Wye Valley self-catering attractions
This section includes information about top tourist attractions, places of interest and historical sites of importance in the Wye Valley. Entry prices and visiting hours are detailed and links provided where possible.Outdoor activities
A variety of water-sport activities can be arranged on the River Wye. The Monmouth Canoe Centre, hires out canoes and kayaks and also offers guided excursions around the region. Prices for boat hire range from £35 to £45 depending on the type of craft and numbers. Go Ape Adventure Course proves very popular and features a tree-top obstacle course consisting of ladders, tarzan swings and zip slides - pre-booking is essential.
A number of centres also provide horse-riding services, such as Llanthony Riding and Trekking at Court Farm - both short excursions and longer riding holidays can be arranged. Cycling also provides a novel way of exploring the region - there are a variety of companies that hire bikes out such as Pedalaway. Rates are between £7 and £25 for half-day hire.
Food and drinkThe Clytha Arms in Abergavenny, run by a husband and wife team, is ideal for cider enthusiasts - it's one of the pubs used in the Welsh Cider Festival and serves its own cider, as well as a number of real ales such as Double Dragon. The whisky and gins are also local and are produced at the nearby Penderyn Distillery.
The Raglan Arms, Llandenny is also a noteworthy watering-hole and serves traditional pub food from a small menu - a selection of English and Welsh cheeses are also sold in addition to local beers and bitters. For fine dining, visit the Stonemill and Steppes Restaurant in Rockfield. British and French cuisine is served in a former 16th century barn that has been tastefully renovated to include original features, such as oak beams and vaunted ceilings. Children's menus are available and fixed price courses are between £14 and £19.
The Walnut Tree Inn, Abergavenny is also renowned for its food and has received three AA rosettes for its quality. Set in the Black Mountains, it specialises in contemporary British cuisine, served in an unpretentious, informal atmosphere - children's menus are also available.
History and CultureTintern Abbey is one of the most impressive monastic ruins in the country and dates back to the 12th century. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm and entry is free. Goodrich Castle is also well-preserved. It boasts a fine collection of medieval buildings as well as an excellent visitor centre, which houses a small exhibition detailing the life and history of the Castle. Opening hours are 10am to 5pm during high season.
Chepstow Castle, overlooking the River Wye, is also worth visiting and dates from the mid-11th century - it is one of the oldest surviving examples of a stone fortification in Britain. Tickets are around £3.60 and opening times are 9am to 5pm.
