CHARLES & PATRICIA LESTER

Abergavenny is known as "The Gateway to Wales" and is at the start of the Brecon Beacons and the Brecon Beacons National Park. The M4 motorway makes all the South of England and home counties accessible to this unique bustling market town, vibrant in its diversity. Abergavenny is in South East Wales - not far from Cardiff, Bristol, Bath, Hereford, Newport and Swansea. There are very good rail and road links with the West Midlands, Birmingham, Oxford and the West Country (Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Avon and Cornwall). From London the route is easy and direct - crossing the new Severn Bridge is an experience in itself - a wonderful giant sculpture particularly spectacular agaist dark clouds or early evening or the low light of dawn.

Abergavenny is also at the hub of many famous events - the Abergavenny Food Festival now a 'must' on everybody's calendar who is interested in the culture of food. With so many things to do and see, it is worth taking time to explore the area - even Harry Potter's bus stopped at Abergavenny! It makes a great centre from which to explore the area, such as a day in Usk, famous for its wonderful floral displays throughout the town. Or perhaps a walk over the famous Blorenge Mountain - the only word that rhymes with 'orange'! The Llanfoist Open Garden day is worth a visit - a day spent exploring the wonderful gardens of the village makes an unusual and inspiring 'day out'.

The Brecon Jazz Festival is only twenty miles away as is the Celtic Manor Hotel in Newport which has several golf courses and is to be host to the Ryder Cup in the year 2010. The internationally famous 'Hay Literary Festival', Hay Literary Festival held at Hay on Wye, attracts many famous visitors including Bill and Hilary Clinton, who were guests at the 2002 festival. 'The Three Choirs Festival' (Hereford, Gloucester and Worcester) - a celebration of choral music, is only an hour's drive away. Abergavenny is in the heart of the county of Monmouthshire, a county that has more castles and fortified houses than any other county in Britain.

For industrial history there is the famous 'Big Pit' Mining Museummuseum in Blaenavon as well as the most glorious countryside where walking, horse-riding, both lake and canal boating, fishing - country activities too numerous to remember them all.

As a contrast to the gentle countryside, Cardiff, with its Millennium Stadium and Millennium Centre provide entertainment in sport and culture in the most modern and sophisticated of surroundings in Cardiff Bay, once a busy dock area, now home to the contrasts of high profile modern living alongside the historic Norwegian Church and the new Assembly building. St Fagans Museum is a major museum of Welsh Life a worthwhile day out for those interested in social history.

There are a number of places to stay from the exotic and luxurious hotel - Llangoed Hall (the inspiration of Sir Bernard Ashley: co-founder of the Laura Ashley fashion label) - to Bear Hotel in Crickhowell (winner of the British Pub of the Year Award as well as the AA Welsh Pub of the Year). Gliffaes Country House Hotel' is only five miles from the town and is set in over twenty acres of beautiful gardens. The hotel is on the banks of the river Usk, famous for its salmon and trout fishing. Extensive fishing rights on the river can be used by hotel guests. 'The Angel Hotel' has an excellent dining menu. There are many other places to stay and eat fine food. For those who want a few days of luxurious pampering there is the Celtic Manor Hotel. Here can be enjoyed the hotel's award winning spa, gymnasium, golf, tennis and several restaurants as well as a little bit of shopping.

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tel: 0044 (0) 1873 855115

Abergavenny, Wales,

NP7 7RL. UK.

fax: 0044 (0) 1873 858666