Crickhowell

You may not find many gems here, but Crickhowell is the jewel in Brecon Beacon’s crown…

The town of Crickhowell lies along the banks of the River Usk in Powys, Mid Wales. Found in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, many refer to it as ‘the glittering jewel of the Vale’ and with its beautiful countryside and views across the National Park, it certainly is a jewel and much more.

Town Centre

There is a vibrant and lively town centre, with many medieval buildings on the High Street having been renovated and redesigned during the Georgian period. Looking for shops? There are plenty here in Crickhowell, mostly consisting of small, individual, and family owned stores. You’ll be sure to find everything you need right here in the town centre, from your everyday essentials, to gifts, souvenirs and postcards!

An interesting place to visit just outside of Crickhowell’s town centre is the bridge which crosses over the River Usk, leading up and into the Crickhowell town centre. Built in 1706, it is a mind-boggling bridge as from one view thirteen arches of the bridge can be seen, whilst from the opposite end only twelve can be seen. The road would have run up from the bridge straight to the castle gates, moving through the town centre did. Whereas once the town centre would have been on this road, the main shops were eventually moved further up the hill. Perhaps the bridge arches just puzzled the shop owners too much.

Attractions

As a popular tourist town, Crickhowell has an abundance of attractions and activities for all the family. If you’re looking for outdoor activities, then you can try your hand at mountain biking, rock climbing, fly-fishing, paragliding, canoeing, kayaking, and caving. If that isn’t enough for you, then the nearby Llangorse Lake, just 9 miles from Crickhowell, offers fishing opportunities as well as enjoyable walks.

Enjoy horse riding? There are two riding schools within the area, the Golden Castle Riding and Livery Stables, and the Wern Riding School. Both are approved by the British Horse Society and whilst the Golden Castle Stables offers cross country courses and riding lessons, the Wern Riding School has a selection of trail rides to choose from. Both stables will ensure that your pony ride is as enjoyable as possible—and that you hopefully don’t fall off the horse!

The Big Pit Museum will be a huge hit (not pit) with children, giving them a once in a lifetime experience of just how conditions were down in the depths of a coal mine. Travel 300ft down the shaft with a real miner to truly understand just how the men worked. The world famous tour lasts just under an hour and will leave children fascinated and exhilarated by their hands-on experience of the mining world. The Big Pit Museum is 10 miles south of Crickhowell and can be easily found from the A4077 road.
For further historical visits, try visiting the splendid Abergavenny castle, with its romantic ruins just waiting to be explored.

Two festivals are held in the town each year: the Brecon Jazz Festival, showcasing many new jazz talents, and the Crickhowell Walking Festival, which comprises nine days of fabulous walks, including treks through the Black Mountains and peaceful strolls through the Brecon countryside.

Castle

Not only is there a castle in Abergavenny, but there is also a castle right here in Crickhowell itself, overlooking the Valley of Usk. Originally it was a motte and bailey settlement, constructed by the Normans during the 12th century. The bailey would have occupied the area where the present playing field now sits, and would have housed livestock and the castle’s workers. A shell keep was added to the top of the motte, as well as walls, towers and gateways, presumably for protection against invaders and enemies. Sadly only two of the masonry fragments survive, possibly following the destruction of the castle by Owain Glyndwr, from which the castle never really survived.  

Televillage

Televillage was very recently built just a few miles from Crickhowell town centre. Originally the site of an old farmhouse, Televillage now consists of  39 houses, whilst the farm’s outbuildings have been converted into offices for work developments. The Brecon Beacons National Park wished Televillage to reflect its surroundings and so only local materials have been used in the construction of both the homes and offices. Interestingly, no cars can be used in the hub of Televillage, taking advantage of the spacious car park at the back of the ‘village’. Instead, small paths create the sense of community here in Televillage, making it a place full of peace and warmth.

History

Apart from the town’s castle, Porth Mawr is possibly one of the most famous monuments in Crickhowell. A yellow brick gatehouse, it was built circa 1480 in the heart of the town, and thus is one of Crickhowell’s oldest buildings. It was home to two families, the English Rubert family, and the Welsh Herbert family. However, these days only the gatehouse remains, having been redesigned during the 19th century.

Historians will love to know that Sir George Everest, after who Mount Everest is named, was born at Gwernvale Manor near Crickhowell! A street in the town, Everest Drive, was named to commemorate the life of George Everest who passed away in 1866.

Accommodation & Services

There is a wide range of accommodation in Crickhowell. Hotels include, amongst many others, The Manor Hotel, the birthplace of Sir George Everest mentioned above, and Llangattock Court, a splendid mansion built circa 1700. Not only are there hotels, but there are an abundance of bed and breakfasts, guesthouses and luxury self-catering cottages. Camping sites can also be found both in the direction of Abergavenny and Llangorse Lake.

With all the activities and attractions on offer and its close proximity to Abergavenny, Newport and Cardiff, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t visit Crickhowell. Besides, Crickhowell is the gem of Brecon Beacons National Park.