Why You Should Visit Abergavenny – Monmouthshire
In Great Britain’s southeast Wales, there is a cozy market town called Abergavenny – Monmouthshire, which seamlessly transitions from the nearby (only 10 km away) industrial lifestyle of England to the beautiful Welsh terrain and comforts. Surrounded by Blorenge Mountain, the Sugar Loaf mountain, and five large hills, as well as being so close to the Black Mountains, Abergavenny is a picturesque location.
The town’s history stretches back to the Romans and the later Norman occupation, so there are a lot of historical sites that are worth seeing. On of the most substantial is Abergavenny Castle, which was constructed in the 11th century CE. It’s strategic location between England and Wales made it the site of many battles, and during the English Civil War, the castle underwent massive structural damage from slighting.
Along the River Usk, this castle now mainly functions as the home of the Abergavenny museum, which stores artifacts from throughout the ages. There are pieces from the Roman fortress Gobannium (for which the town is known), in addition to pieces that go from the Mesolithic era through the Victorian period. Raglan Castle, Skenfrith Castle (12th c. CE), and White Castle (13 c. CE).
The nearby former Monmouthshire psychiatric hospital and memorial (to honor the thousdands dead during the hospitals tenure from 1850 till 1950) serve as another tourist stop, as does St. Mary’s Church, and the Market sites. St. Mary’s has a history that goes back to the 12th century, but has undergone destruction, rebuilding, restoration, and reimagining as the centuries and religious wars took their toll. It is, despite the constant plans of renovation, a thriving and healthy parish.
In terms of other activities, there is a Leisure Center, which is well-equipped for sporting people and the Wernddu golf course within a mile of the town. There are cycling paths, sailing at Llangorse Lake, pony rides in the Llangenny Valley, and a racetrack at Chepstown.
Gifts won’t be hard to come by in Abergavenny either, for there are a large number of giftshops, fashion shops, home goods stores, as well as boutiques devoted entirely to the arts. The market, of course, is the main draw for local and travelling shoppers, and is held on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, but if you’re looking for the schedule of a specialized market, check with your hotel for their separate schedules.
Lastly, the accomodations in Abergavenny are varied and of high quality. The main hotels are The Angel, The Swan, and the Abergavenny Hotel. Other smaller inns like the Kings Head, Kings Arms, and the Bellmont Inn are also very accessible. There are bed and breakfasts all throughout the town and camping sites just outside of the town itself. These fine accomodations should make a stay in Abergavenny an enjoyable and interesting one.
For accommodation in Abergavenny check this list of Abergavenny hotels.
