This is border country and has a rich history to prove it. The splendid countryside is dotted with the remnants of wars and struggles gone by. There are more castles and fortresses to be found here than anywhere else in the country. Historic market towns such as Chepstow, Monmouth and Usk show English as well as Welsh influence, having swapped sides numerous times. Away from the towns, the Wye Valley and the Brecon Beacons are areas of unique beauty that you are unlikely to find anywhere else in the country. This is also the place to indulge your inner romantic by taking a riverside walk to the ruins of Tintern Abbey.
River Wye
The Wye Valley winds down through Monmouthshire’s stunning scenery. The most anglicised area of Wales in terms of language, culture and architecture, it only officially became part of Wales in 1974. Running parallel to the river, albeit on the English side, are the ancient defences of Offa’s Dyke.
Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow can rightly claim to be one of the gateways to Wales as it lies just across the border on the banks of the River Wye. Just outside the town is the historic Piercefield Park, which is also home to Chepstow Races. The racecourse has a packed flat and jump racing season that runs throughout the year, with the highlight being the Welsh Grand National.
Tintern Abbey
Situated on a beautiful stretch of the banks of the River Wye, this was the first Cistercian Abbey to be built in Wales, being founded in 1131, although it only lasted until 1536 before it was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII. However, as the buildings decayed, it became even more of an attraction, with its evocative ruins providing inspiration to the Romantic poets and beyond.
Find out more about Tintern Abbey
Celtic Manor Resort
Situated just outside Newport, the Celtic Manor Hotel and Resort has been built around a Victorian country house which spent much of the 20th century as a maternity hospital. It has now been redeveloped as a 400 bedroom spa and conference centre with three golf courses. In 2010, it will be the venue for the Ryder Cup, the first time it has ever been held in Wales.
Newport Transporter Bridge
A Grade 1 Listed structure that is in effect an aerial ferry, the Newport Transporter Bridge is one of the most unique sites on the River Usk. Built in 1906 to allow people and horses to cross the river in a gondola on a track underneath its central span, its design at the same time allows high-masted sail boats to pass safely below on the river. Standing 242 feet in the air it is highly recommended - unless you’re scared of heights.
Roman Legionary Museum, Caerleon
Caerleon was the site of one of only three permanent Roman fortresses in Britain and this museum is situated in its remains. These include the most complete amphitheatre in Britain and the only example of the remains of a Legionary barracks in Europe. It’s a great place for kids and in the holidays they can even dress up in costume to experience Roman life.
Find out more about the National Roman Legion Museum
Tredegar House
Home of the Morgan family between 1402 – 1951, Tredegar House is one of the most famous ancestoral homes in Wales. At its height in the Regency period, it was the place to see and be seen for passing royalty and aristocracy. A red brick Restoration mansion set in beautiful gardens, many of the rooms have recently been restored to recreate its heyday.
Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal
One of the most scenic and beautiful canal routes to be found in the British Isles, the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal used to transport coal and limestone to Brecon. These days it is far more popular with canal boats and motor cruisers who want to take advantage of the 32 miles of idyllic scenery.
Vale of Usk
Close to the border with England, the valleys of the Wye and Usk are hugely popular with walkers and ramblers. As well as the stunning rolling scenery, there is a wealth of history laid out in a landscape littered with numerous castles, the legacy of hundreds of years of border disputes between the two countries.
Raglan Castle
This is quite unlike any castle in Wales. It dates from a slightly later and more peaceful medieval period. Construction started in 1435 and there is greater emphasis on comfort rather than defence. In many ways there is a palatial feeling to this epic sandstone construction, but it was still strong enough to survive the second longest siege in the Civil War.
Find out more about Raglan Castle
Monmouth
This is a charming little town built on the confluence of three rivers, the Wye, Monnow and Trothy. The area around the Wye Valley is stunning, in fact, designated an area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the town itself is very picturesque. The town has a intriguing mix of architectural styles including a 13th century bridge, 14th century church and Georgian townhouses.
Abergavenny
This thriving market town is traditionally seen as a gateway to South Wales and an ideal base to start exploring the Brecon Beacons from. Close not only to the Beacons, but also the Black Mountains, it hides away in the Usk Valley. It has a very different feel to nearby towns, as it was a centre for weaving and tanning rather than coal. It also holds a two day food festival every September.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
Just north of Abergavenny in the Black Mountains is Sugar Loaf Mountain or Mynnd Pen-Y-Fal in Welsh. It stands an impressive 596m (1,955 ft) tall and its bleak, barren beauty is a popular draw for hill walkers. As well as the stunning views from the top, there is also a vineyard producing Sugar Loaf wines on the slopes of the mountain.