Abergavenny Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Photo by Michaela Menzel
Photo by Jo Gill
Photo by The Curious Zephyr
Photo by Selina Ransom
Photo by Selina Ransom
Tucked in the hills of Monmouthshire in south Wales, Abergavenny sits six miles from theEnglish-Welsh border and is known as the ‘Gateway to Wales’. Set beside the UskRiver, the picturesque market town edges the beautiful Brecon Beacons National Park, making it ideal for enjoying the greatoutdoors.With the Black Mountains providinga stunning backdrop, the town of Abergavennyhas much to offer. It is a delightful, traditional centre brimming withshops, pubs and restaurants, historic sites and a wealth of other attractions,including bustling markets and tranquil riverside walks.

Best of Abergavenny

Culture vultures, history buffs, shopaholics and foodies will findplenty to entertain them here. Visit thegrounds of Abergavenny castle to seethe town’s ruined 13thcentury castle and walls, explore the townhistory museum and view the treasures inside St Mary’s Priory Church, a remnantof the town’s original 11th-century Benedictine priory. Check outthe Tithe Barn at St Mary’s to see the magnificent Abergavenny tapestry that was created by residents to mark themillennium.

There’s plenty more on your doorstep to keep you going. You can strollthrough the beautiful Linda VistaGardens to enjoy views of nearby Blorenge Mountain, explore pretty Castle Meadows to soak up the outlookover Sugar Loaf Mountain or browsethe farmer, crafts and antiques markets that regularly fill Abergavenny’s Victorian Market Hall.

Otherwise, there’s always the chance to dip in and out of Abergavenny’s eclectic shops, boutiquesand other emporiums, and take a break at the many welcoming cafes, pubs andrestaurants.

History of Abergavenny

Standing on the site of a Roman fort, the town of Abergavenny developed during the 11thcentury with the construction of both its Benedictine priory and castle — the remainsof which still stand today. During the 13th century, the town grewfurther, with the addition of protective walls and four gateways.

Ravaged by the Black Plague in the 14th century, Abergavenny enjoyed greater stabilitybetween the 15th and 17th centuries due to its weavingand tanning industries. During this time, it became known for its weeklymarkets and annual fairs, a reputation that remains today.

Sights around Abergavenny

Abergavenny sits on the doorstep of rugged countryside and countlesshistoric and cultural attractions. Strike out into the nearby Brecon Beacons to follow marked trails,see prehistoric standing stones, admire medieval churches and wonder atwaterfalls, caves and the largest natural lake in Wales, LLangorse.

Nearby there is also the 15thcentury Raglan Castle, the Roman baths at Caerleon and the opportunity to discoverthe area’s industrial heritage at the BlaenavonWorld Heritage Site, going underground into the former mines at the NationalCoal Muesum’s Big Pit.

Alternatively, you could try the active pursuits available around Abergavenny, you can find horseriding,sailing, fishing, golfing and other exciting sports and activities.

What’s on in Abergavenny

Abergavenny bustles with events all year round. Scour its marketsand shops, relax at its traditional inns, and savour fresh local food at its gastropubs and restaurants, whatever the season. Plus, be sure to visit the Abergavenny Food Festival in September —a whirl of speciality stalls and events that promises to delight foodaficionados.

The Angel Hotel Abergavenny
The Angel Hotel Abergavenny
4 out of 5
15 Cross Street, Abergavenny, Wales
The price is £260 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£260
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Abergavenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions St Mary's Priory Church and Borough Theatre are ...
Just perfect
"We loved this place . Great room, excellent dinner. Cooked to order breakfast . Going to stay again ."

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

The Angel Hotel Abergavenny
Celtic Manor Resort
Celtic Manor Resort
5 out of 5
Chepstow Road, Coldra Wood, Newport, Wales
The price is £107 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
£107
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 indoor pools and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,296 reviews)
"We stayed on the signature floor. Hadnt booked breakfast but decided to. Told it was £16 each so £32 in total. When we went for breakfast £47!!!! Wta we went with it, expected bit of luxury. Scrambled egg looked like slop, bacon just not nice, beans cold, sausage cold. Choice there was good but no ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Celtic Manor Resort
Village Hotel Cardiff
Village Hotel Cardiff
4 out of 5
29 Pendwyallt Road, Coryton, Cardiff, Wales
The price is £71 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£71
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Cardiff. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Amazing!"

Reviewed on 30 Jun 2025

Village Hotel Cardiff
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Barn conversion in beautiful countryside, sleeps 4
Barn conversion in beautiful countryside, sleeps 4
Abergavenny, Wales
Stay at this holiday home in Abergavenny. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Grosmont Castle and Wernddu Golf Club are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (93 reviews)
Review
"Good for what we wanted"

Reviewed on 13 Jun 2025

Barn conversion in beautiful countryside, sleeps 4
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
4 out of 5
Usk Way, Endeavour House, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8/10 Very Good! (205 reviews)
"Inside was great, the staff were very helpful and friendly, the room was fine, though the carpet was a bit tired. It was just by a busy bridge which had a lot of traffic and mostly it became quiet when the window was closed. I will certainly think of staying in places like that again (student ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Newport Student Village - Campus Accommodation
Quay Apartments Clarence House
Quay Apartments Clarence House
3.5 out of 5
Clarence Place, Newport, Wales
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Newport. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, parking (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Friars Walk Newport and Newport ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (134 reviews)
"I payed for 2 adults 1 child but when we got into the apartment there was only a double bed and a small sofa not suitable for sleeping"

Reviewed on 7 Apr 2025

Quay Apartments Clarence House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Abergavenny

4.4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
9
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 44%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 6%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We came specifically for the Food Festival and it more than met all our hopes and expectations. A truly wonderful and thoroughly enjoyable event.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Went for the Food Festival- great weekend

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Pleasant enough town in beautiful location. Petrol expensive!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

The Brecon Beacons National Park, including the Black Mountains is outstanding for scenery.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Great place for a stopover.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Some lovely parks for walking the dog. Good selection of shops.

Cities near Abergavenny