Hidden gems of Monmouthshire

Picture your perfect day out. Maybe a castle which feeds your passion for history;  an Instagrammable viewpoint; or a cosy café where you can simply relax and watch the world go by. The best places are not always the tourist hotspots, the highest mountain or the most visited attraction. Sometimes your perfect day out will be spent off the beaten track – getting acquainted with places which locals love. Hopefully, some of these hidden gems will become favourites of yours.

For nature lovers

(Pentwyn Farm, Gwent Wildlife Trust)

The springtime wild flowers at Pentwyn Farm near Monmouth are amazing, thanks to the use of traditional farming methods. A waymarked trail leads you through the beautiful hay meadows, edged with ancient hedgerows and dry stone walls. Magor Marsh, an historic piece of fenland on the Gwent Levels, has a patchwork of habitats which support a rich diversity of wildlife throughout the year. Stroll along the boardwalk and visit the bird hides, then call into Magor village where there’s an attractive square and a good selection of shops, cafés and pubs.

Good to know : Caldicot Castle and Roman Caerwent - both free to visit - are a short drive away.

Pack a picnic

(Llandegfedd Lake)

As you tuck into your sandwiches at Llandegfedd Lake, there’s always plenty to watch, on and off the water. After stand up paddleboarding, adventure golf or wandering along the walking trails, end your visit with a treat from the café! For a picnic bench in castle ruins with amazing views, choose White Castle. It’s the most imposing of the Three Castles (Grosmont and Skenfrith are the others) built to control the border with Wales/England border. Once you’ve finished exploring, pop into nearby White Castle Vineyard for some award winning wine!

Good to know : A circular 19 mile walking route links these Three Castles

Time for reflection

(Church of St. Jerome - Alex Ramsey for Friends of Friendless Churches)

Close to Usk are three remarkable, historic churches whose remote settings virtually guarantee solitude. St Jerome's has a fine medieval screen and dazzling Pre-Raphaelite floor tiles. 15^th century St David's has a remarkable, unrestored interior with 18^th century fittings, while St Michael and All Angels' houses the oldest bells in Monmouthshire. Cared for by Friends of Friendless Churches, these churches are open for visitors every day, thanks to local volunteers.

Good to know : Not far from Caldicot is another St Michael and All Angels' church – with a link to Henry Jones, the inventor of self-raising flour.

Take a stroll

Cefn Ila is the perfect place to wander. Once the site of a manor house, it includes a recently planted woodland, an established arboretum, a walled garden and an ancient orchard. A mile-long footpath links it to the pretty town of Usk, with an abundance of shops and places to eat. If shopping in Monmouth, take a break in the garden which commemorates Lord Nelson’s visit to the town with Lord & Lady Hamilton in 1802. You’ll find Nelson Garden hidden behind the high street, and accessible only through a short tunnel. Restored to its 19^th century heyday, it’s open on selected dates from spring to autumn – please check days and times.

Good to know : To walk with others and pick up some local knowledge, try a guided walk.

For a magical experience

(Llanthony Priory)

Head into the steep-sided Vale of Ewyas, and you’ll leave the modern world behind. This stunning landscape has drawn monks, writers and recluses for centuries. The Offa’s Dyke Path runs along the eastern ridge, with walkers often descending into the valley to spend a night at Llanthony Priory Hotel built within the magnificent ruins of the 900-year old monastery.

Good to know : Don’t expect a mobile phone signal but be sure to enjoy stargazing in these dark skies.

Live the good life

Penhein Glamping

Avoid phone, internet and other distractions with a comfortable stay in alternative accommodation offering varying levels of off-grid living - from hammocks and wood-fired hot-tubs, to firepit cooking and compost loos! At Bluebell Cabin there’s a romantic loft bed, and a bathroom in a former horse-box. The Wood Shack and Mistletoe Treehouse are in idyllic wooded spots, yet not so isolated that you can’t walk to a local pub. Penhein’s domed tents combine the rustic with the luxurious, and you can cook on a fire pit, wood burning stove or in their ‘Cheat’s Kitchen’. The renovated railway carriages which form Llanthony Court Castaway are exceptional in both facilities and location.

Good to know :  We’ve an eclectic mix of alternative accommodation spread across the county.

For more inspiration, take a look at all there is to do in Monmouthshire.