Family friendly Monmouthshire

With so many things to keep your little (and big) ones entertained, Monmouthshire’s the perfect location for a family break.

Let them be Kings and Queens at one (or more) of our castles!

Although peaceful today Monmouthshire’s location on the Wales / England border was once fiercely contested. Reminders of the past turmoil remain with nine castles dotted across the rolling landscape at Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Grosmont, Monmouth, Raglan, Skenfrith, Usk and White Castle. Enjoy outdoor theatre or visit the museum at Abergavenny Castle or look out for Nerys the Dragon at Caldicot Castle. You can find her between the pages of the new Explore and Create family activity pack which is full of ideas for exploring the site. You can even stay in a castle at Castle Knights glamping at Usk.

Get out into the fresh air
From the Brecon Beacons National Park in the north west of the county to the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the east, and the low-lying Gwent Levels in the south, Monmouthshire has more than 1,000 miles of public rights of way to explore with your little (or not so little) ones. From short circular walks to long distance national trails, as well as those best enjoyed with your four legged friend. If it’s raining, get the wellies on and enjoy the puddles!

Cycle safely on off road routes.

Bring your own bike & stay in cycle friendly accommodation or hire a bike from a local cycle hire business before you arrive.

Try Route 49 on the National Cycle Network which follows the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal from Abergavenny to the city of Newport. If you’re looking for more of a challenge, book a guided mountain bike ride.

More on cycling in Monmouthshire

Get ready for adventure!
Take a guided open canoe river trip on the Wye or hire a boat at Goytre Wharf on the Monmouthshire & Brecon canal. Try Stand-up Paddle boarding or windsurfing at Llandegfedd Lake. Or kayaking, Stand-up Paddle boarding, gorge scrambling, rock climbing, abseiling, caving, bushcraft or archery in the Wye Valley. 

More on Monmouthshire activities

Swimming

Enjoy a swim in the pool at one of our four leisure centres. (All have accessible hoists and steps). The recently redeveloped Monmouth Leisure Centre offers a 25m swimming pool, a 3 storey children’s play centre and café, and a well-being and beauty spa. Or try wild swimming with Angela Jones at Run Wild, or supervised open water swimming between April and October at Llandegfedd Lake.

Step back in time at one of our museums

Visit the Victorian hunting lodge in the grounds of Abergavenny castle or uncover the history of a border town and learn how the Wye Valley became the Birthplace of British Tourism at Chepstow museum. Explore a Georgian courtroom in our county town at Monmouth Shire Hall Museum and find out about the stories of our rural life at Usk.

Look out for Ostin the Dormouse at Old Station, Tintern
You can find him between the pages of the new Explore and Create family activity pack which is full of ideas for exploring Old Station, Tintern. Collect Ostin stamps and stickers for completed activities and take photos with our Dormouse photo cut-out board! Afterwards enjoy delicious locally made cake, ice-creams and more in the Victorian station café. You can even buy your dog an ice-cream.