"With its local shops and bustling markets,
Abergavenny truly is the gateway to Wales.
Abergavenny, the gateway to Wales
The market town of Abergavenny, close to the boarder of Powys and Monmouthshire is known as the 'Gateway to Wales' and sits at the foot of the Blorenge Mountain and the Black Mountains at the confluence of the Usk and Gaffenni Rivers. Hence the name, Abergavenny - mouth of the Gaffenni. The town is about 10 miles east of Gliffaes and is the closest train station to the hotel.
The once thriving weekly livestock market which drew in farmers and their wives from the hills and valleys of south Wales has pretty much ceased but Abergavenny is now the centre of South Wales's local food revolution. This was begun by the inception of the Abergavenny Food Festival in 1998. (Held every September and pictured above are two chefs from Gliffaes doing a cookery demonstration). There are now many fine local producers of cheese, honey, beer, cider, fruit and vegetables and of course, beef, lamb and pork. Taking advantage of all these superb local ingredients are several very good restaurants in the Abergavenny area.
Highly recommended are
- The Hardwick
- The Angel Hotel
- The Walnut Tree
- The Fox Hunter
- The Chart House
- The Bell at Skenfrith
Although the livestock market has gone the Tuesday Market is well known as one of the major markets in Wales and many of the small producers I spoke of above have a stall at the market every week. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy a traditional indoor & outdoor market, with over 200 stands selling a huge range of goods. Less well known, but equally worth a visit are the Friday and Saturday Markets.
The Friday Market is an indoor only event but still offers over 60 stalls with something to interest everyone.
The Saturday Market both indoors as well as outdoors with approximately 100 stalls.
Three Castles
The Welsh Marches were heavily fortified in the early middle ages in attempt to keep the unruly Welsh in check, and many of the castles survive to this day. There are three castles close to Abergavenny which are linked by a circular walk ( a long one!) or a simple bike ride or car journey.
Gliffaes Country House Hotel, Crickhowell, Powys NP8 1RH +44(0)1874 730 371