Lots To Do & See
In & Around Usk
Monmouthshire & The Wye Valley
Things to do in South Wales
Beautiful Countryside, Welsh History in Abundance
Whether you're planning a relaxing escape, an adventure-filled break or a chance to explore the beauty of Wales, South Wales offers something for everyone. From vibrant market towns and historic castles to stunning countryside and coastal scenery, it's the perfect destination.
Ideally located in the heart of Monmouthshire, Glen-yr-Afon provides the perfect base to discover the very best of South Wales. Nestled in the historic market town of Usk, named the Best Place to Live in Wales 2026 by The Sunday Times, guests can enjoy riverside walks, independent boutiques such as The Copper Tree (owned by Tim's wife Claire), local pubs and cafes, and easy access to some of Wales' most loved attractions.
Perfectly positioned between Cardiff and the Brecon Beacons, Glen-yr-Afon is an ideal place to stay for guests attending major sporting events, concerts and festivals across South Wales. The spectacular Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons are within easy reach, offering endless opportunities for walking, cycling, fishing and exploring the great outdoors. Historic castles, beautiful gardens, award winning vineyards and the dramatic Welsh coastline are all just a short drive away - making every stay as relaxing or adventurous as you choose.
Usk Town
The town of Usk is steeped in history, from the ruins of a Norman castle to the seventeenth century buildings that adorn the cobbled streets. It sits on one of the finest salmon fishing rivers in the country, the River Usk. It's 11th century castle is the backdrop for an enchanting, romantic garden.
Usk's charm also lies in the range of its small independent shops, tearooms and pubs, riverside walks and bulging hanging baskets and its well stocked Rural Life Museum and annual agricultural show. Its convenient location, less than 10 miles from the M4, yet feeling a whole world away.
History & Culture
The town of Usk was founded on the site of the Roman fort of Burrium. The community grew in the 12th century around Usk Castle, built and presided over by the de Clare family, who actually planned the township. The castle is in remarkably good condition and although it remains in private ownership, it is still possible to enjoy some of its buildings and grounds.
Despite being raised to the ground by the marauding Owain Glyndwr in the early 15th century, Usk has always been a prosperous little market town thriving on the fertile banks of the River Usk. Today that legacy is well fulfilled with regular farmers markets and agricultural shows providing a showcase for the local produce that is considered by many in culinary circles to be amongst the best in Britain.
Local Castles & Tintern Abbey
South Wales is home to some of the most impressive castles in Britain, ranging from medieval fortresses to Gothic Revival masterpieces, each with unique history and architecture.
Notable Castles -
Usk Castle (shown) - Just 10 mins walk from Glen-yr-Afon. This English castle was built by a Frenchman on a previously fortified, possibly Roman, site which has prehistoric connections.
It was the site of the start of the Battle of Usk in 1405 and has been a ruin since 1536.
Tintern Abbey - Tintern Abbey is a national icon — still standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.
Principality, Cardiff City and Liberty Stadiums
The national stadium for Wales the Principality Stadium, is home to the Wales national rugby team and graces the riverside right in the centre of Cardiff. The iconic sports venue – one of only two in Europe to feature a retractable roof – offers daily stadium tours and hosts many high-profile sports, concerts, conferences and events throughout the year.
If football is your passion, South Wales boasts two premier league football teams in Cardiff City and Swansea City, based at Cardiff City Stadium and Liberty Stadium, respectively. So whether you’re visiting for business or pleasure, with Glen-yr-Afon about a 40minute drive from Cardiff, it’s the perfect place to rest after the buzz of an event or the hustle and bustle of the city.
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Big Pit: National Coal Museum is the most popular attraction within the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. The museum is based around the former Big Pit Colliery, which was sunk in about 1860 and closed in 1980. The site reopened as a museum in 1983 and is now known around the world, especially after winning the Gulbenkian Prize for museum of the year in 2005.
A visit to Big Pit includes a 300ft (90m) descent into the old colliery, where a former coalminer will take you on a fascinating and personal tour with the sights, sounds and smells of the mine creating an impression of what working life was like at the coalface.
Above ground there is an exciting 20 minute audio-visual presentation describing the daily toil of miners and the changing methods of coalmining through time.
Cardiff Bay & City Centre
Cardiff city centre is a destination for serious shoppers. Leading high street stores complement the independent traders and traditional offerings at the striking Victorian glass-roofed Cardiff Market. Make sure you visit the historic Victorian arcades, crammed with coffee shops, vintage paraphernalia and craft shops with a fabulous atmosphere.
Cardiff Bay is a hub of activity offering a myriad of things to do from dawn to dusk. An eclectic mix of culture and architecture with Mermaid Quay leading the way with funky bars, eateries and lively nightlife to the cultural haven of the Norwegian church and café and Cardiff Wetlands Reserve. Take a leisurely stroll around the Bay and take in all the sights. Cardiff Bay Barrage offers spectacular views across Cardiff Bay and the Severn Estuary. Cross the Barrage embankment where there’s a children’s play area, Skate Plaza and adiZone outdoor gym and just a little further along you’ll come across Roald Dahl Plaza, Techniquest Science Centre and the Millennium Centre.
St Fagans
National Museum of History
St Fagans National Museum of History has been Wales’s most popular heritage attraction for many years. This museum holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Wales because it is a people’s museum, where you can explore history together through people’s everyday lives.
It stands in the grounds of the magnificent St Fagans Castle, a late 16th-century manor house donated to the people of Wales by the Earl of Plymouth. During the last fifty years, over fifty original buildings from different locations in Wales and from different historical periods have been re-built in the 100-acre parkland. Each building is frozen in time and opens a door into Welsh history offering a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Explore the Best of Monmouthshires
Roads, Rivers and Fairways
Discover some of South Wales' most exciting road routes right on our doorstep, from scenic drives through the breath-taking Brecon Beacons and the winding roads of the Black Mountains, to popular touring and cycling routes through the beautiful Usk Valley and Monmouthshire countryside. For anglers, the area is a true paradise with the renowned River Usk and nearby River Wye offering some of the UK's finest salmon and trout fishing opportunities.
Walkers are equally spoilt for choice, with an abundance of scenic trails and countryside walks nearby.
For golf enthusiasts there are a number of excellent courses nearby providing scenic fairways and challenges for all abilities.
Whether you're planning a group outing, car club tour, fishing break, walking break or golfing getaway, clubs are warmly invited to get in touch to discuss special group rates and tailored packages.
Brecon Mountain Railway
TRAVEL ON A VINTAGE TRAIN WITH BRECON MOUNTAIN RAILWAY
Steam through the Brecon Beacons (Bannau Brycheiniog) on a vintage narrow‑gauge railway, starting from their main station at Pant, just north of Merthyr Tydfil. Enjoy a scenic 9.5‑mile return journey that follows part of the historic Brecon & Merthyr Railway, first opened in the 19th century and closed in 1964.
Travel in comfort in their all‑weather observation carriages, hauled by beautifully restored steam locomotives. The route winds past Pontsticill, runs alongside the full length of the Taf Fechan Reservoir and climbs towards Torpantau, one of the highest railway summits in Britain.
Before or after your trip, relax at Pant Station in their Tearooms, browse the shop for gifts and souvenirs, or take a look into the engineering workshop where their locomotives and carriages are maintained.
The Polar Express is coming to Brecon Mountain Railway this Christmas
