ARTS & CRAFTS
Many artists base themselves in this inspirational area and there are several craft centres and galleries locally. A visit to The Art Shop and Chapel just a few doors away from The Angel, is a must, and a 5 minute drive away is Court Cupboard. Discover artists in virtually every nook and cranny of Monmouthshire and the Brecon Beacons.
BOATING
The tree-lined 200-year-old Monmouthshire & Brecon canal provides the perfect setting for a day out on a boat. At Beacon Park Boats in Llangattock (a 10-minute drive from the hotel) you can hire an electric boat for up to eight people or a sleek pedal boat for two.
CANOEING & KAYAKING
The river Wye, which for parts of its length forms the border between Wales and England, is a beautiful river for canoeing and kayaking. Hire all the kit, and get tuition if needed, from Monmouth Canoe, about half an hour’s drive away from Abergavenny.
ENTERTAINMENT
For a small town, Abergavenny has plenty of entertainment. There is an independent
cinema and theatre, the
Borough Theatre.
The Chapel, often hosts intersting exhibitions, Chamber music performances and conversations with...events.
The oldest
theatre in the whole of Wales is to be found in the nearby town of Monmouth and the city of Newport has a new arts centre - the
Riverfront.
FAMILY
You can spend a whole day in Blaenavon World Heritage Site; children will love the going on the train, exploring the ironworks and going underground at Big Pit.
On a wet day visit the cinema or take a scenic drive to Brecon for ten pin bowling or the Play Barn. During school holidays there are occasional family shows at the Borough Theatre and plenty of family activities at the following not-too-distant attractions:
HERITAGE
Our heritage is important to us, and castles and other historic sites are everywhere. In fact this border area – known as the Welsh Marches – has more castles per square mile than any other part of Britain.
GARDENS
Dozens of local gardens open as part of the National Garden Scheme, including:
- Brockhampton Cottage, Herefordshire
- Dewstow Gardens, near Caldicot
- Glebe House, near Abergavenny
- Grendon Court, Herefordshire
- Llanover Gardens
- Nant Y Bedd
- Hampton Court Castle & Gardens, Herefordshire
- High Glanau Manor, near Monmouth
- Nant-y-Bedd, near Abergavenny
- The Laskett, Herefordshire
- The Pant, Forest Coalpit, near Abergavenny
- Veddw House, near Chepstow
- Wye Valley Sculpture Garden, Tintern
- Wyndcliffe Court Gardens
WALKING
If you do just one thing while you’re here, go for a walk. Perhaps just a stroll down to the river Usk and back after breakfast. Or set your sights on one of the peaks surrounding the town:
Sugarloaf, the highest of the three, has a viewpoint on its south slopes, which is accessible by car.
Some apps are available to help you discover the area’s heritage as you walk: explore the nearby village of Raglan, or try one of the Tread and Trot Trails.
Join a guided walk – there are plenty, organised by Blaenavon World Heritage Site, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Brecon Beacons Park Society and Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Better still, come for the annual Crickhowell and Chepstow walking festivals.