Wondering how to extend your festival visit this September and keep the family entertained? Planning your family holiday for this summer and not sure where to start?
Monmouthshire is the food capital of Wales, meaning there are plenty of delicious destinations to try, but more than that, it’s also one of the most beautiful areas of the U.K and has plenty of family friendly fun to be had, come rain or come shine.
Here are our top tips for where to visit when you’re in our beautiful county.
Check out a castle or two
Fancy visiting a Norman castle, a stronghold from the middle ages or a Victorian Family home? You can do all 3, and have a go at Archery, all at Caldicot Castle set in a beautiful wooded country park, perfect for exploration. If riverside Norman dwellings are more your thing, Chepstow Castle has an incredible history, and overlooks the beautiful River Wye.
Indulge in some fine dining
Abergavenny’s own The Walnut Tree has been named the best restaurant in Wales by Hardens, where chef Shaun Hill has created an eclectic Michelin starred menu. Locally sourced foods from small scale producers are justifiably praised by many Monmouthshire chefs, including Chris Harrod from The Whitebrook who carefully sources, and even forages to create his Michelin menu. Whatever kind of restaurant you’d like to visit, there’s an award-winning one in Monmouthshire to suit.
Wander through the vines
Welsh wine is going from strength to strength, and right on our festival doorstep you can visit the vines at one of Monmouthshire’s four vineyards, at the Sugarloaf Vineyard you can stroll around the grounds, or get in touch and set up your own guided group tour, and get a chance to taste the wine.
Make the most of your markets
Getting up close and personal with the people who grow and rear your food is one of the best ways to eat well and support local businesses. Luckily Monmouthshire has plenty of opportunity to do just that, with Usk Farmers Market every second Saturday, and our own Abergavenny Market every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday.
Have a day at the races
Fancy donning your finery and having a flutter, then Chepstow Racecourse is for you with their programme of afternoon racing. They also have a full programme of events throughout the year including live music, the Green Gathering festival and specially themed race nights, Gin & Jazz anyone?
Fill up at festivals
Abergavenny Food Festival is far from the only festival that goes on in Monmouthshire. Over the summer, Chepstow Festival will be keeping crowds entertained with outdoor theatre in the castle grounds with varied performances from Frankenstein to Gangsta Granny. The UK Choir Festival, hosted by Monmouth School for Girls this October will be a chance for choirs from across the UK to learn and perform, and there’s more music at the Wye Valley Festival summer residency in August. Whether it’s music, food or theatre, festivals are a year-round business here.
Get out and about
It’s impossible to miss the beautiful scenery in Monmouthshire from the River Wye to the Sugarloaf, so don’t forget to pack your walking boots or your cycling shoes.
To find out even more about what’s on this year, head to Visit Monmouthshire online for a comprehensive ‘what’s on’