Activities
In Usk there are several interesting antique shops, a shop for angling needs and licences, a rural life museum and a ruined Norman castle with panoramic views of the valley. There are also 13 pubs and several award-winning restaurants.
Leisure activities include fishing, golf, cycling, walking and horse riding. Several golf courses are within a 20 minute drive; the nearest, Alice Springs, is 5 minutes away. A recently opened craft centre is also nearby, next to Alice Springs. A gliding club and grass-skiing course are also a short distance away, together with wind-surfing, fishing and sailing on Llandegveth Reservoir. We are very close to Raglan Castle and a 15 minute drive from the Roman settlement at Caerleon, where the Amphitheatre, barracks, baths and museum can be visited. In addition, we are 20 minutes drive from Newport, where the Ryder Cup is to be held. For further information please see below and www.visitwales.com.
Nearby Gardens and Parks
Visit Usk’s prize-winning open gardens on June
24/25, which have won Britain in Bloom three times and
have represented Britain twice at the European Entente
Florale. Historic gardens include Usk Castle (contact Mr
and Mrs Humphries on 01291 672563), Tretower Court,
Crickhowell, Dingestow Court and The Nelson Garden,
Monmouth. Please see http://www.gardenofwales.org.uk/historic/ for more details.
Fishing
The River Usk is said by many expert fishing enthusiasts
to be the best river for fly fishing within two and a
half hours drive from London. It is also credited as
'Wales' premier salmon river'. The River Usk is
beautiful, peaceful and the fly fishing is such that the
world famous fly casting champion Lionel Sweet chose to
set up Sweet's Tackle Shop in Usk. Brown Trout Permits
are available from the shop. For more information visit fishing-in-wales.com/angling/usk/.
The river is within a 15 minute walk or 2 minute drive from Llancayo House and this stretch is for brown trout only.
Golf
There are 18 golf courses within 10 miles. The nearest,
Alice Springs, is 5 minutes drive away and day passes are
available. Please see the Alice
Springs website. For more
golfing information click here.
Castles
Raglan Castle was built in 1435 by Sir William
Ap Thomas and is only a 10 minute drive from Llancayo
House. Call 01291 690228 for more details. Chepstow
Castle dates from just after 1066 and is well preserved.
Call 01291 624065 for more information. For general
information click here.
Caerleon Roman Remains and
Legionary Museum
Excavated finds from the Roman fort, barracks,
baths, an amphitheatre and the surrounding areas
including Usk are held in the Museum which is just 7
miles from Usk. For more information see http://www.caerleon.net/intro/.
South Wales Gliding Club,
Hang-gliding and the Llandegfedd Resevoir
The South Wales Gliding Club is open all year
round and it is based just outside Usk - click here for more
information. There is also a hang-gliding club near
Abergavenny. Llandegfedd Resevoir is well-known for its
still water fishing, and is situated within woodlands and
hills. There are picnic areas, children's play areas,
wind-surfing, sailing, diving, canoeing and excellent
walks.
Walking, Hiking, Cycling and
Mountain Biking
There are many routes in the vicinity of Usk some of
which go along ancient Roman roads. Further afield
there are paths across the Sugar Loaf and the
Black Mountains. Please see www.visitwales.com for more details. If you like more of an
extreme challenge there are numerous green lanes in local
woods suitable for mountain bikers - contact us for more
information about this.
Horseriding
There are many local bridal paths and horse centres
including the Usk Equestrian Centre. Please see www.llanthony.co.uk for more information.
Big Pit
Approximately 13 miles from Usk is Big Pit, the only coal
mine in Wales where you can explore the underground
workings with experienced miners as guides. There is
disabled access to all areas including underground tours
with prior notice. See http://www.nmgw.ac.uk/bigpit/ for further information.
Cardiff Bay
Cardiff Bay has many attractions including Techniquest.
See Cardiff Bay for more
information.