Abergavenny campsites

The charming and welcoming Abergavenny Museum is set within the grounds of an atmospheric 'ruined' Norman Castle, where you and the kids can enjoy a picnic during the summer or alternatively a brisk crisp walk on colder days. The fascinating displays tell the story of this historic market town from prehistory through to the present day. The museum also features an activity room for children where there is the opportunity to colour, cut and stick.

There are many wonderful little churches dotted in and around Abergavenny, each with their own unique character. St Mary’s Priory Church described as the Westminster Abbey of Wales, attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to view the fine collection of historic monuments and medieval carvings.

The restored Tithe Barn explains and interprets the history of the Priory Church through interactive exhibitions and activities. The magnificent Abergavenny Tapestry, hand stitched by Abergavenny residents, celebrates the history of the town. The Barn also houses the local Tourist Information Centre.

Just a few miles away is the crooked church of Cwmyoy, a church whose spire is leaning over at a dramatic angle. Close to Cwmyoy is Llanthony Abbey, mostly in ruins but with a large number of arches still standing.

For a day out with a difference take a look at Beacon Park Boats, they offer exceptionally quiet electric day boat tours on the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal or if you fancy something a bit more energetic try the Canadian canoes. No experience is required for either as full training will be given.

Get your walking shoes on and go exploring. Abergavenny is a great base for all levels of walks from easy strolls to challenging long ones and the views are nearly always spectacular. A few easy ones to get you started are the Circular Walk from Llanfoist to Govilon by a circular route along Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal and the old railway line. Or just stroll around town via Castle Meadows.

If you’re a little more adventurous then Abergavenny is surrounded by three mountains – the Skirrid, the Blorenge and the Sugar Loaf. There are multiple routes to choose from and all three will get your heart pumping – and offer great views.

Prefer to explore on two wheels? The Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal towpath offers great, easy (flat!) cycling from Abergavenny. In fact you can cycle all the way from Brecon to Cwmbran along the towpath. Look out for herons, kingfishers and woodpeckers along the way. There are picnic spots dotted along the canal for those with tired legs. Great for family cycling as it’s completely traffic-free.

What do you need for great mountain biking? Mountains! Abergavenny is on the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park which offers superb mountain biking. Why not try the Crickhowell Loop, you can climb most of this path on tarmac, while the descents are all on natural, single-track paths as well as off-road tracks.

All aboard... The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. The trains head north to the Whistle Inn, south to Blaenavon High Level Station as well as to Big Pit Halt, next to Big Pit Mining Museum.  The trains are spacious and welcoming and provide a comfortable environment ideal for a family jaunt usually with a bonus buffet car, meanwhile there are picnic areas and nice open spaces to play in near the Garn Lakes.

Big Pit National Coal Museum is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. You can enjoy a multimedia tour of a modern coal mine with a virtual miner, see exhibitions that tell the story of coal in Wales, and explore historic colliery buildings and machinery that were crucial to the mining operations at Big Pit.

Not far and worth a visit is the town of Newport, offering Tredegar House, built in the 17th century it sits on the edge of the city and Newport Cathedral is another fascinating building that is a must see when visiting the area.