Spring is the time of year to get in the car, get on the bike, or put on the walking boots and get out into the great outdoors.
Are you looking to visit the beautiful Monmouthshire countryside?
Here are nine things you just can’t miss this spring…
- Our daffodil fields and bluebell woods – It’s a glorious sight to see our fields and woods carpeted in gold and blue! For golden daffodils, visit the start of the Wales Coastal Path in Chepstow, Llanover and Bryngwyn Manor open gardens, Caldicot Castle grounds, and St Faith’s Churchyard in Llanfoist. The Kymin near Monmouth is famed for its beautiful bluebell slopes, as is Goytre Hall Wood on the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal, Westwood Forest, and the slopes of the Skirrid Fawr mountain near us in 1861.
- Our stunning mountain views – Abergavenny is tinged with seven hills and mountains, so the spring views from the slopes are truly spectacular. Visit the Sugarloaf for wonderful views north and west into the Brecon Beacons, climb the Skirrid Fawr for lovely vistas to the east and west, and walk the Blorenge mountain for beautiful views of Abergavenny town and the surrounding countryside. You’ll also see interesting signs of the area’s history with the remnants of the iron making industry on the Blorenge and an early church in the Skirrid.
- Our delicious food and drinks producers – There are so many delicious ingredients and drinks being produced on our doorstep. Check out the produce of our suppliers like Golden Valley Meat and Game, Abergavenny, Vin Sullivan foods in nearby Blaenavon, the Welsh Venison Centre in Bwlch, Raglan Dairy, Apple County Cider in Skenfrith, and the ales from Kingstone Brewery in Tintern.
- Our bustling market towns – Monmouthshire’s towns are full of character and quirky independent retailers. Abergavenny is known as the food gateway to Wales and its historic market hall is the beating heart of the town. You’ll find food producers, arts and crafts sellers, antique stalls, and more. Usk has a traditional farmers’ market in its Memorial Hall twice a month selling cakes, honey, organic beef, lamb, pork, chicken, organic fruit and vegetables, pies, jams, beeswax products, unpasteurised cheese, fair trade produce, patisserie goods, chocolates, and more. Sunday markets are held in Chepstow’s streets promoting local foods and crafts.
- Our wonderful wineries and vineyards – This area is famed for its award-winning wines and most of our vineyards have visitor experiences or open days. The Dell Vineyard near Raglan offers guided tours, private tours, and group bookings with a tasting. White Castle Vineyard in Llanvetherine near Abergavenny offers tours, tastings, and group visits, the Sugar Loaf Vineyards, Abergavenny, have tables for coffee, cake, and wine among the vines, and Parva Farm Vineyard above Tintern has a self-guided tour where you can stroll among the vines and take in the beauty of the Wye Valley.
- Our gorgeous canal – The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal is perfect for wonderful walks and relaxing boating trips. You’ll see flag irises and wildlife like ducks, herons, and kingfishers as you take in the scenery. Take a day boat from Brecon for a shorter trip on the water, or cycle some or all of the 35 mile path.
- Our historic castles – There are several ancient and beautiful castles to visit in Monmouthshire. Walk the Three Castles Trail around Skenfrith, Grosmont, and White Castles near 1861 for gorgeous countryside and interesting history. Get more ideas from this blog we published last year: https://18-61.co.uk/castles-to-awe-and-inspire-on-our-doorstep/
- Our outdoor pursuits – From kayaking on the canal, cycling on its path, or walking the hills to ballooning or paragliding, there’s so much to do in our great outdoors. Spring walks on the hills and mountains will give you breathtaking views and the chance to see wonderful wildlife like peregrine falcons or red kites. You can also find foraging tours to combine getting outdoors with sourcing delicious ingredients like wild garlic.
- Our fabulous restaurants – Including 1861 Restaurant With Rooms, of course! Monmouthshire’s famous for its food culture, using the best seasonal local ingredients to produce impressive dishes. There’s everything from cosy cafes to bistros and gourmet restaurants and many different cuisines, so there’s a restaurant choice for every palate. You’ll find gourmet British and French food, excellent Italian restaurants, Nepalese, Pakistani, and Indian cuisine, and Turkish, Greek, Japanese and Thai restaurants.
Looking for a fantastic lunch or dinner, or a comfortable, tranquil place to stay? Take a look at our mouthwatering sample menus and lovely rooms.
