FOR THE CHILDREN

Folly Farm (Kilgetty) - This is a bit of a drive from The Old Rectory but well worth it. Folly Farm has everything - farm animal and exotic creature displays, an enormous indoor funfair with every vintage ride imaginable, a HUGE indoor play area with super slides, netted overhead platforms, themed play areas and refreshment stands, multiple outdoor adventure playground areas featuring a go-karting circuit, working mini-JCBs with cranes, wooden pirate ships, shows, children's activities, entertainment - the list goes on and on. Awarded 'Top Day Out in Wales 2005' by the Welsh Tourist Board. Telephone 01834 812731 .

Black Mountains Falconry Centre (Abergavenny) - Flying displays featuring more than 50 birds of prey from all over the World (eagles, falcons, hawks, buzzards, owls and many, many more). There is also an Animal Pet Corner, where the kids can cuddle goats, the Shetland pony, Guinea pigs, etc. Telephone 01873 850 377.

Kingdom Come (Abergavenny) - Children's Activity and Soft Play centre in Abergavenny. This is the closest indoor play centre to the Old Rectory. Ideal for those cold, wet windy days. Telephone 01873 858174.

Greenmeadow Community Farm (Cwmbran) - Greenmeadow Farm has a pets corner featuring a wide variety of animals for young visitors to meet, including sheep, goats, cattle, tortoises, deer and chickens. Children can watch the cows being milked and feed the lambs with a bottle. There are also tractor and trailer rides, an adventure playground, an expansive free play area and acres of ground to explore (including a woodland walk and a ‘Wild Workout’ trail). Telephone 01633 647662.

Big Pit National Coal Museum (Blaenafon) - Big Pit is a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. In addition to the exhibition there is an exciting multi-media tour of a modern coal mine (complete with virtual miner) and a World-famous real underground tour that goes 300 feet underground (with a real miner!). Experience what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. An exciting and informative family day out and a real must on your visit to Wales. Telephone 01495 790 311.

Caldicot Castle and Country Park (Caldicot) - Children will love exploring the mediaeval towers of Caldicot whilst the adults take in the breath-taking views over the parklands and surrounding area from the battlements of this, one of Wales' best kept secrets. Lovingly restored to much of its original condition, Caldicot is exceptionally well cared-for by its present owners, who have now opened it to the public. A beautiful setting amid tranquil gardens and a wooded country park, with plenty for the the kids to do all year round. Telephone 01291 420241

Zoopadoopa (Cwmbran) - Cwmbran's Premier Childrens Activity Centre, housed within the exciting new leisure development in Cwmbran town centre, Zoopadoopa offers children the chance to play, interact, learn, and explore in a fun, safe and stimulating family environment. Zoopadoopa features a fantastic multi-level zoo themed play frame (suitable for the over fours) as well as a 'Toddler and Baby' area, multi-purpose sports court and a role play car track. Telephone 01633 861916.

Beacon Park Boats (Abergavenny) - Experience the magic of the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal with Beacon Park Boats. Whether you're interested in a fortnight-long canal cruise, a day trip up the Usk to Talybont or Pencelli, or just want to spend a relaxing hour or two at the tiller of your own exceptionally quiet electric narrowboat, Beacon Park Boats will have something to suit you. No better way exists to discover the incomparable beauty of the 'Mon & Brec'. Telephone 01873 858277.

Brecon Mountain Railway (Merthyr Tydfil) - There are few better ways to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Brecon Beacons National Park than sitting in an all-weather coach being drawn behind a vintage steam locomotive on this, one of the most popular narrow-gauge railways in Wales. Telephone 01685 722988.

Cantref (Brecon) - Cantref doubles as a riding centre but also happens to be the UK Farm attraction of the year, and it's easy to see why. The admission price includes everything - live farm animal shows every half hour (including lamb feeding, sheep shearing, pet handling etc), trailer rides, paddle boats, electric tractors, pig-racing, an indoor play zone (with two big slides) and Europe's longest sledge ride (very popular with the adults too) - a fun packed day out for the whole family. Telephone 01874 665 223.

HIKING & FELL-WALKING

Abergavenny is the gateway to The Brecon Beacons National Park (the major centre for walking in South West Britain) and itself is almost surrounded by mountains and hills (seven of them, to be precise). As an area the Brecons and The Black Mountains offer an entrancing diversity of scenery, from untamed crags and windswept moorland to the gentle rolling farmland of the lowlands and tranquil river valleys. In total there are over 1250 miles of public footpaths criss-crossing the 519 square miles of mountains, moors, forests, lakes and valleys that make up the National Park. Offa's Dyke Path passes close by and the Marches Way, the Beacons Way and Usk Valley Walk (which you can pick up at the foot of our meadow) all pass through Abergavenny, making it a central point for hikers and fell walkers visiting Wales. The Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean are also within striking distance.
Sugarloaf (Mynydd Pen-y-Fâl - 596m), The Blorenge (Blorens - 559m), Skirrid Fawr (known locally also as 'Saint Michael's Mount' or 'The Holy Mountain', Ysgyrd Fawr - 486m), Table Mountain (Crug Hywel - 451m), and Pen Cerrig-calch (701m) are all easily accessible from The Old Rectory, with walking thereon to suit all abilities and tastes. Whether you prefer traversing fast flowing river gorges, tackling rock-strewn mountain ridges or negotiating thickly forested waterfall country, you'll find a walk here to suit you. Just remember to bring a stout pair of boots! For ideas and further inspiration on planning interesting walks in the local area try the Official Walking Wales Website or Paul Benham's excellent online guide 'Walks Around Abergavenny', to be found here.

KAYAKING AND CANOEING

Canoeing is a wonderful way to see and enjoy the Rivers of Wales and the surrounding countryside. The Usk is really only available during the winter months (because of the fishing season) but the river Wye is available pretty much all year round. If you plan on using your own canoe it's a good idea to check on the access requirements and other relevant river information with the river Usk and river Wye Access Officers, or with British Waterways if you plan on canoeing on the Mon and Brec, but there are a host of companies you can turn to who offer a turnkey service, offering canoes and kayaks for hire as well as all the other equipment you will need as well as expert tuition, tips and advice. We recommend Monmouth Canoe and Canoe The Wye.

FOREST ADVENTURES

Live life more adventurously with a day out at Go Ape! in the Forest of Dean - the UK’s number one forest adventure. Navigate a tree- top obstacle course that is both substantial and physically testing or just monkey around in the woods with your friends and family. It's all about taking to the trees, getting close to Nature, challenging yourself, and having fun, so go on, get in touch with your inner Tarzan.

CYCLING & MOUNTAIN BIKING

The opportunities for off-road cycling in and around The Old Rectory are second to none. Wales, in particular the Brecon Beacons National Park, is widely held to be one of the top ten mountain biking destinations in the world, with an abundance of varied forestry tracks for wet, Winter rides and more challenging routes over the mountains and fells during the Summer months. If you prefer a more sedate pace, you could spend many happy hours on a roadbike or tourer simply exploring the countless miles of country lanes in and around the area (and the countless country pubs)! For family out, we recommend cycling in the Forest of Dean.
Pedalabikeway (Forest of Dean) - With a wide range of bikes available, from Trail Bikes to Trikes, and Tandems to Trailerbikes and Tagalongs, these guys are THE people to go to if you're planning a day out cycling in the Forest of Dean. Families can take a ride on their easy-going 'family cycle trail', whilst the more adventurous (or mentally unstable) among you can grab a mountain bike and go cross-country or on a more challenging range of downhill routes. They'll even give you a lift to the top of the mountain.
Bike Base (Abergavenny) - for those with a bug for more serious off-road cycling, contact Andy Langston to buy or rent from his wide selection of hard tail or full suspension mountain bikes. Handy route maps are also freely available for download from this website. Telephone Andy on 01873 855999.

THE WATERFALLS OF WALES

The Sgwd yr Eira Ystradfellte waterfall, Brecon Beacons

Wales is waterfall country! The Vale of Neath and the Brecon Beacons in particular boast some of the most spectacular waterfalls you can see in the UK. On your visit to us you must try and take the time to see the Henrhyd Waterfall, Swallow Falls, Aber Falls, and the enchanting Pistyll Rhaeadr waterfall, deep in the Berwyn Mountains, which (at 240ft high) is the UK's tallest single drop waterfall and one of the Seven Wonders of Wales.

GOLF

Over the years Wales has played host to countless prestigious golf tournaments and boasts numerous championship-standard golf courses. The intensely varied terrain which makes up the very landscape of Wales means there should be a course for every golfer here, so whether your preference is for challenging links, immaculate parkland, lofty clifftops or rolling hills, you should be able to find something here to pique your interest and test your mettle. The courses listed below are all local to the Old Rectory, feature spectacular scenery and should provide a suitable challenge whatever your skill level.

The Celtic Manor Resort (Newport) - In 2010, Wales played host to the biggest golf tournament of them all - the Ryder Cup - and this is where it took place. Also home to the annual Celtic Manor Resort Wales Open, Celtic Manor offers three of the finest golf courses in the UK and has a world-class golf academy, practice range, golf shop, teaching bays and two luxurious golf clubhouses. Need we say more? Telephone 01633 413000.
Wernddu Golf Club (Abergavenny) - Wernddu features an undulating parkland course with magnificent views over Abergavenny and the Black Mountains. A challenging round of golf for golfers of all standards.Telephone 01873 856223.
Monmouthshire Golf Club - (Llanfoist, Abergavenny) - Eighteen-hole course, practice putting green, large practice area and driving nets. Beautiful parkland setting with sweeping mountain views.Telephone 01873 852606.
The Rolls of Monmouth Golf Club (The Hendre, Monmouth) - Championship course set in suberb countryside with spectacular views of the Welsh hills. One of the most outstanding golf courses, not just in Wales, but the whole of the UK.Telephone 01600 715353.
Alice Springs Golf Club (Usk) - An elegant 36-hole course set in the beautiful vale of Usk with spectacular views of the surrounding countryside, Alice Springs is a genuine ALL WEATHER course (they rarely close). Closest to the Old Rectory. Telephone 01873 880708.
Greenmeadow Golf and Country Club (Cwmbran) - an 18-hole, par 70, parkland course that measures over 6,000 yards, with many tree-lined undulating fairways, scenic water hazards and many strategically positioned bunkers. Excellent greens that are are playable all year round. A good test for any category of golfer, in spectacular surroundings. Telephone 01633 862626
Raglan Parc Golf Club (Raglan) - set in the heart of rural Monmouthshire, Raglan Parc features 18 holes of rolling parkland, combining lakes and mature trees with arguably some of the best holes in the region. The course overlooks historic Raglan Castle with scenic views of the Brecon Beacons National Park beyond. Telephone 01291 690077.

FLY FISHING

ROCK CLIMBING, CAVING AND POTHOLING

There are few gooAd climbing opportunties close to the Old Rectory, however a number of outdoor adventure specialists in the Brecon Beacons area can provide visitors with taster sessions or climbing tuition on good single pitch faces locally, or guided day outs on the classic multi-pitch climbs and scrambles of Snowdonia or North Wales.
Llangorse Climbing Centre (Brecon) - with a bouldering area, artificial and natural rock climbing walls, rope bridges, log climbs, caving, abseiling and a zip line, Llangorse Climbing Centre offers a variety of climbing activities for the novice and experienced climber alike. Telephone 01874 658584.
Beacon Climbing Centre (Caernarfon) - North Wales' most popular indoor climbing centre, and one of the UK's best, with over 1,000 square metres of 12 metre high climbing area, wiith opportunities for leading, top-roping, and bouldering available. The Centre also boasts a beginners' area with abseil ledge, a training area and more. Telephone 01286 650045.

The Brecon Beacons National Park encompasses some of the most important and complex cave systems in Europe, which draws pot-holing and caving enthusiasts from all parts of the UK and beyond. Systems such as the well known Llangattock Escarpment (which dominates the landscape above the Usk valley heading South from Crickhowell), Clydach Gorge and the Central Northern Outcrop are only a short drive from the Old Rectory, but if you are a relative novice there are many specialists in the Brecons area who offer caving courses suitable for the beginner and the more experienced caver alike. You should be mindful that caving can be a hazardous activity and you should not consider visiting any cave without being accompanied by a qualified instructor or of course carrying the proper equipment. Some of the more extensive cave systems in Wales can only be accessed with the prior permission of local caving clubs and their experience and advice can prove invaluable. Advice, access to caves and membership details may be obtained from any of the clubs listed below.
Cwmbran Caving Club (Cwmbran) - A friendly, family-orientated group of cavers who welcome anyone who is interested in getting into caving or potholing. Based 'on the doorstep' of many of the caves detailed on their website, they have extensive experience of the local caving scene and would be delighted to share it with new members.
Brynmawr Caving Club (Brynmawr) - Another friendly local caving club, with (probably) the second largest membership in South Wales. If you are interested in discovering more about the diverse, often awesome, frequently beautiful, underground world that exists near to Brynmawr, then take full advantage of the wealth of experience this club makes available to their members. Failing that, you could just join them for a beer. They like beer.
The South Wales Caving Club (Penwyllt) - The SWCC Headquarters and caving hut is a converted terrace of 10 small cottages in the upper Swansea Valley, on the southern edge of the Black Mountain. They have 300+ members from all around the UK and overseas, but visiting cavers are most welcome to stay. Directly below their headquarters lies Ogof Ffynnon Ddu and directly across the valley is Dan-yr-Ogof, two very extensive cave systems.

HORSE RIDING/PONY TREKKING

Riding is one of the most enjoyable (and least strenous!) ways of exploring the beautiful countryside and stunning views offered by the Brecon Beacons and The Black Mountains, and there are any number of bridleways that will take you high up onto the steepest slopes or over the gently rolling moors of South Wales. There are a large number of excellent stables in the area, most of which cater for riders of any age and experience. Typically both half or full days rides are available at very reasonable cost, but advance booking is recommended. Here are just a couple of the riiding centres we have used personally and which are available to you during your stay with us.
Golden Castle (Llangattock) - Telephone 01873 812649
Llanthony Riding and Trekking Centre (Llanthony) - Telephone 01873 890359

GARDENS

Within a few miles of the Old Rectory there are such a large number of gardens that are open to the general public that we've chosen to list only the very closest (and in our opinion, the best)! A much more comprehensive listing of Open Gardens can be found over at the NGS website.

MARKET TOWNS AND VILLAGES

There are any number of bustling market towns within a short drive of the Old Rectory, all of which you will find listed below with links to their respective community internet portals and other websites you may find of interest. Many of Wales’ most charming market towns follow the Welsh border as it snakes its way up from the southern Wye Valley to the North Wales coastline, and the Old Rectory makes an ideal base from which to explore if you are planning an extended tour of this area. You will find whilst driving round Wales that most road signs list town names in both Welsh and English, but just in case we have listed both here for you, with the Welsh town names shown in brackets.

Abergavenny (Y Fenni) - The nearest market town to The Old Rectory is, of course, Abergavenny, the traditional 'Gateway to Wales'. Positioned at the confluence of the River Usk and the Gavenny stream which gives it its name, this historic town is situated just south of the incomparable Brecon Beacons National Park. Abergavenny is almost surrounded by mountains, being shadowed by the summits of Sugar Loaf, Ysgyryd Fawr and the Blorenge. The ruined 11th century Abergavenny castle is probably the most famous landmark worth exploring here, and was the scene of an infamous massacre in 1175. Abergavenny sits in the Usk Valley at the very head of the great South Wales 'Head of the Valleys Road' stretching from Abergavenny in the East all the way through to Neath in the West. Home to the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, which takes place every year in September, the Abergavenny Steam Rally (held every year in May), and the monthly farmers market.

Brecon (Aberhonddu) - The historic market town of Brecon nestles in the shadow of the majestic Brecon Beacons and enjoys scenery that is both beautiful and stunning. Whether your stay is a long one or a short one, whether you seek peace and quiet or excitement and adventure, Brecon has something to offer. The World-famous International Brecon Jazz Festival is held here every August and attracts Jazz enthusiasts from all over the world. The town also hosts a regular farmers market.

Crickhowell (Crug Hywel) - Crickhowell is a thriving market town in the Usk Valley, nestled between the Black Mountains and the sweeping Brecon Beacons. Just across the striking 17th Century bridge from Langattock, it lies in the shadow of the flat-topped summit of Crug Hywel, the mountain which shares the town's name. Worth exploring whilst you are there are the remains of a Norman Castle within the parkland in the town centre, an interesting 16th Century church (St Edmund's) and The Bear Hotel, a former coaching inn that dates back to 1432. Crick is also home to the Crickhowell Festival, held each year in February and March - nine solid days of fantastic guided walks in the area, ranging from tough all-day treks across the Black Mountains to gentle strolls along quiet valley roads and undisturbed lowland pathways. Visitors to Crickhowell are treated to spectacular views over the surrounding Welsh hills, including Table Mountain to the North. Crickhowell is, quite simply, a delightfully pretty town in what is arguably the most beautiful valley in the entire National Park.

Monmouth (Trefynwy) - Home to the Monmouth Festival, Monmouth is an elegant and historic market town occupying an enviable location at the confluence of three rivers - the Trothy, the Monnow and the Wye. It has bridges over both the River Monnow and the River Wye, indeed the World-famous 13th Century Norman-fortified Monnow Bridge (complete with portcullis and gatehouse) is the only surviving one in Britain. Home to the Monmouth Show, the town also boasts many fine Georgian and Tudor houses (the most prominent of which is Shire Hall, dating back to 1724), a museum of Admiral Nelson memorabilia and the cobbled Agincourt Square, which is itself surrounded by historical buildings.

Raglan (Rhaglan) - The village of Raglan lies in the centre of Monmouthshire, between the two valleys of the Wye and the Usk. Perhaps most famous for its majestic castle (without question the finest late medieval fortress in Britain, dating back to the 15th century), visitors to Raglan today are also drawn to Raglan for its vibrant music and dance festival, the Raglan Music Festival, which takes place every year in June. A variety of concerts take place, from rock, jazz, and blues to classical artists, culminating in star-studded performances each evening at the Beaufort Arms Hotel.

Usk (Brynbuga) - Taking its name from the river which runs through the town, Usk boasts a wealth of antique and arts and craft shops and numerous pubs, hotels, cafes and restaurants to cater for the many thousands of visitors who every year make the journey to this delightfully attractive and picturesque town nestled amidst the Monmouthshire countryside. It boasts many historic features, including the remains of an ancient Norman castle, and hosts the Usk Winter Festival every year in December and a regular and well-attended farmers market.