The castle is lovely and grounds are absolutely stunning. Although the structure and landscaping…read moreare lovely, our tour guide felt the need to weave her strong political views into most topics. Examples would be regarding a pitcher/jug that is displayed in one of the glass cases. She said the pitcher "should not be here" and if she had her way "it would be returned" because it was "stolen from a masque." She also said when referring to Dr. Edward Jenner being the first to develop a successful vaccination for small pox that "it really is a question if he were the first." She said he barely beat Africa and Turkey in this world altering vaccine. To which doctors to whom was she referring to in Africa or Turkey? She made a comment of, " My grandfather always said, 'Whatever horrible acts done have been done have been done by the English first.' and I firmly believe this." She was also railing against the decisions of the monarchs before the addition of the parliament. Then she went on to say she wished she could get rid of the current government. A guide should concentrate on the facts and remove biases. It is quite distracting and unnecessary.

What can you say about one of the oldest inhabited castles in the world which is still owned by the…read moresame family from 900 years ago. You have to go. Its where Edward II was murdered with a red hot poker up his fundament .

'Y Garreg Siglo' in Welsh, a great place to visit, not far from Pontypridd Hospital and with a…read moremarvellous view over the town. The central stone is over 5 feet high and placed there in Neolithic times. It does indeed 'rock' slightly back and forth if you sit or stand on it and push a bit! The stone circle surrounding it is much more recent, having been arranged there only one or two hundred years ago (there appears to be some dispute about the exact date). There are various other stones dotted about the Common. There are several places to park nearby along the road side.

What a marvel this abbey would be, were it still intact! One can almost hear the sound of monks in…read morethick robes shuffling quietly down vaulted corridors, the scratch of scribes' quill pens on parchment, and haunting choral melodies reverberating down the nave. Even in its current condition, Tintern Abbey, in its secluded valley along the banks of the Wye, provides a picturesque window into the daily life of the monks who once inhabited this place of quiet, humble seclusion and religious study. A highly recommended diversion (along with a tour of Chepstow Castle nearby to the south) for any road-tripper or history buff coming or going from Cardiff on the M4.

This was one of my favorite stops in my entire 3.5 week trip in Scotland & England. My mother and…read moreI made the trek up from Ironbridge Gorge to South Wales and it was rainy and foggy the whole time. When we arrived at Tintern Abbey, we stopped in The Ship for a drink and a snack before heading over to the Abbey. Aside from a dude dressed like a Morris dancer (he seemed very bitter at our arrival) - there was nobody else there. Just my mom, me and grumpy man - with many cows lowing at the nearby fence for dinner o'clock. The abbey is just gorgeous - and I feel really privileged that I got to enjoy it without a crowd or a crush of people that the parking lots and nearby restaurants seem to indicate often flow into the site. It was purely magic to walk through the abandoned abbey with a light misty fog draping the nearby hill tops, turning the trees into silhouettes, and darkening the stone of the building's ruined walls. Truly a magical place.

Llanthony Priory is a 12th century former Augustinian priory located in the Black Mountains region…read morein South East Wales. Being a building that old, it has, naturally enough, partly ruined, but is still a magnificent sight to behold. Aside from just being able to wander amidst the ruins, you can also head to the bar/cafe for a drink and some food. It's very atmospheric, being able to say that you've sat in the crypt/basement/whatever that room used to be of a 12th century landmark and had a pint. Despite the fact that this is such a historic building, entrance is completely free. Well worth the drive and the fact that we got a bit lost trying to find the place.

Ystradfellte is the Brecon Beacon's Waterfall country and its also were I grew up so its a place I…read moreknow well and love very much. Its a place that a lot of people in Wales know of just because of the fall and the caving complexes. The most famous of the waters is Sgwd Y Eira. If you have seen the advertising posters for Brecon Water this is the waterfall in the picture. Its a fairly easy walk apart from the steps as you get near and its one of very few waterfalls that you can actually walk underneath, though do expect to get sprayed a bit. I personally prefer some of the walks around the other falls which are much quieter in the summer and offer refreshing pools to swim in or picnic by. In all my years of living here I have never got bored of walking the area, its different all the time. Just a note to vistors the two main car parks charge a daily fee and a national parks ranger goes between them. If you want to avoid the fee park in the village itself and walk a bit further, tempting as it may be to pull up on the verges near the car parks I have seen so many break in's that you really are risking it a bit.

Amazing castle! Perched above the River Wye with incredible views, Chepstow is packed with history…read moreand atmosphere. Lots to explore, well-kept grounds, and super friendly staff. Wear good shoes...there are a bunch of steep steps, but it's 100% worth it. One of the best castles in Wales! The castle itself is full of history. You can wander through towers, old chambers, and winding staircases, and every corner feels like stepping back in time. I had thoughts of "hmm, what happened here?" The information boards are really well done, giving just enough detail to bring the place to life without feeling overwhelming. It's a large castle, so give yourself a couple of hours to explore properly. Comfortable shoes are a must, as some areas are steep and uneven, but that's all part of the adventure. Definitely recommend

Chepstow Castle is a magnificent castle in southeast Wales perched high above the river Wye…read more Construction started almost 1,000 years ago in 1067AD and is (I believe) the oldest surviving stone castle in the UK. Yes it is largely a ruin but it is still a spectacular place to visit, incredibly photogenic and simply beautiful. It's strategic importance in British history is proven by how quickly William the Conqueror (1066 and all that!) started its construction! Two thumbs up - just visit when you can...

Coity Castle is a magical place full of distant battle cries and that incredible sense that…read moreimportant things have happened there. Built in 1100 and then rebuilt after a siege by Owain Glyndwr, this is a castle often overlooked by visitors to Wales, despite its extremely important part in Welsh history. Although other castles, such as Cardiff Castle, Caerphilly Castle and Castell Coch, are more visited, I would argue that it's the lesser known relics which are more interesting. This Medieval castle is built up on a hill, with clear evidence of moats, and looks almost like a half-rotten tooth sticking up into the sky. It has just as much grandeur and fairy-tale quality as a person could ask for in a castle. This historic site is well worth a visit; sunset will reward you will specular photographs and views.

This is another of South Wales's impressive Norman Castles, standing in ruins near the town of…read moreBridgend in South Wales, not far from Cardiff. It was built by Sir Payn "the Demon" de Turberville, one of the legendary Twelve Knights of Glamorgan who are supposed to have conquered the area under the leadership of Robert FitzHamon, Lord of Gloucester. Although it was originally built soon after 1100, a lot of the castle actually dates from the fourteenth century and later. Parts of it were rebuilt following the siege by Owain Glyn Dr in 1404-05. Despite being in ruins, there are still plenty of interesting features to see - including the remains of the central octagonal pillar for the vaults of the castle. If you have OS map 170 the reference is SS 923815. Nearby you can also visit Newcastle and Ogmore Castles in a day trip.

Drunk too much tea at the Hayes Island snack bar? Relieve yourself in style in these beautifully…read morearchitectured Victorian water closets. The latrines are framed by an ornate black metal gold tipped fence. A brass handrail guides you down to polished granite floors beneath the busy shopping street. When I visited the facilities they were clean and well maintained. I loved the heavy hardwood doors and brass fittings, the cast iron cistern and the smooth wooden chain pulls. But was slightly disturbed by the 'needle bin' facility on the wall, however better safely binned than scattered on the floor! Although wheelchair inaccessible, a notice on the fence helpfully tells you that disabled facilities can be accessed at the back of the Hayes Island snack bar during opening hours. Highly recommended.

This is a wonderful place for a walk! Not only is Richard Burton's childhood home here (a terraced…read morehouse on the main road) and one of the entrances to the massive Afan Argoed Forest Park, but there is an impressive, mile long circular walk you can do here which will take you over both a tall 19th century viaduct and a disused aqueduct! Start opposite the shop in Pontrhydyfen (there is only one!) and take the left hand fork facing you (Station Road) instead of going down the steep hill. Walk along here past the cemetery and a little further on turn right onto the aqueduct. After appreciating the marvellous views of the Afan Valley, cross to the other side, turn right into the village of Oakwood and walk to the end. Follow a grassy track which winds down some steps and then turn right onto the viaduct. This is another great place for views back over the village of Pontrhydyfen and the aqueduct, although the sides are high - you might need to stand on tiptoe! Keep going until a woodland 'crossroads' then turn right and follow the river back to the road, where you will turn left and left again up the steep hill to take you back to where you started. Not far from where we live and a walk we often enjoy at all times of year.

Bibury is a charming, typically Cotswold. It's easy to see why William Morris called Bibury 'The…read moremost beautiful village in England' - wonderful stone buildings strung out along the banks of the River Coln. Arlington Row, owned by the National Trust, is one of England's most iconic and photographed sites - it even appears on the inside cover of UK passports! Originally built in the 14th century as a monastic wool store, it was converted in the 17th century into a row of weavers' cottages. The River Coln flows through Bibury sandwiched between the main village street and an expanse of boggy water meadow known as Rack Isle, so called because wool was once hung out to dry there on racks after it had been washed in Arlington Row. You can even see some trout in the river, which the trout farm owners told us they are the escape artists! With Arlington Row as a backdrop, it makes one of the most picturesque scenes you will find in the Cotswolds. Other attractions in Bibury include: Bibury Trout Farm, (see my other review) one of the oldest and most attractive trout farms in the country covering almost 15 acres, where you can learn about trout or event catch your own dinner. This village is stunning, perfect photographers dream. Do come you will not be disappointed.

If traveling past Oxford don't miss out on this picturesque little town, offering a prime example…read moreof the Cotswold way of living. Houses are maintained in much the old fashion, offering not just wonderful photo opportunities but also a glimpse into housing of the past . You will find several small tea houses and shops here, as well as a trout farm and hotel. Well worth a visit or even a relaxing weekend.