Local Attractions
If you are stopping with us at Cromwell’s Hideaway, we have put together a useful list of things to do and places to see in and around Monmouthshire.
Blaenavon World Heritage Site
Well worth a visit, in particular Big Pit National Coal Museum.
A visit to Big Pit includes a 300ft descent into the old colliery, where a former coal miner will take you on a fascinating and personal tour with the sights, sounds and smells of the mine creating an impression of what working life was like at the coalface. The best part is nearly everything you can visit here is free!
Canoeing & Kayaking Down The Wye
Hire canoes or kayaks and make your way down the stunning River Wye either with or without a guide.
There are three excellent providers: Monmouth Canoe, Forest Adventure and Adventure River.
http://www.forestadventure.co.uk
http://www.monmouthcanoe.co.uk/river-wye-canoeing/
http://www.adventureriver.co.uk/
Tintern Abbey
The appeal of this exceptional Cistercian abbey remains as enduring as ever.
An area of outstanding beauty complemented by this outstanding beauty in stone. If only the walls could talk! The chants of countless monks echo through the masonry here.
Usk Castle
Enchanting, romantic ruins overlook the small town of Usk, and the wide river valley beyond.
Within a natural and peaceful setting, the ancient walls are covered with creepers, and old stone towers invite you to explore. This is a medieval castle that fell into disuse 500 years ago, waiting to be discovered.
Clearwell Caves
Clearwell Caves are natural caves, extensively mined for iron ore to make some of Britain’s most complex and oldest mine workings.
The mine dates back well over 4,000 years when early miners dug for ochre pigments to make paints.
A stunning statement of wealth and power.
Everything’s impressive about this place, from its great tower, which evokes memories of earlier fortresses like Caernarfon, to the great gatehouse, which ‘wows’ the visitor just as its owner intended. If, as they say, an Englishman’s home is his castle, then William Herbert’s Raglan is the Welshman’s equivalent.
Usk Rural Life Museum
Housed in a 16th-century malt barn, the inspiring Usk Rural Museum houses a vast exhibit of over 5000 artefacts.
Gain a cultural insight into rural life between 1850 and 1950.
White Castle
White Castle is one of the most well-preserved castles in Monmouthshire, with wonderful views over the surrounding countryside.
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border.
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo are passionate about butterfly conservation, and they also support sustainable Butterfly Farming worldwide.
At the zoo, you can walk with butterflies from around the world. It is indoors, it’s tropical and it’s teeming with exotic butterflies which fly around as you discover their fascinating lives in close-up. See for yourself every stage of their life cycle: Egg, caterpillar, chrysalis and some of the world’s most beautiful butterflies.
Oldfield Forge Hereford
A traditional blacksmith’s forge in the heart of the Herefordshire countryside.
Oldfield Forge is a family-run blacksmithing company combining traditional blacksmithing techniques and craftsmanship with modern technology to produce the finest quality bespoke ironmongery, shared during our experience days.
Whether it’s a family day out (kids as young as 7 can take part), a fun couples date day, or larger group activity, there is something for everyone! You can even come and take part on your own for some ‘you’ time hammering metal!
White Castle Vineyard
Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting
The tour is a wonderful opportunity to experience first-hand an award-winning Welsh Vineyard. Uniquely, tours are led by Robb or Nicola the owners of White Castle vineyard, giving you the opportunity to meet the passionate pair who tends the vines.
The vineyard tour talks of early beginnings to the present day they share experiences and story of how they planted a vineyard and how a dream became a reality. The guided tour includes a tour on foot, of the vineyard where you will learn about the vineyard cycle, the grape varieties grown and the Welsh grape harvest. Opportunities for questions and answers, take in the spectacular views. On return to the Cellar Door, you get to taste wines perfect for those with a love and passion for wine.
Wales Perfumery
Wales Perfumery is a modern apothecary that uses the finest ingredients to create the most beautiful perfumes and home fragrances. Using traditional methods, all our products are hand-crafted in the stunning Monmouthshire countryside. Have you ever wanted to create your own bespoke fragrance? Well, now you can in the surroundings of the Wye Valley in Monmouthshire.
