Holiday rentals in Monmouth

Monmouth is a Welsh market town rich in culture and history in the Wye Valley, just two miles from the English border. It gets its name from the River Monnow that flows through the town; the 13th-century gatehouse bridge, built from old red sandstone, is the only surviving one of its kind. Independent shops, small galleries, and traditionally black-and-white-painted pubs around Agincourt Square draw visitors from across the border, while the town boasts a flourishing music and theatre scene that includes the Grade II-listed Savoy Theatre, thought to be the oldest working theatre in Wales.

The rolling hills surrounding Monmouth are teeming with walking routes, from short beginner-friendly trails to longer, more challenging hikes. The Offa’s Dyke Path runs through the county, extending right up to Prestatyn in North Wales. In the surrounding Monmouthshire area, you’ll find plenty of castles, stately homes, and National Trust properties to explore, and you can also sample the wines of nearby vineyards.

Like most Welsh towns, Monmouth enjoys its fair share of wind and rain, so a visit in the summer months gives you the best chance of warm, sunny days. At the end of July, the free Monmouth Festival draws visitors with live music and arts at venues throughout the town, while the streets are busy with families — and the ice cream parlour is popular — during the school holidays in August.

As autumn arrives, the surrounding hills transform from lush green to glowing auburn, and diners at open-air tables move inside for pub lunches by the fire. Winter brings brisk temperatures and the occasional dusting of snow, illuminated by the town’s twinkling Christmas lights and a towering tree beside the 18th-century Shire Hall.

Poppy Trail

As you explore Monmouth, you’ll notice little red ceramic poppies fixed to some of the buildings. The Poppy Trail is an interactive self-led walking tour explaining the town’s contribution to World War I; each poppy represents a person or historical military connection. After soaking in all the history of the town, stop off at a cosy coffee shop for a cup of tea and a Welsh cake.

Canoeing the River Wye

For a different perspective of the Wye Valley, take to the river in a canoe or kayak. There are rental shops in and around the town, as well as courses for beginners. With more than 100 miles of river to explore, your arms will be tired long before you run out of inspiring nature to discover. If you’d like to get even closer to nature, there are a number of wild swimming spots in the area.

Nelson Museum and Local History Centre

Discover the curious connection between Britain’s most famous admiral and this small Welsh town through its fascinating collections of letters, weapons, and commemorative souvenirs at the Nelson Museum. The Local History Centre is housed in the same space, offering a combination of artefacts and exhibitions telling the stories of the town over the ages.