Monmouthshire Attractions and Heritage Sites (Places to Visit)
We have compiled a list of Attractions in Monmouthshire to visit during your stay. We hope the information about the attractions in Monmouthshire helps you with your holiday planning.
Construction of the immense fortress was initiated by Welsh knight, Sir William ap Thomas, in the early 15th century and finished by his son, William Herbert. Part of the palace's splendour included 6 towers, 2 drawbridges, a moat and 2 courtyards. Though the castle fell under siege during the English Civil War, ornate aspects of the French design remain. Elaborate carvings, gargoyles, huge fireplaces, a moat promenade and moulded roof corbels are mostly intact.
2. White Castle - Llantilio Crossenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8 - Tel No: 01600 780380
The pear shaped structure, with surrounding moat, is a medieval fortress built in the 13th century as one of the "Three Castles" (along with Grosmont and Skenfrith) forming a triangular stronghold that defended the territory. Hubert de Burgh built the palace for King John. When completed, the fortress contained a brew house, chapel, great hall and kitchen. Formerly known as Llantilio Castle, the name was modernised due to the whitewash plaster applied to the exterior walls.
3. Chepstow Castle - Bank Street, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5 - Tel No: 01291 624065
This 11th century medieval fortress is believed to be the oldest in existence and sits high above the banks of the river Wye. Constructed for William the Conqueror, the fortification was mainly used as a launching destination for many invasions throughout the territory. A medieval town and port soon developed beside the castle. The site was also used as a prison for a time and one of the towers was named for regicide Henry Marten. The towers and exterior walls remain standing along with sculptures and adornments.
The fortress belonging to the Trilateral is the lowest lying of the strongholds and is located in the centre of the village, along the banks of the river Monnow. Lord de Burgh renovated and fortified the castle over an existing structure in the early 13th century for Henry II. The curtain wall, round keep and 3 towers of the castle remain. The moat once filled by the river, is now filled in and part of an expansive lawn surrounding the structure. Doorjambs with the original iron hinges and window bars are amazingly intact.
5. Abergavenny Museum - Castle Street, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 5EE - Tel No: 01873 854282
The museum is located on the property that was once an 11th century Norman castle and is housed within a building that was used as a royal hunting lodge. Displays include Mesolithic artefacts to present day art works. Costumes, jewellery, documents and photographs are among the relics that depict the history of the town and nearby area. The facility contains a replicated grocery shop, saddle shop, Welsh kitchen and an activity room for young visitors.
6. Wyndcliffe Court - St Arvans, Nr Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6EY - Tel No: 01291 622352
The court is an expansive Welsh garden, designed by renowned garden architect H. Avray Tipping. Constructed around the estate formerly owned by Patrick and Betty Clay, the Arts and Crafts garden encompasses the home with walls of shrubbery, sculptures, topiaries, terraced and sunken gardens, and water features. Mrs. Clay herself planted hundreds of flowering plants including azaleas, camellias and tulips. Guests to the location find the area surrounding the estate is beautifully forested.
7. Monnow Bridge - Monnow Street, Monmouth, South East Wales
The Monnow Bridge is the last surviving medieval bridge that has fortification built onto the structure. Originally constructed of large wooden timbers in the late 12th century to protect the town of Monmouth; it was rebuilt using stone a century later. A gate tower was also added and was not only used for protection against the Welsh, but as a means to collect tolls. Numerous renovations have included making the bridge wider and constructing a roof on the gate tower.
8. Nelson Museum - Priory Street, Monmouth, Monmouthshire, NP25 3XA - Tel No: 01600 710630
Located in Monmouth, the facility honours Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson with extensive memorabilia that commemorates his career and provides visitors with a glimpse into the officer's personal life. Nelson was born in Norfolk, died at sea during the Battle of Trafalgar and was subsequently buried in London. The museum also houses the history of Monmouth through numerous presentations that include artefacts, a library, models and paintings. A special collection highlights the Rolls family of Rolls-Royce fame.
9. Church of St. Bridget - Skenfrith, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, NP7 8UG
The building is a 12th century Norman church constructed on a hill and overlooks the river in Skenfrith. The church was named for a 5th century Celtic Christian from Kildare and contains a bell tower, chancel, nave and south porch. St. Bridget's has centuries of detail from the original elaborately carved stone arches, commemorative stained glass windows to the wooden carved, gold gilded Madonna and Child. The church also contains memorials to various members of past parishioners.
