offa’s Dyke passing the front gate.

An ideal base for exploring Monmouthshire.

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £50-£80

Double from £80

visitwyevalley.com

37

Serviced Accommodation

Serviced Accommodation Monmouth D5

Tudor Farmhouse Hotel Llandogo, Monmouth, NP25 4TL T: 01594 530496 E: townsend@lugano.freeserve.co.uk W: www.luganobandb.com Open: All Year Rooms: 2 En-suite: 2 Luxury accommodation set in pleasant landscaped gardens just off main A466, halfway between Monmouth and Chepstow, in the picturesque village of Llandogo. Close to Tintern and Forest of Dean. Ideal touring centre. Walkers’ paradise. Access at all times.

Brochure available.

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Room Rate: Single from £35

Double £56-£60

★★★★

Guest Accommodation

Walnut Tree Cottage

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £50-£65

Double £65-£95

★★★★

Inn

★★★

Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6SF T: 01291 680020 F: 01291 689777 E: abbeyhotel@live.com W: www.tinternabbeyhotel.com Open: All Year Rooms: 23 En-suite: 23 Situated in the heart of the Wye Valley, the Abbey Hotel sits proudly in an area of outstanding natural beauty with astounding views of the famous Tintern Abbey and woodlands of the Wye Valley. Dating back to the early 1800’s, reference to the hotel can be found as early as 1804 when the landlord of the Beaufort Inn, as it was previously named, would hold the key to the gate of the Abbey and augment his income by admitting visitors and conducting tours.

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Room Rate: Single £45-£48

Double £35-£38

Tintern D5

Wonastow, Monmouth, NP25 4DW T: 01600 740253 E: beryl-yeomans@tiscali.co.uk W: www.whitehillfarmuk.com Open: All Year Rooms: 2 En-suite: 1 (+1 private bathroom) 18th century spacious farmhouse with stunning rural views. Ideal for a quiet stress-free break. Large garden and patio. TVs, Wi-fi, etc, in bedrooms. Explore our working farm and woodland walks, see wild deer and badgers. Historic Monmouth 2.5 miles away.

CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single from £50

Double from £70

Short Breaks

CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £45-£50

Double £65-£80

Newport B7

Monmouth C4

Rockfield, Monmouth, NP25 5SW T: 01600 775424 E: steppesfarm@btconnect.com W: www.steppesfarmcottages.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 14 En-suite: 6 A small hamlet of 6 cottages with 14 rooms in total for B&B use. Choose between the comfort of having breakfast served in your cottage or in the critically acclaimed, Michelin-listed, Stonemill Restaurant, serving local produce. Complimentary golf is also available to cottage guests during their stay.

Room Rate: Single £40-£55

Double £90-£110

Short Breaks

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Tintern Abbey, NP16 6SF T: 01291 689205 F: 01291 689448 E: royalgeorgetintern@hotmail.com W: www.bw-royalgeorgehotel.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 15 En-suite: 15 Charming 16th century inn located at Tintern Abbey. Bedrooms are arranged around the garden next to the river.

There is a well stocked lounge bar with winter fires and a cosy restaurant serving Welsh and borders fayre.

Set in 11 acres of grounds only a two minute walk into the old Market Town. All 36 en-suite bedrooms have been upgraded, many have commanding views over the gardens and surrounding countryside. The executive and four poster rooms incorporate en-suite jacuzzi or feature baths. The public areas are furnished in a contemporary design whilst still retaining the original features of this period manor house.

Harry’s Restaurant has a varied menu featuring British and European Short Breaks influences focusing on local fresh produce.

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Room Rate: Single £100-£185

Double £120-£205

★★★

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Room Rate: Single £60-£95

Double £70-£110

Short Breaks

Parva Farmhouse Riverside Guest House

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CYCLISTS

★★★★

Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6SQ T: 01291 689411 E: parvahoteltintern@fsmail.net W: www.parvafarmhouse.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 8 En-suite: 8 Relax in the informal comfort of this 17th century guest house, close to Tintern Abbey. Beamed ceilings, Chesterfields, log burner. Delicious home cooked food served in our cosy inglenook restaurant. Eight comfortable bedrooms, most with superb river views. Excellent walking/cycling trails. Many attractions nearby.

Room Rate: Single £47-£60

Double £65-£95

Short Breaks

Tintern D5

The Waterloo Hotel

★★★★

Gloucester Road, Ross on Wye, HR9 5LH T: 01989 763161 F: 01989 768330 E: res@chasehotel.co.uk W: www.chasehotel.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 36 En-suite: 36

Tintern D5

Rhiwderin, Newport, NP10 8RQ T: 01633 893284 E: enquiries@pentretaifarm.co.uk W: www.pentretaifarm.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 7 En-suite: 7 Enjoy a warm, friendly atmosphere on our sheep farm 12 miles from Cardiff.

Accommodation is modern, easily accessible in a lovely guest wing. 7 fully equipped ensuite rooms. Relaxing guest lounge and conservatory. Local pubs.

3 miles from J28 M4.

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Room Rate: Single £55-£65

Double £75-£120

Best Western Royal George Hotel

Staunton, Coleford, GL16 8PD T: 01594 832316 E: helen@steepmeadow.co.uk W: www.steepmeadow.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 3 En-suite: 3 Welcome to Steep Meadow, a Wye Valley smallholding. Ideal for sightseeing and walking. Relaxed & friendly, residents lounge, panoramic views. Breakfasts include our own eggs, bacon, sausages. En-suite bedrooms. 4 stars. Off A4136, 3 miles from Monmouth and Symond’s Yat.

38

The Chase Hotel

Short Breaks

Pentre-Tai Farm B&B

Steep Meadow

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Guest House

Newport A7

Monmouth D4

Awaiting Grading

High Street, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2DY T: 01291 690412 F: 01291 690935 E: enquiries@beaufortraglan.co.uk W: www.beaufortraglan.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 17 En-suite: 17 Award winning 16th century inn historically linked to Raglan Castle. Halfway between M4/ M50 at A40/A449 junction. Noted for ‘very good food, real ales and wines’. Relaxed, informal atmosphere with modern elegant furnishings, retaining traditional features.

South facing terrace, welcoming tourists and businesspeople alike.

Short Room Rate: Single from £60 Breaks

Double £75-£105

Whitehill Farm

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Room Rate: Single £55-£70

Double £79-£130

The Abbey Hotel

Ross On Wye E3

Guest House

Room Rate: Single £45-£55

Double £75-£90

Symonds Yat East, Ross on Wye, HR9 6JL T: 01600 890435 E: contact@saracensheadinn.co.uk W: www.saracensheadinn.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 10 En-suite: 10 Ideally situated on the banks of the Wye. Perfect for exploring the Wye Valley, Herefordshire, South Wales and the Forest of Dean; by car, cycle or foot.

Real ales, fine food and relaxing ambience.

Most rooms overlook the river.

Steppes Farm

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★★★

Monmouth C4

Monmouth D4

The Saracen’s Head Inn

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The Beaufort Arms Raglan

Symonds Yat West, Ross on Wye, HR9 6BN T: 01600 890828 E: enquiries@walnuttreehotel.co.uk W: www.walnuttreehotel.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 5 En-suite: 5 A warm welcome awaits in this beautiful setting, overlooking the River Wye, Yat Rock and Forest of Dean. Take the hand rope ferry to Symonds Yat East and enjoy walks through forest and river paths. Fresh cooked breakfast with local produce where possible.

Whitchurch, Ross on Wye, HR9 6DB T: 01600 890757 E: info@portlandguesthouse.co.uk W: www.portlandguesthouse.co.uk Open: Feb-Dec Rooms: 6 En-suite: 6 Relaxing atmosphere and superb food await at this superior Georgian house in an area of outstanding natural beauty near Monmouth and Symonds Yat. Spacious en-suite suites and bedrooms.

Golf courses within 10 minutes drive.

Lots more to do nearby.

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Hotel

Monmouth D4

Monmouth D4

Portland House

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★★★

High Street, Clearwell, Glos, GL16 8JS T: 01594 835046 F: 01594 837093 E: info@tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk W: www.tudorfarmhousehotel.co.uk Open: All Year (closed 24th-26th December) Rooms: 20 En-suite: 20 Set in the Wye Valley / Forest of Dean borders, the hotel has 20 well appointed en-suite rooms and dates from the 13th century. The 2-rosette restaurant offers a great atmosphere and a fantastic menu sourced from local suppliers. Comprehensive meeting facilities and 14 acres of grounds to explore.

Room Rate: Single from £80 Short Breaks

Double from £90

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CYCLISTS

Tintern D5

Raglan C5

Monmouth D5

Lugano

Tintern Old Rectory B&B 113 Alexandra Road, Newport, NP20 2JG T: 01633 264266 F: 01633 250614 E: enquiries@thewaterloohotel.co.uk W: www.thewaterloohotel.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 21 En-suite: 21 Late Victorian hotel revived by luxury refurbishment; now boasts first class comfort, yet retaining all traditional features.

Superb restaurant serving modern British and European cuisine. Excellent golf courses in the area. Ideal base to explore the delights of South Wales.

Room Rate: Single £65-£75

Double £95-£140

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The Old Rectory, Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6SG T: 01291 689920 E: tinternoldrectory@mac.com W: www.tintern-oldrectory.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 3 En-suite: 3 Charming, gracious 18th Century Bed & Breakfast directly overlooking the Wye. Exquisite river views, lovely en-suite rooms, sitting room, wood fires, croquet, gardens.

Nearby legendary Tintern Abbey, enjoy beautiful, tranquil scenery, outstanding walking trails. Locally sourced, delicious homemade meals our specialty.

Room Rate: Single £55-£75 Short Breaks

Double £70-£85

visitwyevalley.com

39

Self Catering Accommodation

Serviced Accommodation Tintern D5

Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages

The Wye Valley Hotel

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Llantilio Pertholey Abergavenny, NP7 8BH T: 01873 857357 E: werngochlyn@hotmail.com W: www.werngochlynfarm.org Open: All Year Units: 4 Sleeps: 3-6 Cottages converted from 18th century barns 2½ miles from the market town of Abergavenny. Situated under the Skirrid mountain. Revealed beams, stone walls, centrally heated, well-equipped. Heated indoor pool, BHS approved riding centre, games room. Many friendly farm animals.

Unit Rate: Weekly £205-£550

3 nights £120-£225

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £50-£60

Double £65-£85

Short Breaks

Usk B5

Vale of Usk, plus the Beacons

★★★

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Pontypool Road, Usk, NP15 1SY T: 01291 672302 F: 01291 627597 E: enquiries@glen-yr-afon.co.uk W: www.glen-yr-afon.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 27 En-suite: 27 Overlooking the banks of the River Usk, this elegant privately owned country house hotel is set in idyllic grounds.

The Glen-yr-Afon is renowned for the special care and attention given to all guests, making a visit as enjoyable as possible.

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Room Rate: Single from £94

Double from £120

Short Breaks

Usk B6

Greyhound Inn/Hotel

★★★

Abergavenny, the ideal holiday base - in the lovely Vale of Usk and with the splendid Brecon Beacons providing a wonderful backdrop to the historic townscape.

Magnificent scenery and heritage - pre-historic man, the Romans, the Normans and the Tudors have all left their mark in the area, while the Blaenafon Ironworks World Heritage Site is close by.

Wide range of activities and adventure - lots going on: not only adventure activities (paragliding, sailing, climbing, cycling, etc) but also quieter pursuits like walking and bird-watching, as well as superb cultural opportunities - music, art, etc.

Caerleon B6

For more details - see the following website, www.visitabergavenny.co.uk or contact the Tourist Information Centre (01873 853254, abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org).

Llantrissant, nr Usk, NP15 1LE T: 01291 672505 / 673447 F: 01291 673255 E: enquiry@greyhound-inn.com W: www.greyhound-inn.com Open: All Year Rooms: 10 En-suite: 10 The Greyhound Inn/Hotel maintains a tradition of excellent country hospitality.

We have owned the Greyhound for 28 years and offer real ales, good wines to complement our interesting and varied menu. Fine country accommodation is situated in our converted stone barns and offers all modern day comforts.

Our gardens have won Wales in Bloom Awards. The Greyhound is 2 miles from Usk in open countryside towards Wentwood Forest and 15 minutes from The 2010 Ryder Cup venue, Celtic Manor.

Brynoyre, Talybont-on-Usk, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7YS T: 01874 676446 F: 01874 676416 E: enquiries@breconcottages.com W: www.breconcottages.com Open: All Year Units: 300 Sleeps: 2-40 Wide selection of interesting properties sleeping between 2 and 40, throughout the Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons, Black Mountains and the Golden Valley. Riverside cottages with fishing, isolated mountain farmhouses and cottages on working farms. Ideal for groups and family reunions. Breathtaking scenery. Perfect situations for walking, trekking, rough and clay-pigeon shooting, mountain-biking and climbing, bird-watching and touring.

Superb mountains, rivers, valleys and waterfalls. Excellent pubs with real ales and Short open fires. Trout and salmon fishing tuition available. Short breaks available.

Breaks

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CYCLISTS

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CYCLISTS

Room Rate: Single £58-£62

Double £76-£84

Unit Rate: Weekly £186-£1,800

3 nights £161-£1,090

Abergavenny A5

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Unit Rate: Weekly £155.25-£172.50

3 nights £93.15-£103.50

Abergavenny B4

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Wolvesnewton, Chepstow, NP16 6PR T: 01291 650700 E: john.llewellyn11@btinternet.com W: www.cwrt-y-gaer.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 3 Sleeps: 2/4 Set amidst 20 acres of unspoilt beauty of the Usk Vale on the site of an ancient hill-top fort, Cwrt-y-Gaer offers the chance of a quiet holiday with spectacular views.

Attractively converted stone buildings.

One unit designed for wheelchair users.

b Unit Rate: Weekly £450-£800

3 nights £300-£350

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Unit Rate: Weekly £225-£360

3 nights £190-£215

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The Hay Barn & The Bull Pen Lower House Farm, Pantygelli, Abergavenny, NP7 7HR T: 01873 853432 / 07756 852670 E: neildsmith@lineone.net W: www.pantygellicottages.com / www.smithysbunkhouse.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: 4 each Two comfortably furnished, well-equipped character cottages adjoining 16th century farmhouse. Magnificent views. Coarse fishing lake.

Guests welcome to fish, and explore the woodlands and farm (involved in the T’ir Gofal environmental scheme). Excellent inn 5 minutes walk.

Unit Rate: Weekly £225-£415

3 nights £135-£255

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Unit Rate: Weekly £325-£655

3 nights £165-£306

Chepstow D6

Little Coed Lliffos Farm, Usk Road, Chepstow, NP16 6SA T: 01291 641215 E: jonesfarm01@googlemail.com Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 4 Warm friendly welcome awaits at this farm cottage set in a tranquil valley, perfect holiday base to explore surrounding towns and villages, Cheltenham, Gloucester and Cotswolds. Also accessible for day outings, country pubs, 2 miles into village.

Brochure available.

b Unit Rate: Weekly £122-£182

3 nights £79-£118

Tor-y-Mynydd Farm, Devauden Chepstow, NP16 6NU T: 01600 860887 F: 01600 860869 E: brian.tor-y-mynydd@virgin.net W: www.tor-y-mynydd.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: 6 & 4 Stone barn conversion in 20 acres, high on hillside. Truly outstanding views, peace relaxation.

Equipped high standard. All bedrooms en-suite.

Bull Pen ground floor double, first floor twin.

Hay Barn ground floor double, first floor living area, first floor double, first floor twin. Central heating, electricity, linen included. Pets welcome free.

Little Coed Lliffos

Main Farm House Llantilio Pertholey Abergavenny NP7 8BG T: 01873 852528 Open: All Year Units: 5 Sleeps: 2 each Cosy south facing cottages on an arable and fruit farm 2 miles east of Abergavenny.

Beautiful views of all mountains and valleys.

Excellent base for walking Brecon Beacons, Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, plus many other walks and castles.

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CYCLISTS

Chepstow C6

Pantygelli Farm Cottages

Llancayo, nr Usk, NP15 1JF T: 01291 672995 F: 01291 673426 E: info@llancayohouse.com W: www.llancayohouse.com Open: All Year Rooms: 10 En-suite: 10 Luxury 4-star B&B accommodation in the scenic Usk Valley, with lift and full wheelchair access throughout. This Grade II listed Georgian country house is set in sylvan surroundings within its own grounds. Private hire and conference facilities available for weddings/meetings.

Room Rate: Single £36-£44 Short

Double £71.25-£86.25 Breaks

CYCLISTS

Hendre Glyn, Llanover, Abergavenny, NP7 9ER T: 01873 880321 / 07947 444045 E: info@garnllechfarm.co.uk W: www.garnllechfarm.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Sleeping up to six, a traditional Welsh longhouse. Original farmhouse features with modern fixtures and fittings, and wood burner. Two stables and field available.

Amazing views. Excellent base for walkers, cyclists and horse riders.

Tredilion Holiday Cottages

CYCLISTS

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Abergavenny B4

Usk B5

Llancayo House

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Lodge Road, Caerleon, Newport, NP18 3QT T: 01633 432991 F: 01633 432259 E: conferencentre@newport.ac.uk W: www.conference.newport.ac.uk Open: Jun-Sep Units: 450 Sleeps: 450 Caerleon campus at the university is a perfect base for cyclists, walkers and sightseers alike.

The Roman village of Caerleon and surroundings are rich in historical interest.

A good selection of pubs, restaurants and shops are all within the locality.

Chepstow C6

Garn Llech Farm

Abergavenny & District Tourist Association Short Breaks

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University of Wales, Newport

Excellent food, accommodation and communications - superb range of restaurants and quality food shops, as well as accommodation ranging from the finest of Country House Hotels to comfortable B&B’s and well-equipped caravan and camping sites.

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Abergavenny B4

Werngochlyn Farm

Tintern, nr Chepstow, NP16 6SQ T: 01291 689441 F: 01291 689440 E: wyevalley.hotel@ukgateway.net W: www.wyevalleyhotel.co.uk Open: All Year Rooms: 8 En-suite: 8 Small family run hotel offering excellent home cooked food and fine ales.

All bedrooms are en-suite with TV, telephone and internet access points.

An ideal base for walking or touring by car.

Glen-yr-Afon House Hotel

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3 nights £120-£150

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Self Catering Accommodation

Self Catering Accommodation Monmouth C4

Chepstow D5

Monmouth D5

Ancre Hill Vineyard Cottages

Oakgrove Cottage

Cowshed Cottage

Brockweir Common, Chepstow, NP16 7NT T: 01291 689241 E: info@oakgrovecottage.co.uk W: www.oakgrovecottage.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 2 Idyllic rural cottage bordering Wye Valley and Forest of Dean, boasting spectacular views with access to Offa’s Dyke and wonderful walks. Badgers and wildlife in abundance. Oakgrove is a retreat.

Tintern 1 mile, Chepstow 7 miles.

Cardiff, Bristol, Cheltenham within 1 hour.

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Gage Farm, Newland, Coleford, GL16 8NR T: 01594 833259 E: eileenwood662@btinternet.com W: www.cowshedcottage.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 4 Rural, fully equipped, single storey cottage overlooking historic courtyard.

Two bedrooms, both en-suite.

Central heating. Off-road parking.

Beautiful views and walks from front door.

Centrally located for Wye Valley / Forest of Dean. Easy access M4/M50/M5.

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The Garden Annex

Pant-y-Cosyn Holiday Cottages

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Ancre Hill Lane, Monmouth, NP25 5SS T: 01600 714152 F: 01600 713784 E: info@ancrehillestates.co.uk W: www.ancrehillestates.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Newly refurbished luxuriously appointed 3 bedroom cottage (one en-suite) in idyllic rural position overlooking vineyard and Wye Valley. Only 10 minutes walk from centre of Monmouth with its range of high quality restaurants and amenities. Sun trap patio garden with BBQ and use of tennis court. Free wine tasting and vineyard tour.

Welcome pack on arrival, with bottle of estate wine. Discount on cases of estate wine.

Midweek and weekend breaks also available. Prices based on 2 persons occupancy.

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Capel Pentwyn & The Old School

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Chepstow C6

Abergavenny Farm Holiday Group

Monmouth D4

Unit Rate: Weekly £315 (or £650 incl. Care)

3 nights £135 (or £430 incl. Care)

Monmouth D5

Highlands Cottage The Smithy, Devauden, Chepstow, NP16 6QA T: 01291 650675 E: philip.arkell@viburnumcottage.co.uk W: www.viburnumcottage.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 2 Beautifully furnished well-equipped modern, centrally-heated cottage. One bedroom with two single beds. Situated in the peaceful village of Devauden, an ideal base for walking/ touring the Wye and Usk valleys and the Forest of Dean. Brochure available.

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Unit Rate: Weekly £245-£350

3 nights £135-£145

Cinderford E4

Croes Faen, Penallt, Monmouth, NP25 4SE T/F: 01600 715781 E: qwest@btconnect.com W: www.capelpentwyn.co.uk / www.oldschoolpenallt.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: Capel Pentwyn 5 & The Old School 6

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Unit Rate: Weekly £525-£750

3 nights £310-£425

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Unit Rate: Weekly £300-£380

3 nights £210-£265

Monmouth D3

Cider House Cottage Mill End, Mitcheldean, GL17 0HP T: 07971 249726 E: postmaster@millendmitcheldean.co.uk W: www.millendmitcheldean.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: up to 30 The General Stores is a medieval property, sleeping up to 30, over 4 units. Situated on the edge of a village with off-street parking, private garden and hot tub. The Barn conversion leisure unit has a mini-gym, saunas, pool table and home cinema with surround sound. Families, pets, walkers, cyclists welcome. Shops, pubs, restaurant, library, walks locally.

Unit Rate: £1,500-£2,500 (sleeping 15-25)

Highlands, New Mills, Whitebrook, Monmouthshire, NP25 4TY T: 01600 860226 E: valerie_watkins@hotmail.co.uk W: www.highlandsholidaysmonmouth.com Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 2/4 Charming converted stone stables on high lands with stunning views. Peaceful setting in centre of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 5 miles south of Monmouth. Disabled access. Wet room.

Large sunny patio. Central heating. One bedroom. Campsite. 6 golf courses nearby.

Capel Pentwyn and The Old School are a luxury converted chapel and schoolhouse in the peaceful village of Penallt – 4 miles from Monmouth in the Wye Valley. Both are spacious, superbly furnished, fully equipped accommodation for 5 and 6 people respectively. Both have en-suite facilities, disabled access, ground floor bedroom, woodburners, gardens with terrace, panoramic views. Ideal for walkers and golfers, being only 20 minutes from Celtic Manor Resort (Ryder Cup 2010). Website virtual tour. Brochure. Short breaks available. Pet welcome.

Monmouth C4

The General Stores

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Farm Holiday Cottages

The Garden Room

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Viburnum Cottage

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Glenview, Dingestow, Monmouth, NP25 4DZ T: 01600 740650 E: margaret@thegardenannex.co.uk W: www.thegardenannex.co.uk Open: Mar-Oct Units: 1 Sleeps: 2 Superbly furnished and comprehensively equipped. Quiet countryside location. 20 minutes to Ryder Cup 2010. Castles, Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, Brecon Beacons, Offa’s Dyke, nearby. Excellent for walking, cycling, golfing, fishing. Monmouth 6 miles, Raglan 2 miles. Full colour brochure.

Unit Rate: Weekly £200-£300

3 nights £120-£150

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Meadowside, 18 The Kymin, Monmouth, NP25 3SF T: 01600 715013 E: info@special-breaks.co.uk W: www.special-breaks.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 2 Detached, self-contained chalet on Kymin Hill (& Offa’s Dyke Path). Quiet countryside location, beautiful views towards Black Mountains. Ideal for walkers; we’re a day’s hike both from Chepstow & Abergavenny.

Our speciality by arrangement: Respite Care for people with light disabilities.

Pen-y-Parc House, St Arvans, Chepstow, NP16 6EZ T: 01291 625517 E: cottage@visitpenyparc.co.uk W: www.visitpenyparc.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 5 Area of Natural Beauty setting near Chepstow, Tintern and Monmouth. Spectacular views across Wye Valley and Severn. Spacious single floor layout. Lounge/diner. Digital TV/DVD. Kitchen/ breakfast bar. Full size bath/shower. Two twin bedrooms, one single. Heated throughout.

Private garden/patio/barbecue. Own parking.

Unit Rate: Weekly £300-£400

3 nights £150-£180

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Unit Rate: Weekly £495-£950

3 nights £375-£725

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Monmouth D5

Chepstow D6

Pen-y-Parc Cottage

Unit Rate: Weekly £225-£475

3 nights from £195

Monmouth C4

Chepstow C6

Pant-y-Cosyn Farm, Usk Road, Shirenewton, Chepstow, NP16 6RZ T: 01291 641256 E: shelly.whittington@shirenewton.org W: www.pant-y-cosyn.com Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: 10 Set in 120 acres of farmland. Peace and tranquillity amidst beautiful scenery. Children’s play area. Well equipped open-plan kitchen/ lounge with wood-burner. Ideal central location for sightseeing. Many local attractions.

New this year: hot-tub and games room.

Historic Chepstow 4 miles.

Unit Rate: Weekly £240-£550

3 nights £160-£270

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Unit Rate: Weekly £270-£370

3 nights £180-£220

Bed & Breakfast

Little Gaerfield Penylan Farm, Hendre, Monmouth, NP25 5NL T: 01600 716435 F: 01600 719391 E: penylanfarm@gmail.com W: www.penylanfarm.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Quality accommodation on farm originally part of Rolls Estate (co-founder of Rolls Royce.)

Exposed beams, slate floors, under-floor heating give an atmosphere of comfort and relaxation. Three bedrooms – one double/ family with wet room en-suite, two twins, additional bathroom. B&B also available.

Unit Rate: Weekly £325-£680

3 nights £250-£480

Upperfield Farm, Llangarron, Ross on Wye, HR9 6PQ T: 01989 770281 E: upperfieldfarm1@tiscali.co.uk W: www.upperfieldsfarm.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 20 Ideal for the larger party to celebrate a special event. Activities for all ages can be arranged for your entertainment. A touch of luxury with home-cooked food, celebration cakes, 6’ beds, log fires, swimming pool, sauna and play area.

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Stay on our farms in the Black Mountains in the Brecon Beacons National Park

www.afhg.co.uk

Telephone 01873 890359

Unit Rate: Weekly £1,700-£4,000

3 nights £1,000-£2,000

visitwyevalley.com

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Self Catering Accommodation

Self Catering Accommodation Monmouth C4

Monmouth D4

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Unit Rate: Weekly £320

3 nights £165

Monmouth D5

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Unit Rate: Weekly £348-£865

3 nights £315-£615

Unit Rate: Weekly £255-£395

3 nights £175-£250

Monmouth C4

Maypole, Monmouth, NP25 5QH T: 01600 716986 E: mail@selfcateringmonmouth.co.uk W: www.selfcateringmonmouth.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Located in the picturesque Monnow Valley, The Stables have been converted to a very high standard and can comfortably accommodate six people, with fully equipped kitchen/dining room, one double and one twin bedroom with en-suite bathroom, living room, shower room, large garden.

Unit Rate: Weekly £350-£585

3 nights £225-£285

Monmouth D5

Rockfield, Monmouth, NP25 5SW T: 01600 775424 E: steppesfarm@btconnect.com W: www.steppesfarmcottages.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 6 Sleeps: 3-6 per unit A hamlet of 6 luxury self-catering cottages, perfect for a short break or family holiday.

Set in 5 acres of landscaped gardens overlooking the Wye Valley, the on-site restaurant/bar has 2 AA rosettes and is listed in all major eating out guides.

Steppes Farm offers FREE golf to all guests.

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Monmouth C4

Raglan C5

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Swallow & Camellia Cottages Lower Pen-y-clawdd Farm, Dingestow, Monmouth, NP25 4BG T: 01600 740223 / 07729 417144 E: averil@clawdd.plus.com W: www.lowerpenyclawddfarm.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: 2-5 Two attractive converted coach houses set in mature gardens of medieval farmhouse.

A working beef and sheep farm, cottages superbly furnished for maximum comfort.

Fully fitted kitchens, cosy bedrooms, en-suite bathrooms, relaxing living rooms, private and secluded coarse fishing on farm.

Unit Rate: Weekly £300-£420

3 nights £215-£250

Monmouth D3

Berllanderi Coach House

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Usk Road, Raglan, Monmouthshire, NP15 2HR T/F: 01291 690268 E: harvey@berllanderi.freeserve.co.uk W: www.berllanderi.freeserve.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Luxury 17th century coach house conversion by artist and architect. Set in the Vale of Usk; incorporating traditional and contemporary design. Complete comfort with under-floor heating, slate and oak floor, two en-suite bedrooms. Large oak-beamed living room.

Spacious landscaped grounds with scenic views.

Unit Rate: Weekly £380-£825

3 nights £280-£390

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Tintern, NP16 6SF T: 01600 860341 E: fionawilton@btopenworld.com W: www.tinternabbeycottage.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Across the road from Tintern Abbey with panoramic views. 18C totally refurbished warmly welcoming character cottage. Large garden.

Very comprehensively equipped. Flatscreen TVs. WiFi. iPod dock. Flagged floors. Two sparkling bathrooms. Whirlpool bath, lavendered linens, towels. CH, woodburner. Bike/golf club store. Wye Valley Walk directly adjoins.

Local pubs. Convenient. Idyllic. Immaculate.

Unit Rate: Weekly £250-£899

3 nights £219-£499

Tintern D5

Underwood Bungalow

Awaiting Grading

Chapel Hill, Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6TH T: 01291 630089 F: 01291 630553 E: select-properties@btconnect.com W: www.underwoodholidays.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Tastefully furnished 3 bedroom bungalow, set in the historic village of Tintern. Nearby facilities include golf, horse racing, fishing, walking, bird-watching. Award-winning pubs and restaurants. Close to Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester. Accommodation is maintained to the highest standard.

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Unit Rate: Weekly £300-£550

3 nights £200-£400

Ashe Holiday Cottages Llangarron, Ross on Wye, HR9 6NH T: 01604 696889 E: jgpearson@btinternet.com W: www.uppertrereece.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 8 Upper Trereece recently converted barn standing in a 10 acre pasture leading to secluded Garron Brook with private trout fishing. 4 star accommodation with exposed beams for 8 people in 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, equipped to a very high standard.

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Unit Rate: Weekly £250-£899

3 nights £199-£350

Ross On Wye D3

Upper Trereece

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Tintern Abbey Cottage Lone House Farm, Lone Lane, Penallt, Monmouth, NP25 4AJ T: 01600 712058 E: beds@wyevalleyholidaylets.com W: www.wyevalleyholidaylets.com Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 4+2 Character barn in 14 acres of beautiful countryside. Outskirts of peaceful village.

Country cottage feel, exposed beams, wooden floors. Private gardens with Wye Valley views. Walking distance to Offa’s Dyke, River Wye and village pubs. Local organic food available to order.

Unit Rate: Weekly £280-£415

3 nights £210-£280

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Catbrook, Nr Tintern, NP16 6NA T: 01600 860341 E: fionawilton@btopenworld.com W: www.foxesreach.com Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Whitewashed stone character, blissful hot tub, charming garden. Tradition & modern comfort.

Comprehensively equipped. Flatscreen Satellite TV. WiFi. iPod dock. Flagged floors. 2 sparkling bathrooms. Romantic bedsteads, lavendered linens, towels. CH, woodburner. Pet welcome.

Walks from doorstep. Virtual tour on website.

Convenient. Idyllic. Immaculate.

Tintern D5

Wye Valley Holiday Lets

Unit Rate: Weekly £180-£590

3 nights £140-£320

Unit Rate: Weekly £240-£425

3 nights £195-£255

Foxes Reach

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Steppes Farm Cottages

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Woodside Stables Tregagle, Penallt, Monmouth, NP25 4RY T: 01600 860058 E: jane@robinsbarn.co.uk W: www.robinsbarn.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 3 Attractive converted stone barn set amidst 12 acres of beautiful, unspoilt, countryside with spectacular views over the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Close to Offa’s Dyke and Wye Valley Walk. Spiral staircase, woodburner, tennis court, pretty patio, pub nearby.

Dogs welcome. Brochure.

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Botany Bay, Tintern, Wye Valley, NP16 6SN T: 01291 689757 E: holidays@craigohouse.co.uk W: www.craigobarn.co.uk Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 5 Peacefully nestling within the Wye Valley on a smallholding in forests above Tintern Abbey.

Comfortable well-equipped detached stone cottage. Superb walking direct from doorstep.

Idyllic all seasons. Excellent local pubs, restaurants, attractions & activities. Easy M4/ M50/M5. Celtic Manor 20 miles. Pets welcome.

Monmouth C4

Robin’s Barn

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Craigo Barn

Wonastow, Monmouth, NP25 4DW T: 01600 740253 E: beryl-yeomans@tiscali.co.uk W: www.whitehillfarmuk.com Open: All Year Units: 1 Sleeps: 6 Spacious five-star luxury accommodation with magnificent panoramic views. Three bedrooms, three bath/shower rooms. Oak beams from our own tree. Large private south terrace, garden and parking. Welcome tray with tea, coffee and Welsh cakes. Explore our working farm, woodland walks; see wild deer and badgers.

Redbrook, Monmouth, NP25 4LZ T: 01600 713675 E: enquiries@the-old-bakery.com W: www.the-old-bakery.com Open: Feb-Nov Units: 1 Sleeps: 2 Spacious self-contained flat.

Set in the picturesque village of Redbrook, overlooking the beautiful River Wye. Fully-equipped kitchen, lounge/dining room, bath and shower, separate WC, gas central heating, pubs and shop. Ideal walking/touring centre. Perfect for that green, car-free holiday.

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Tintern D5

Whitehill Farm Cottage

The Old Bakery

Bridstow, Ross on Wye, HR9 6QA T: 01989 563336 E: info@ashe-holiday-cottages.com W: www.ashe-holiday-cottages.com Open: All Year Units: 2 Sleeps: 3 & 6 A good locality for exploring the Wye Valley, Herefordshire, Forest of Dean & Monmouthshire.

Stable and Orchard Cottages are 18th century converted barns. On-site 18-hole par 3 golf course, fishing lakes and hard tennis court.

50% of our guests have stayed with us before.

30 mins from The Ryder Cup.

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3 nights £160-£350 Please enquire for Ryder Cup week

visitwyevalley.com

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Self Catering Accommodation

Eating out

Caravan & Camping Abergavenny A4

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Pyscodlyn Caravan & Camping Site

Brynderi Awarded Top 100 Restaurant Uk

12.00 noon to 2.30pm 5.30pm till 11.00pm Good Curry Guide

Awaiting Grading

llanwenarth Citra, Abergavenny, NP7 7ER T: 01873 853271 E: pyscodlyn.farm@virgin.net W: www.pyscodlyncaravanpark.com open: Apr-Oct Pitches: Touring/Tent 60 Static: 1 Static Sleeps: 6 In picturesque Usk Valley. Ideally situated for touring Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. Excellent walking and cycling area. River Usk fishing permits available.

Pony trekking and superb golf courses nearby.

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Rural Self-catering and Bed & Breakfast properties in Monmouthshire offering quality and a friendly stay

Touring: £14-£16 per night Tent: £12-£15 per night Static: Weekly £300 -£350

Monmouth D5

Highlands Campsite Wainfield lane, Gwehelog, usk, NP15 1RG T: 01291 672976 E: mail@brynderi.co.uk W: www.brynderi.co.uk open: All Year units: 1 Sleeps: 2

highlands, New Mills, Whitebrook, Monmouthshire T: 01600 860226 E: valerie_watkins@hotmail.co.uk W: www.highlandsholidaysmonmouth.com open: All Year Perfect hideaway yet with stunning views across the Whitebrook valley. Peaceful setting in centre of Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, 5 miles south of Monmouth. Shower and toilet. Explore a wealth of walks.

Self-catering cottage. CDP also available.

Beautifully furnished self-contained wing of country home in two acre garden (NGS) described as ‘outstanding’ by WTB. Tranquil, rural setting yet easy access to main roads, M4, M50. Single storey, spacious, light and airy, comprehensively equipped for luxury stays. Fine bed linen, bathrobes, fluffy towels, toiletries. Welcome pack of organic milk, orange juice, mineral water, teas, coffees, cakes, flowers. Freeview TV. French doors to private patio, suntrap garden areas.

Excellent pub food ¼ mile. Celtic Manor spa/golf (Ryder Cup 2010) 15 minutes. B&B in main house also available by arrangement.

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unit Rate: Weekly £260-£380 3 nights £190-£220

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Cyder Mill & Stables

Take away meals

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Pitches: Touring: 5, Tent: 10 Touring: £10 -£12 per night Tent: £10-£12 per night

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Awaiting Grading

Pont Kemys Caravan Park

Walks Farm, llandenny, usk, NP15 1Eb T/F: 01291 673634 E: walksfarm@yahoo.co.uk W: www.holidaycottages-wales.com open: All Year units: 2 Sleeps: 4 plus cot Relax in our luxurious 17th century stone cottages of great charm and character situated in the picturesque Usk Valley.

Beautiful countryside, spectacular views and many castles, market towns to explore.

Ideal location for Ryder Cup, country pubs, fine cuisine nearby.

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Awaiting Grading

unit Rate: Weekly Please enquire 3 nights Please enquire

Chainbridge, Abergavenny, NP7 9DS T: 01873 880688 F: 01873 880270 E: info@pontkemys.com W: www.pontkemys.com open: Mar-Oct Peaceful rural park between Usk and Abergavenny on the B4598. Immaculate facilities, some fully serviced pitches. Easily accessible from the M4 and Cardiff. Ideal location for the Usk Valley Walk, Cycle Route 42, Brecon Beacons, Big Pit and Raglan Castle.

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Pitches: Touring: 66, Tent: 12 Touring: £15 -£19 per night Tent: £10-£17 per night

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Vanilla Cottage

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1 The Steppes, kemeys Commander, usk, NP15 1JZ T: 01600 860341 E: fionawilton@btopenworld.com W: www.vanillacottage.com open: All Year units: 1 Sleeps: 3 Warmly romantic year-round comfort.

Four-poster, lavendered linens, whirlpool bath, towels, robes. Comprehensively equipped, Satellite TV & internet. Woodburner/CH. Adjoining golf, river walk, fishing. Rural, tranquil, yet easy M4/M50/M5. Delightful cottage garden, suntrap terrace. Pets welcome. Immaculate.

Convenient. Virtual tour on website. unit Rate: Weekly £299-£599 3 nights £219-£299

visitwyevalley.com

47

Attractions & Activities Abergavenny B4

Abergavenny Museum Castle Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5EE T: 01873 854282 F: 01873 736004 E: abergavennymuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk W: www.abergavennymuseum.co.uk Open: All Year Free Admission Set in the picturesque grounds of a ruined castle.

Objects in the permanent galleries illustrate life in this historic market town. Victorian kitchen, 1940s grocer’s shop and air raid shelter.

Refurbished gallery hosts regular temporary exhibitions. Shop. Free entry. Parking.

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Attractions & Activities

BLAENAVON

Abergavenny B5

Opening Times: Daily, 10am-dusk

Abergavenny A2

Grange Trekking

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The Grange, Capel-y-Ffin, Abergavenny, NP7 7NP T: 01873 890215 F: 01873 890157 W: www.grangetrekking.co.uk Open: Mar-Nov Admission Charge Group Rates Pony-trekking, day/half-day. En-suite accommodation and camping facilities available.

Exhilarating views of the Welsh countryside with cheerful, experienced, qualified leaders.

Everyone welcome. Horses and ponies to suit all abilities. Situated high in the beautiful Black Mountains. Don’t delay, try a day.

Caldicot C7

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Church Road, Caldicot, NP26 4HU T: 01291 420241 F: 01291 435094 E: caldicotcastle@monmouthshire.gov.uk W: www.caldicotcastle.co.uk Open: Apr-Oct. Active winter events programme.

Admission Charge Group Rates Visit Caldicot’s magnificent medieval castle set in fifty-five acres of beautiful parkland.

Discover its colourful history with an audio tour.

Relax and enjoy the grounds and explore hands-on activities. Gift shop. Tea room. Events.

Free parking. Picnic tables. Barbecue hearths.

Opening Times: Daily, 11am-5pm

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Opening Times: Daily, 10am-5pm

Caldicot Castle & Country Park

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WORLD HERITAGE SITE

Llanover, Abergavenny, NP7 9EW T: 01606 723854 F: 01606 871471 W: www.waterscape.com Open: All Year Free Admission Alongside the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, Goytre Wharf comprises a visitor centre, sculpture trail, interactive interpretation, aqueduct, limekilns, picnic area, marina and boat hire (01873 880516). Leave A4042 at Llanover, south of Abergavenny; head west for 1½ miles.

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Big Pit :A Blaena mgueddfa L ofaol C fon. Ar ymru, agor 9 bob dy .30 dd rhedeg . Mae’r teith am – 5pm, ia yn gys on 10a u danddear y m – 3.3 n MYNE 0pm DIAD A M DDIM Big Pit :N Blaena ational Coal fon. Op M en 9.30 useum, Underg am – 5 round pm tou 10am – 3.30pm rs run frequ , daily. ently FREE E NTRY Ffôn / T el: (014 95) 790 www.a 311 m www.m gueddfacym ru.ac.u useum k wales.a c.uk

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Gift shop Café Free parking In December the caves are transformed into the ‘Christmas Fantasy’ spectacular.

See website for other events through the year.

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Opening Times: Daily, 10am-5pm (closes 4pm on weekends)

Coleford E4

Caerleon Tourist Information Centre, 5 High Street, Caerleon, NP18 1AE T/F: 01633 422656 E: caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk W: www.caerleon.net

E: info@pedalabikeaway.co.uk W: www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk

One of the most important military sites in Roman Britain, today brought to life at the Fortress Baths, once a giant ‘leisure centre’, the National Roman Legion Museum, which portrays the life of the garrison, and the Amphitheatre, designed to hold 5,000 spectators. Caerleon is an attractive town with pubs, places to stay, restaurants, tearooms, and the Ffwrwm Arts & Craft Centre.

A fascinating sculpture trail is the legacy of the International Sculpture & Arts Festival held every summer, details to be found on www.caerleon-arts.org

Lydney Park, Lydney, GL15 6BU T/F: 01594 845244 E: janesonac@yahoo.co.uk W: www.forest-model-village.co.uk Open: Feb-Dec Admission Charge Group Rates A wonderful day out, fun for all the family.

Many exciting activities taking place – family quiz (the clues are in the Model Village) with special treats for children. In the Grounds – table tennis, table football, giant Chess, giant Draughts, undercover bouncy castles & ball pond.

Check website for special events.

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Bike Hire – comprehensive range of bikes – hourly rated. Special needs bikes/equipment.

School and youth groups welcome.

Cannop Valley, Forest of Dean Hadnock Road, Monmouth Traffic free marked trails for mountain Follow the marked Peregrine Path along the bikers, café, toilets/showers, bike wash, River Wye to Symonds Yat – ideal for families. cycle spares shop, repairs workshop – Good starting place to explore the Wye cytech trained mechanics.

Valley. Toilet and free parking for all cyclists.

Open: All Year – Tue-Sun and Open: Apr – Oct, weekends and all school all school holidays holidays (Nov-Mar: bookings only) T: 01594 860065, F: 01594 860026 T: 01600 772821 / 07789 356813

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Gwy House, Bridge Street, Chepstow, NP16 5EZ T: 01291 625981 F: 01291 635005 E: chepstowmuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk Open: All Year Free Admission

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An atmospheric and mysterious natural cave that has been mined for iron ore and ochre pigments for over 4,500 years.

Nine impressive caverns for visitors to explore, descending 100ft underground.

Mining and geological displays throughout, educational and fun.

Adventure caving and guided tours for pre-booked groups.

Pedalabikeaway

Forest of Dean Model Village

Discover the history of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre. Situated in an elegant 18th century house, atmospheric displays on wine trade, shipbuilding, salmon fishing. Paintings/prints of Wye Valley.

Children’s activities, special exhibitions, shop.

Opening Times: Daily inc B/H, Mon-Sat 11am-5pm, Sun 2pm-5pm; Jul-Sep 10.30am-5.30pm (Sun 2pm-5.30pm); Nov-Feb close 4pm

Nr Coleford, Glos, GL16 8JR T: 01594 832535 E: jw@clearwellcaves.com W: www.clearwellcaves.com Open: All Year Admission Charge Group Rates

Roman Legion Fortress Town

Chepstow E5

Chepstow Museum

Coleford D5

Clearwell Caves

Opening Times: Summer, daily, 10am-6pm; Winter, 5 days per week, 10am-5pm

Puzzlewood

D5 www.puzzlewood.net Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB Tel: 01594 833187 A magical day out in the Forest of Dean

Magical Woods NEW Willow Maze Indoor Maze & Playground

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Animals Café & Gift Shop Cottage to Rent

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Attractions & Activities

Attractions & Activities Newport B7

Monmouth D4

Monmouth D4

Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo

aMazing Hedge Puzzle

Tintern D5

Newport Tourism

Abbey Mill

Newport Tourist Information Centre, John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA T: 01633 842962 F: 01633 222615 E: newport.tic@newport.gov.uk W: www.newport.gov.uk/visiting www.newport.gov.uk/newportfestival

Wye Valley Centre, Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 6SE T: 01291 689228 F: 01291 689220 E: info@abbeymill.com W: www.abbeymill.com Open: All Year Free Admission Group Rates

Symonds Yat West, Ross on Wye, HR9 6DA T: 01600 890360 E: havefun@mazes.co.uk W: www.mazes.co.uk Open: All Year Admission Charge Group Rates Meet the Maze Makers Lindsay & Edward Heyes.

Our aMazing Hedge Puzzle is just right for games with your friends and family – hide and seek, tag or even kiss-chase. Find your way then play!

Also Museum of Mazes and Puzzle Shop.

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Opening Times: Daily from 11am

Monmouth C4

Ancre Hill Vineyard

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Rockfield Road, Monmouth, NP25 5HS T: 01600 714152 F: 01600 713784 E: info@ancrehillestates.co.uk W: www.ancrehillestates.co.uk Open: Apr -Sep Free Admission South facing on limestone soils, with stunning views over the Wye Valley, we specialise in the production of quality sparkling and still wines.

Free tastings, vineyard tours, Welsh cheese platter lunches and ‘adopt-a-vine’ combine to make this an experience to savour.

Opening Times: Wed-Sun & BHols, 10.30am-4.30pm (Winter by appointment)

Monmouth D4

Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre

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Symonds Yat West, Ross on Wye, HR9 6DA T: 01600 890360 E: seeus@butterflyzoo.co.uk W: www.butterflyzoo.co.uk Open: All Year Admission Charge Group Rates Walk with Butterflies, the world’s most beautiful and delicate creatures, as they fly around you.

Watch them emerge from their chrysalides, display their colours, lay eggs and sup nectar from the fragrant and spectacular tropical plants. It’s a safari where you explore to find answers which baffled people for centuries: Why don’t butterflies grow? How long do they live?

How do they survive? Be at home with the butterflies and find out how to attract native butterflies to your garden.

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Monmouth D4

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Wye Valley Craft Association Historic Old Mill Buildings Turning Old Water Wheel Function Room Demonstrations Trout Pond

Opening Times: Tue-Sun 10.30am -5.30pm (closed Christmas Day & Boxing Day)

Tintern D5

Tredegar House & Park

The Old Station

Newport, NP10 8YW T: 01633 815880 F: 01633 815890 E: tredegarhouse@newport.gov.uk W: www.newport.gov.uk/tredegarhouse Open: Apr-Sep Admission Charge (House) Free Admission (Park) Group Tours by arrangement throughout the year

Tintern, Chepstow, NP16 7NX T/F: 01291 689566 E: johnsterry@monmouthshire.gov.uk W: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk/oldstationtintern Open: Apr-Nov Free Admission

Set in ninety acres of gardens and parkland, and one of the finest examples of Restoration Architecture in Wales, Tredegar House was the ancestral home of the Morgans for over 500 years. Visitors today can discover what life was like for those who lived ‘above and below’ stairs. A stunning sequence of Staterooms, elaborately decorated with carvings, gilding and fine paintings contrast with the fascinating and extensive domestic quarters. Lakeside walks, beautiful walled gardens, orangery and spectacular stable block complete the ‘Country House’ picture.

Built as a Victorian country railway station, this Green Flag award winning site is situated in the beautiful Wye Valley (AONB) and is a quiet haven from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The tearoom serves breakfasts from 9.30am, light snacks and home baked cakes.

Toilets, including disabled, local tourist information, play area, children’s activities always available, wooden sculptures of local historical characters, gift shop, signal box exhibitions.

Nominal parking charge. Coaches by appointment.

Newport B7

Newport Museum & Art Gallery

Opening Times: House: Wed-Sun & B/H 11am-last admission 4pm; Park: Daily, dawn-dusk

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Opening Times: Open daily, including Bank Holidays. Mon-Sat 11am-1pm, 2pm-5pm; Sun 2pm-5pm. (Close at 4pm daily Nov-Feb)

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• • • • • •

Opening Times: Daily from 10am

Ross On Wye D2

Pedalaway

Other centre: Abergavenny T/F: 01873 830219

Arts, Craft & Gift Centre Licensed Coffee Shop & Restaurant Coaches Welcome Events Unique Shopping Experience Group Bookings Welcome

Symonds Yat West, Ross on Wye, HR9 6DA T: 01600 890360 E: havefun@mazes.co.uk W: www.mazes.co.uk/golf.htm Open: All Year Admission Charge Group Rates Play this twelve hole miniature course, set amongst the fantasy ruins of a picturesque Roman villa. Clubs and balls provided. Original design, excellent all-weather playing surface.

Special offer: half price rounds for customers of the Hedge Puzzle or Butterfly Zoo.

Priory Street, Monmouth, NP25 3XA T: 01600 710630 F: 01600 710631 E: nelsonmuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk Open: All Year Free Admission Horatio Nelson was born in Norfolk, died at sea and is buried in London, yet Monmouth has one of the world’s best collections of Nelson material. Learn about the life, loves, death and commemoration of the famous Admiral, the origins of the collection and Monmouth’s history.

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The Nelson Museum & Local History Centre

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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. Large selection of hand carved Lovespoons. 10% discount on production of this advert.

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Monmouth D4

Wye Valley Miniature Golf

Castle Yard, Old Dixton Road, Monmouth, NP25 3DP T: 01600 713461/716083 E: monmouthcanoe@hotmail.com W: www.monmouthcanoe.co.uk Open: Mar-Nov Canoeing on the River Wye for families, youth and adult groups in Canadian canoes and single kayaks by the half-day or longer. Overnight canoe camping or B&B trips planned for up to a week’s canoeing. Transportation service; instructors available.

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Opening Times: Daily from 10am

As proud host city to The Ryder Cup in 2010, Newport is celebrating with a year-long festival of events in and around the city, the Newport Festival 2010. Golfers will be welcome at over thirty-five golfing venues in the region, and the city and surrounding area offer just as much in culture, from the magnificent 17th century Tredegar House to the Roman fortress town of Caerleon. The award-winning Wetlands Reserve is renowned as a wildlife and bird sanctuary, and there is fascinating industrial heritage to be seen at the Fourteen Locks Canal Centre and the rare Transporter Bridge.

Wye Valley Shipley Gardens Trereece Barn, Llangarron, Ross on Wye, HR9 6NH T: 01989 770357 F: 01989 770352 E: info@pedalaway.co.uk W: www.pedalaway.co.uk Open: All Year Group Rates Mountain bikers – varied tracks in Forest of Dean, Wye Valley, Brecon Beacons & Black Mountains. Casual cyclists – country lanes, towpaths, old railway lines, National Cycle Routes. Cycle hire – quality MTBs, tourers, tandems, junior MTBs. Groups welcome – special discounts, delivery/back-up, accommodation at Abergavenny.

Opening Times: Tue-Sun, booking required

John Frost Square, Newport, NP20 1PA T: 01633 656656 F: 01633 222615 W: www.newport.gov.uk/museum; www.newport.gov.uk/artgallery Open: All Year The Museum houses fascinating displays depicting Local History, the Natural Sciences and Archaeology. The collections from the Roman town of Caerwent are particularly rich and the important story of the Chartist Uprising of 1839 is well illustrated with relics and documents.

The Art Gallery presents a stimulating programme of exhibitions and educational activities; houses collections and contemporary British paintings, sculptures and ceramics. Of particular note is the John Wait Teapot display and the Fox Collection of decorative art.

Opening Times: Mon-Thu 9.30am-5pm, Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-4pm

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Holme Lacy, Hereford, HR2 6LS T: 01432 870356 E: bobmacadie@shipleygardens.plus.com W: www.herefordshiregardens.co.uk Open: Mar-Oct Admission Charge Small Groups by Appointment Gardens surrounding a 17th century homestead standing upon the site of earlier dwellings.

Atmospheric tea rooms. Garden lecterns of whimsical information. Extensive semi-wild garden rooms set within a wide range of the world’s garden conifers and temperate deciduous trees and shrubs. Explanatory talks on the garden’s philosophy and creation, by appointment.

Opening Times: Daily, 10am-5pm

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Opening Times: Daily, 10.30am-5.30pm

Usk B5

Usk Rural Life Museum

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The Malt Barn, New Market Street, Usk, NP15 1AU T: 01291 673777 E: uskrurallife.museum@virgin.net W: www.uskmuseum.org.uk Open: Apr-Oct Admission Charge Group Rates An independent museum crammed with reminders of Monmouthshire’s rural heritage.

See the farmhouse kitchen, laundry and dairy.

Follow the countryman’s year and admire the displays of village craftsmanship. See the local wagons and tractors. Special attractions for children. Tourist information available.

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Opening Times: Daily, weekdays 10am-5pm, weekends 2pm-5pm

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take your pick Introducing Wales’ Holiday Areas The Wye Valley and Vale of Usk is one of the Holiday Areas within Wales. Each area has its own distinct character.

The Isle of Anglesey A place like no other, Anglesey offers unparalleled beauty, amazing adventures, serious solitude and warm welcome.

Easily accessible; this unique Island, with its coastline, varied beaches and historical towns make it a superb base for all the family.

Those that have visited need not be told.

They just return…

Tel +44 (0)1248 713177 or (0)1407 762622 Email: tourism@anglesey.gov.uk visitanglesey.co.uk Llandudno, Colwyn Bay Vibrant Llandudno, the Victorian seaside gem. World Heritage Conwy. Waterfront adventure at Colwyn Bay. Year round breaks, filled with fun, good food, great walking and world class theatre. All within easy reach of Snowdonia.

Tel: +44(0)1492 577577 Email: llandudnotic@conwy.gov.uk visitllandudno.org.uk Rhyl and Prestatyn Among the best recognised British seaside resorts. Fabulous award-winning beaches with a range of family friendly attractions, events and activities. Walk the Offa’s Dyke Path in Prestatyn. An hour’s drive from Merseyside and the West Midlands.

Tel +44 (0)1745 344515/355068 Email: rhyl.tic@denbighshire.gov.uk rhyl-prestatyn.co.uk The North Wales Borderlands Short journey: very different place. At less than 20 minutes from Chester, we’re just a hop and a skip away from the North West and the West Midlands. From the bustling shops and nightlife of Wrexham to the culinary delights of the Mold food and drink festival to the world-famous Llangollen International Eisteddfod. 100% Wales on your doorstep!

Email: tourism@wrexham.gov.uk Tel: +44 (0) 1978 292015 northwalesborderlands.co.uk

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Snowdonia Mountains and Coast/ Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr An exciting destination that includes the Snowdonia National Park, Llŷn Peninsula and Cambrian Coastline. A wide choice of quality accommodation, attractions and activities – castles, narrow-gauge railways, golf, cycling, walking, World Heritage Site, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Heritage Coast. Open all year….

Tel: +44 (0) 1341 281485 (24hr) Email: tourism@gwynedd.gov.uk visitsnowdonia.info Mid Wales and the Brecon Beacons Step into fabulous walking country, right on your doorstep. Two National Trails and a National Park, charming spa and market towns, outdoor pursuits in outstanding scenery. Home to Hay Literary Festival and Brecon Jazz, events throughout the year make this a destination for all seasons.

Tel: +44 (0)1597 825748 Email: tourism@powys.gov.uk exploremidwales.com Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay Some of the UK’s finest coast and countryside.

Holiday areas include Aberporth, Tresaith, Llangrannog, New Quay, Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Borth, Cardigan, the Teifi Estuary and Valley, Devil’s Bridge and Cambrian Mountains. Popular pursuits include mountain biking, cycling, walking, sailing and angling.

Tel +44 (0)1970 612125 Email: brochure@ceredigion.gov.uk tourism.ceredigion.gov.uk Pembrokeshire Choose between lively Tenby and Saundersfoot or peaceful St Davids and Newport. No other county in the UK has more Blue Flag Award beaches, all set in the magnificent Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. Perfect for outdoor activities or just relaxing.

Tel +44 (0) 844 888 5115 Email: tourism@pembrokeshire.gov.uk visitpembrokeshire.com

Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Bay Stretching from Carmarthen Bay in the South to the Western Brecon Beacons in the North, discover Wales’ longest beaches, the Botanic Gardens of Wales, the home of Merlin the magician plus Laugharne, Llandeilo, Carmarthen, Kidwelly, Pendine, Llandovery & the Teifi & Towy valleys. Perfect fishing, cycling & walking.

Tel: +44 (0) 1267 231557 Email: marketing@carmarthenshire.gov.uk discovercarmarthenshire.com Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, Afan and the Vale of Neath Unwind in the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, relax on award-winning beaches, and explore unspoilt countryside.

Some of the UK’s best locations for walking, cycling, watersports and golf, together with Swansea, Wales’ Waterfront City.

Tel +44 (0)1792 468321 Email: tourism@swansea.gov.uk visitswanseabay.com The Valleys – Heart and Soul of Wales A stunning landscape perfect for walking, cycling and many other outdoor activities.

The Valleys has a unique history, including a World Heritage Site, Wales’ largest Castle and Big Pit, the real coal mine attraction. For a true Welsh experience, visit The Valleys, the heart and soul of Wales.

Tel +44 (0) 29 2088 0011 Email: tourism@caerphilly.gov.uk thevalleys.co.uk Cardiff, capital of Wales The capital of Wales has unique attractions, top-class entertainment – and quality shopping with a difference. Cardiff Castle, the Millennium Stadium, National Museum Cardiff and Wales Millennium Centre combined with Cardiff Bay offer indoor and outdoor entertainment for everyone.

Tel +44 (0) 8701 211258 Email: visitor@cardiff.gov.uk visitcardiff.com

The Most Southerly Point in Wales – The Glamorgan Heritage Coast and Countryside The dramatic Heritage Coast and popular resorts of Barry Island and Porthcawl are fringed by lovely Vale and Bridgend countryside and green hills. Discover the special character of an area steeped in history – and it’s close to Cardiff, Wales’ cosmopolitan capital.

Tel +44 (0)1446 704868 or +44 (0)1656 672928 Emails: tourism@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk tourism@bridgend.gov.uk valeofglamorgan.gov.uk visitbridgend.com

Activities For All Wales is the UK’s activity capital. Find out more with the help of these FREE actionpacked guides and take a look at the websites.

For FREE copies of any THREE Holiday Area brochures please tick the appropriate boxes and send to: Visit Wales, Dept G19, PO Box 1, Cardiff CF24 2XN

The Isle of Anglesey Llandudno & Colwyn Bay Rhyl & Prestatyn The North Wales Borderlands Snowdonia Mountains & Coast/Eryri Mynyddoedd a Môr Mid Wales & the Brecon Beacons Ceredigion – Cardigan Bay Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire – Carmarthen Bay Swansea Bay, Mumbles, Gower, Afan & the Vale of Neath The Valleys – Heart and Soul of Wales Cardiff The Glamorgan Heritage Coast & Countryside

Name (please print): Address (please print):

Fishing Wales’ 750-mile coastline and countless rivers and lakes all add up to a paradise for sea, game and coarse fishing. fishing.visitwales.com

Golf Wales The secret’s out! More and more players are discovering and thoroughly enjoying ‘Golf as it should be’ in Wales. golfasitshouldbe.com

Post Code:

For FREE copies of any of the activity guides please tick the appropriate boxes and send to: Visit Wales, Dept H19, PO Box 1, Cardiff CF24 2XN

Fishing Wales

Golf Wales

Name (please print): Address (please print):

Post Code:

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Wye Valley & Vale of Usk

so accessible The Wye Valley & Vale of Usk area is remarkably accessible however you decide to travel.

By road The Wye Valley & Vale of Usk is served by excellent trunk roads which provide fast, easy access. The M4 and M48 skirt the southern edge while the A40 runs through the middle of the area. From London and the south of England use the M4 and the Second Severn Crossing or for Chepstow, Tintern & the Wye Valley branch off just past Bristol onto the M48 and cross the original Severn Bridge.

From south west England use the M5, then M4/M48. From the Midlands and northern England use the M6, M5, M50 and A40.

For the latest traffic information on trunk roads and motorways in Wales, visit traffic-wales.com A toll is payable when travelling west-bound across either the Severn Bridge (M48) or the Second Severn Crossing (M4).

For up to date information on charges for 2010 contact Severn River Crossing plc, Tel: +44 (0)1454 635000 or visit the website severnbridge.co.uk Interestingly, there is a path specifically for cyclists and pedestrians on the Severn Bridge (but not the Second Severn Crossing).

By Coach & Bus National Express operates a nationwide network of coach services to Newport, Tel: +44 (0)8717 818181 (0800 – 2000 hours daily, national call rates apply) nationalexpress.com Local and national information is available from Travel Line (All Wales Public Transport Information) Tel: (0)871 200 2233 (0700 –2200 hours daily, national call rates apply) traveline.org.uk The Monmouthshire Bus Guide is a free publication, produced twice-yearly, that lists local bus services. Contact the Tourist Information Centres for your copy.

By Rail There are railway stations at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Caldicot, Chepstow and Abergavenny with main line services coming into the area from London (in under 2 hours), Bristol, Birmingham and Crewe.

For travel information contact National Rail Enquiries Tel: +44 (0)8457 484950 (24 hours, local call rates apply). If phoning from overseas Tel: 44 207278 5240 (International rates apply) nationalrail.co.uk.

To book train tickets visit thetrainline.com.

For visitors with specific needs or cyclists wishing to use the trains please contact the train operating companies:

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First Great Western Tel: +44 (0)845 700 0125 firstgreatwestern.co.uk

Irish Ferries Tel: +44 (0)8705 171717 irishferries.com

Cross Country Trains Tel: +44(0)844 811 0124 crosscountrytrains.co.uk

P&O Tel: +44 (0)8716 646464 poferries.com

Arriva Trains Wales Tel: +44 (0)845 6061 660 arrivatrainswales.co.uk

DFDS Seaways Tel: +44 (0)8705 333000 dfds.co.uk

The Freedom of Wales Flexi Pass

Stena Line Tel: +44 (0)8705 707070 stenaline.co.uk

This pass offers four days train and eight days bus travel on all mainline rail services and most scheduled bus services in Wales, plus discounted rates at many of Wales’ largest tourist attractions and Youth Hostels (terms & conditions apply). For further information visit walesflexipass.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)845 6061 660 to buy tickets.

Via the Channel Tunnel Eurotunnel carrying vehicles and passengers Tel: +44 (0)8705 353535 eurotunnel.com Eurostar passenger train service Tel: +44 (0)8705 186186 eurostar.com

By Air

Car Hire Abergavenny AGS Fleet Rentals Tel: +44 (0)1873 855900 Birmingham (Airport) Europcar Tel: +44 (0)121 782 6507 Hertz Tel: +44 (0)870 846 0008 Bristol (Airport) Europcar Tel: +44 (0)1275 474623 Hertz Tel: +44 (0)870 850 7193

Cardiff International Airport, Bristol International Airport and Birmingham International Airport handle flights into the region from the UK, Europe and USA. For flight information:

Cardiff (Airport) Europcar Tel: +44 (0)870 607 5000 Hertz Tel: +44 (0)1446 711722

Cardiff International Airport Tel: +44 (0)1446 711111 cwlfly.com

Chepstow WK Vehicle Rentals Tel: +44 (0)1291 621122

Bristol International Airport Tel: +44 (0)871 3344444 bristolairport.co.uk

Monmouth Singleton Fleet Hire Tel: +44 (0)1600 712200

Birmingham International Airport Tel: +44 (0)844 5766000 bhx.co.uk

Newport Days Tel: +44 (0)1633 244666

London Heathrow and London Gatwick are less than three hours away via Flightlink, luxury coach travel.

Tel: +44 (0)8717 818181 (0800 – 2200 daily, national call rates apply) nationalexpress.com

Pet Travel Scheme (PETS)

By Sea There are ferry connections from mainland Europe to the UK’s south and east coasts and from Ireland to ports in Wales.

Brittany Ferries Tel: +44 (0)871 244 1400 brittany-ferries.com

This scheme enables pet cats, dogs and ferrets to be brought into the UK without quarantine as long as they meet certain conditions. Preparations for travelling with your pet must be made well in advance.

For further information contact Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs Tel: +44 (0)870 241 1710 (0800 –1800 Mon-Fri, national call rates apply). defra.gov.uk

Tourist Information Centres We can help you in a million and one ways. Just pick up the phone and call us or pop in and see us when you get here for help with: • Booking accommodation • Planning your itinerary • Deciding what to do and see • Finding out what’s on • Finding locally-made souvenirs

Abergavenny Tel: +44 (0)1873 853254 Email: abergavennyic@breconbeacons.org

Caerleon Tel: +44 (0)1633 422656 Email: caerleon.tic@newport.gov.uk

Chepstow Tel: +44 (0)1291 623772 Email: chepstow.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Monmouth Tel: +44 (0)1600 713899 Email: monmouth.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Newport Tel: +44 (0)1633 842962 Email: newport.tic@newport.gov.uk

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like more information?

Cover image: James Sommerin on the 14th hole of The Twenty Ten Course at The Celtic Manor Resort, Newport

If you want to find out more about something that interests you, please complete and return this request form or visit www.visitwyevalley.com 1. Please send me FREE information on the following, as it becomes available (tick MAXIMUM of 2 boxes.)

Abergavenny Chepstow Outdoor Activities Brecon Beacons National Park Events / Markets Short Circular Walks Caldicot Golf Usk Castles, Museums & Heritage Monmouth Wye Valley 2. Please send the information/publications to:

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Would you like to receive emailed newsletters about events, festivals and special offers in the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk? Yes No If yes, please ensure you have provided an email address 3. We are eager to listen to our visitors and improve our service to them. Please help us by completing the following questions. a) What type of holiday are you considering taking in the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk? Main holiday Short break Activity/Special Interest Holiday Visiting Friends/Relatives None b) In which season would you plan to visit?

Spring Summer Autumn Winter c) Who do you normally holiday with?

Partner Friends/group Family including children Alone d) What type of accommodation would you most likely use?

Boat Camping/hostel Caravan Cottage Farmhouse Guest House/B&B Hotel Stay with friends/relatives

Thank you for contacting the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk. To be able to offer you further information in the future, please indicate how you would prefer us to contact you.

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e) Which of the following statements best describes you?

I had already decided to visit the area before seeing this brochure I will be visiting/have visited the area as a result of seeing this brochure I will not be visiting the area within the next 12 months

f) Which other destinations are you considering for your holiday?

g) If you use the Internet to plan a break in the UK, which search engines/websites do you usually use?

Ideas of places to visit Very helpful Helpful Unhelpful Very unhelpful Not applicable for my purpose Choosing where to stay Very helpful Helpful Unhelpful Very unhelpful Not applicable for my purpose Travel information Very helpful Very unhelpful

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What do you consider to be the Wye Valley & Vale of Usk’s main appeal?

Other (please specify)

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Age range:

18-24

25-35

36-50

51 & over

Send completed form to: Wye Valley & Vale of Usk, FREEPOST SWC4673, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5ZZ. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Tel +44 (0)1291 623772. Fax +44 (0)1291 628004. Email chepstow.tic@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Acknowledgements: This guide has been produced by Monmouthshire County Council with support from Newport City Council.

Details of accommodation and other businesses included in this guide are based on information received from the relevant advertisers at the time of going to press.

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this guide, Monmouthshire County Council can accept no liability whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions or for any matter in any way connected with, or arising out of, the publication of this information.

Monmouthshire County Council gratefully acknowledges photography by/from: Abergavenny Food Festival, adventa, Ancre Hill Vineyard, Gareth Baker, Toril Brancher, Celtic Spirit Company, Church of St Michael’s and All Angels, Llanvihangel Rogiet, © Chepstow Museum, Keith Davies, The Hardwick, Nanette Hepburn, David Hodson, Made by Hand, Molyneux Associates, Monmouth Festival, Newport City Council, Newport Wetlands, Steve Pope (Sporting Wales), Kiran Ridley, RSBP, © Tate, London 2008, The Celtic Manor Resort, The Marriott St Pierre, © The Nelson Museum & Local History Centre, Monmouth, The Two Rivers Folk Festival, Tipi Adventure, Alison Tod, © Crown copyright (2009) Visit Wales, Harry Williams, Jay Williams, Wye Valley AONB, and all other organisations, advertisers and individuals who contributed to this guide.

Published by: Monmouthshire County Council Tel: +44 (0)1633 644 847 monmouthshire.gov.uk Copywriting, management of photography and guide development: Deborah Haylock, Haylock Consultancy Tel: +44 (0)1873 858 187 Illustrations:

by Brian Duggan Designed and produced by: Jonathan Morris jonathanmorris.org.uk Printed by: Belmont Press belmont.co.uk

visitwyevalley.com