Hotels in Caerleon Newport County and Hotels in WALES DIRECTORY

Caerleon is nestled between the Llwyd and the Usk rivers, 6.4km north east of Newport in South Wales. The M4 motorway is a little over 2km south of the village, with easy access to Cardiff, Swansea and Bristol. There are many legends associated with this small Welsh town, none more fascinating than those that say King Arthur’s Camelot once stood on this ground. Legends or not what is known for certain is that there are several important historical sites at Caerleon. Probably the most important are the Roman fort and amphitheatre, the remains of which are situated between the banks of the River Usk and the town centre, and from which the present town gets its name. Following the exit of the Romans from Britain not much can be certain until the middle ages and the erection of the motte and bailey fortress by the Welsh, which would eventually be taken by the Anglo-Normans and rebuilt in stone, taken from the ruined Roman structures. Today there is little to show of Caerleon Castle other than just one tower, probably erected in the middle of the 13th century. Visitors to Caerleon may appreciate the heritage trail that takes in all the historic sites and for walks further afield there is the Usk Valley Walk that follows the river through Usk, Abergavenny and through to Brecon (59km).

Cyclists are well catered for with the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal Route that leads north, or take the southern route via the banks of the Usk to Newport and the Bristol Channel. There are three golf courses in the vicinity of Caerleon, with none more famous than the Celtic Manor Golf Resort on the banks of the River Usk, the host of the 2010 Ryder Cup Championship and a mere Roman soldiers javelin throw from the town centre of Caerleon. Who knows what legendary feats will take place when the Europeans take on the Americans in the battle of the Ryder Cup.