LOCAL ATTRACTIONS
We’ve found that many of our guests choose to do a bit of sight-seeing during their stay at Llwyna Farm. Within easy reach you’ll find the distinctive local village of Trellech, the beautiful village and Abbey at Tintern, the pretty border town of Monmouth. For the more active you could canoe the River Wye, cycle in the Forest of Dean or enjoy one of the many walks -walk on the wye side. If it is relaxation you are after you can picnic in our wild flower meadows watching butterflies and birds swooping to catch their lunch while the buzzards fly overhead. The beautiful valley offers many scenes to capture on canvas if you decide to bring your paints along.
Trellech
Trellech, Trelech or Trelleck (depending on which sign post you read) is only three miles from Llwyna Farm. We’ve actually found twenty-six ways to spell Trellech … we’d love to hear how many you can find. Rather extraordinarily, this little town used to be one of the most important mediæval towns in Wales due to the local iron ore and charcoal industry; at one stage Trellech was bigger than Cardiff and Chepstow. The standing stones, virtuous well and local church are all part of the Trellech experience and are definitely worth a visit. Please go to www.data-wales.co.uk/trellech.htm and www.lostcityoftrellech.co.uk for more information.To find out what is going on in the local area visit www.thevillagenewsmonmouthshire.com.
Castles
There are enough local castles to visit one each day of the week. Chepstow, Monmouth, Caldicot, Skenfrith, Raglan, Grosmont and White Castle are all within an hour’s drive of Llwyna Farm. www.monmouthcastlemuseum.or.uk, www.caldicotcastle.co.uk, www.castleexplorer.co.uk, www.castleswales.com.
Tintern Abbey
Tintern is a fifteen minute drive from Llwyna Farm. Here you’ll find the historic and beautiful Tintern Abbey; built by Cistercian monks in 1131AD on the banks of the River Wye, Tintern Abbey is a lovely place for a picnic or perhaps to visit one of the local cafes. For more information about Tintern Abbey please visit www.castlewales.com/tintern.html or www.tintern.org.uk.
Monmouth
For a more active day, canoeing on the Wye, caving and climbing can all be arranged at The Monmouth Canoe and Activity Centre. www.monmouthcanoe.com
Monmouth is a short drive away and offers a diverse range of individual shops. This historic town was a Roman garrison until 400AD. Built in the 14th Century, Monnow Bridge Gate is the only surviving example in Britain of a mediæval system for guarding a walled town.
Forest of Dean
The former hunting forest covers 35square miles and is approximately 40 minutes away. There are varied activities all year round suitable for all ages and abilities. www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean, www.clearwellcaves.com,www.deanforestrailway.co.uk,www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk
Bread making courses & Micro Brewery
We are lucky enough to have two local organic farms offering these courses, great fun for all the family, whether you are beginners or more experienced, both courses can be tailored for specific requests. Contact Duncan and Gail on 01989 740312 www.sharedharvest.co.uk or Ed and Tori on 01291 680101 www.meadowfarm.org.uk. Just 10 minutes drive away Ed and Tori also brew real ale in their micro brewery, they use traditional methods sourcing local malts, hops and use their own fresh spring water. On your stay you are very welcome to see the ales being brewed and have a taste!
Pony Trekking in the Black Mountains and the beautiful Wye Valley
Both Equestrian Centers are suitable for the experienced or novice rider. Redbrook offers off road hacking in the Wye Valley or lessons in their floodlit arena www.redbrookequestrian.com. A little further away the Grange can take you trekking over the Black Mountains www.grangetrekking.co.uk