Things to see, eat, drink and do in Monmouthshire

If there’s one thing that sets Monmouthshire apart as a top Welsh tourism destination - it’s an endlessly and vibrant culinary scene.

Monmouthshire easily lives up to its billing as the 'Food Capital of Wales'. Not content with hosting the UK’s largest annual food festival in Abergavenny, Wales’ Culinary Capital continues to add to its roster of local producers with an ever-expanding list of independent bakeries, breweries, distilleries and even the odd meadery.

Highly regarded local producers at this year’s festival include Black Mountains Preserves with their jams and chutneys, Usk Valley Cheese Company and Blaenafon Cheddar Company's award-winning cheese. The Crafty Pickle's vegan sauerkrauts and kimchis, with a percentage of sales going towards addressing food insecurity, feature alongside Trealy Farm Charcuterie’s expertly cured meats. 

Once the tipple of choice for thirsty druids and monks, mead is making a comeback thanks to Hive Mind Mead & Brew Co - Wye Valley Meadery, who harvest honey from their own beehives to put a modern twist on this ancient favourite.

If real ales are more your speed, be sure to seek out Kingstone Brewery, or head to Apple County Cider near Skenfrith to sample the talents of award-winning cider producer Ben Culpin. If gin is more your thing, there’s the White Hare in Brynbuga (Usk), with gin tasting sessions and masterclasses.

We wouldn’t blame you for not immediately thinking ‘wine’ when someone mentions Wales, but Monmouthshire has four vineyards. What’s more, White Castle Vineyard recently became the first Welsh wine producer to win gold at the Decanter World Wine Awards for their pinot noir reserve 2018.

Of the seven Michelin stars currently held in Wales, Monmouthshire is home to two. The Walnut Tree Inn has been a cornerstone of fine Welsh dining since veteran chef Shaun Hill took the helm back in 2008. That it has retained its Michelin star since 2010 is a testament to Shaun's enduring creativity. 

Chef Chris Harrod, who made it all the way to the banquet of 2018’s Great British Menu, has led The Whitebrook to high acclaim, earning both a Michelin star and a Michelin Green Star for sustainability.

After all that food you’ll need to work off some calories. Monmouth-based Inspire2Adventure offer a variety of land and water-based activities ranging from stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) and kayaking to gorge scrambling and rock climbing. 

Retreat further into the forest and try your hand at woodland yoga or Shinrin Yoku (Japanese forest bathing) with Forest Retreats.

This is also great walking country and Monmouthshire has become increasingly popular with ‘leaf peepers’ during autumn months. The mighty Offa's Dyke Path National Trail cuts a meandering trail across the landscape, serving up beautiful views over the Wye Valley from Cas-gwent (Chepstow) and Tyndyrn (Tintern) to Trefynwy (Monmouth), as well as towards the Black Mountains in the north.

Much more walking inspiration is available via the Visit Monmouthshire walking page.

Monmouthshire is also a top spot for stargazers - there are five official Dark Sky Discovery Sites, three of which are castles (Abergavenny, Caldicot and Skenfrith).

This is a landscape steeped in history and, as you might expect from the birthplace of Henry V, home to nine castles. History buffs should try the Three Castles Walk, a 19-mile circular route linking in the medieval castles of Grosmont, Skenfrith and White Castle.

Towering above the banks of the River Wye, the spectacular ruins of Abaty Tyndyrn (Tintern Abbey) provide a glimpse of its former architectural majesty - an inspiration for both Wordsworth and Turner. Similarly, it is clear to all those who encounter the 900-year-old ruins of Priordy Llanddewi Nant Hodni (Llanthony Priory) why this was considered one of Wales’ great Medieval buildings.

Many local businesses offer hands-on courses and lessons, whether that’s baking bread with The Abergavenny Baker, wild foraging and beekeeping with Humble by Nature, or creating your own fragrance with Wales Perfumery.

The Whitebrook has rooms on site. The Angel Hotel in Y Fenni (Abergavenny) was named The Times and The Sunday Times' Best Foodie Hotel in 2025 and featured in their list of the 100 Best Places to Stay in the UK.

Prefer fending for yourselves? Check out the stunning options at Wern-y-Cwm Farm, Llandewi Skirrid, winner of the 'best self-catering' award at the National Tourism Awards for Wales '25. The Cider House is a cosy cottage for up to 7, or The Farmhouse caters for huge get-togethers, sleeping up to 23.

Prefer sleeping under the stars? Hidden Valley Yurts boasts a small group of streamside Mongolian Yurts. Other quirky options include the luxury Alachigh tents at Penhein Glamping.