We’re lucky to be based in a fantastic location in the Wye Valley, with the Forest of Dean and South Wales just a short distance either way. A UK summer break is a great way to explore your own local area a little more, or find out more about the wealth of experiences, landscapes and adventures there are to be had, just a short journey from home. Here are our top tips for a break in the South Wales Borderlands, that doesn’t have to cost the earth.
1. Take a hike!
The Wye Valley is the birthplace of English tourism, renowned for spectacular, picturesque viewpoints. There are well defined long distance paths for seasoned walkers including Offa’s Dyke Path and the Wye Valley Walk or, if your ambition doesn’t quite stretch to a multi day walk, head to Symonds Yat viewpoint, The Kymin at Monmouth, the Devil’s Pulpit high above Tintern Abbey or the Eagle’s Nest with it’s wide ranging views over the Severn Estuary.
Across in South Wales, Sugar Loaf above Abergavenny is a popular mini-mountain for shorter legs (just be aware of the final, lung busting clamber to the top). Nearby, the Blorenge is another popular outing, with some brave souls testing the water of Keeper’s Pond for a chilly dip!
2. Wheely good adventures!
Whether it’s by bike, scooter or wheelchair, there are some amazing routes to explore in the area. The Forest of Dean and South Wales are renowned for mountain biking, but if your style of cycling is a little more sedate, try the Family Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean, or the amazing Wye Valley Greenway, which includes a trip through the 1km Tidenham Tunnel, a restored former railway tunnel deep. If water’s more your thing, a wander along the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal towpath is an accessible and pleasant way to spend a couple of hours or more. There are plenty of bike hire options in the area including Dean Forest Cycles and Pedalabikeaway in the Forest of Dean.
3. Castles Galore
The south Wales border is littered with medieval castles in various states of repair, the legacy of a history of vast and complex conflict. Raglan Castle, Chepstow Castle and Goodrich Castle are all well-preserved tourist attractions with paid for entry, but there are plenty of free to enter options as well. Skenfrith Castle in the quiet Monmouthshire countryside is on the River Monnow and makes for a fun afternoon of exploring, whilst Abergavenny Castle is also free to enter and hosts the Abergavenny museum within its grounds.
4. History and heritage
The National Museum Wales is not actually one, but seven museums across the country, all free to enter, but with car parking charges if driving in. On the edge of Newport are the Roman Legion museum in Caerleon, next door to the Caerleon Roman fortress and baths, run separately by Cadw and with paid entry. A little further north is the fascinating, engaging and at times moving Big Pit National Coal Mining Museum, which includes the opportunity to take a tour of part of this former deep level coal mine (charge for the underground tour, but free entry to the rest of the museum).
5.Wet and wild!
The rivers Wye, Usk and Monnow run through our adventurers’ playground, offering a whole range of opportunities from wild swimming to paddleboarding and canoeing. If you don’t have your own boat but want to get out on the water, get in touch with the friendly folk at Monmouth Canoe centre, Wye Canoes or Wye Valley Experience.
For an expert introduction to wild swimming, contact Angela Jones of Swim Wild
Where to stay
The accommodation options here in the Borderlands are virtually endless, from boutique hotels and B+Bs to holiday lets and some amazing, hidden away campsites. You’ll find plenty to get you excited on the VisitDeanWye and Visit Brecon Beacons websites.