Monmouth is located in south-east Wales and is the meeting place of the rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy. With its close proximity to Newport, Cardiff and Bristol, Monmouth has fast become a popular tourist town, with thousands of visitors flocking to the town each year.

Town Centre

There can be no dispute about Monmouth's most famous attraction. Monnow Bridge is the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge in Britain where the gate tower stands actually on the bridge. The stone bridge was erected in the 13th Century and still stands proudly guarding the entrance to this disputed border town.

Once having crossed the river however visitors will be glad to know that Monmouth town centre has many well known high street names, such as W H Smith and Boots, as well as small, independent shops selling everything from clothes, art and crafts and garden supplies. There’s a mixture of everything here in Monmouth! Visit the Nelson Garden, a small enclosed garden naturally named after Lord Nelson, who was entertained here in 1802 along with Sir William and Lady Hamilton. During the 19th century a pavilion was added to the garden, making it one of the most peaceful and attractive sights in Monmouth.

Attractions

With its status as a thriving tourist town, Monmouth has many attractions to entice everyone to the town. There are an abundance of outdoor sports in the local area including rock climbing, caving, biking, 4x4 driving, paragliding and canoeing. The Monmouth Golf Club, founded in 1896, is an 18 hole golf course set amongst the rural Welsh countryside, along with pub and bar facilities inside the clubhouse.
 If all that seems a bit too much for you and you fancy something a little less energetic, there are several horse riding stables which offer pony trekking and horse trails, ensuring that you can still do an outdoor sport whilst resting your legs!

Leisure Centre

If you want sporting activities but don’t fancy going outside to do them, then fear not: Monmouth’s Leisure Centre is just for you. Inside there is a 25m swimming pool with various swimming sessions and activities taking place all day, every day, and some sessions including time in the sauna beforehand. Aside from the swimming pool, there are also squash courts, five a side football, badminton, volleyball and short tennis, and when the sports finally become too much, you can take a cool, refreshing drink in the cafeteria.

Museums

Don’t fancy sports at all? No worries, you don’t have to be a sporting fanatic to enjoy Monmouth. There are two impressive museums situated in the town: the Nelson Museum and the Usk Rural Life Museum.
The former depicts the life of the Admiral Lord Nelson (who fought and won the battle of Trafalgar in 1805) retelling his life, loves and death. There are fascinating displays of weapons, letters and fine ceramics, as well as ship models which help bring the whole story to life.
The latter, the Usk Rural Life Museum, portrays the life of the Welsh people from the 1850s up until the Second World War, with many incredible displays of equipment and machinery from the era having been collected by local enthusiasts.

Walks

One of the main reasons people come to Monmouth each year is because of its many enjoyable walks both through the town and in the surrounding area. Take a 6 mile walk through the Valley of Usk, the Offa’s Dyke Walk which crosses the boundary between England and Wales; the Historic Monmouth walk which takes you on a tour around the historical landmarks in Monmouth town, and a peaceful Circular Walk through woods and farmland in the surrounding area.

History

Monmouth began as an organised settlement during the time when the Romans occupied Britain and had conquered Wales. It was known to the Romans as Blestium, and was part of a network of Roman forts covering the region.
Monmouth has also marked its place in history as being the birthplace of Henry V, as he was born in the Queens Chamber of the town’s castle in September 1386.

Church

Whereas there once used to be seven medieval churches sitting here in Monmouth, only one survives today. St Mary’s church dates back to Norman times, making it one of the oldest buildings in Monmouth. However, in 1732 it was partially damaged and underwent many alterations and renovations. This proved a waste of time and the builders must have kicked themselves afterwards, for in 1800 the church was considered too small, was demolished and rebuilt to new plans.

Castle

This 11th century castle was built by the Norman William Fitz Osbern, Earl of Hereford, in 1067, a year after the Battle of Hastings. From then onwards the castle was held by many different Norman lords, until in 1267 it was granted, along with the Three Castles of White, Grosmont and Skenfrith, to Henry III’s son Edward Crouchback, when he became Earl of Lancaster. However, the most famous fact about the castle is that it was the birthplace of Henry V, who reigned as king of England from 1413 until his death in 1422. The end finally came for the castle in the Civil War, when it changed hands three times and was eventually slighted by the Parliamentarians.
Little remains of the castle today but its ruins can still be visited. The gatehouse, curtain wall and round keep have all disappeared, but the Great Tower and Hall still remain. To the east side the Norman-style round windows and the flat pilaster buttress can still be sighted, giving some fascinating evidence as to what the castle may have looked like back in 1067.

Accommodation

Because of its popularity as a tourist town, Monmouth has several hotels located within its town centre, all offering a comfortable night’s stay to their guests. If you fancy something a little more independent, there are a number of self-catering cottages in the surrounding villages of Whitchurch and Shortstanding.

With its castle, golf course, breathtaking walks and wide range of outdoor activities, Monmouth is the perfect place to visit in South Wales.