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Essential Hotels > Wales > Gwent
Gwent is a preserved county of Wales. It is located in the southwest of the country, facing the Bristol Channel and the English Border. Gwent encompasses several famous areas, including the historic county of Monmouthshire, which lies closest to England, the industrial port city of Newport, and the mining towns of the Gwent valleys. Today, many of these towns and boroughs have been divided into individual authorities, but are still often referred to as the county of Gwent.
Gwent is a diverse county, and a tour through it illustrates the inherent beauty of South Wales, as well as a physical record of its fortunes through the centuries. Remains from Palaeolithic, Iron and Bronze Age, Roman and Norman settlements can be found dotted through the area. Monmouthshire displays beautiful countryside and is filled with charming market towns such as Monmouth, Abergavenny and Chepstow. Monmouthshire also includes part of the Wye Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling hills, a remarkably unpolluted river and splendid wildlife habitats. Gwent’s location on the boundary between England and Wales meant that throughout history each side attempted to control trade and invasions from the other by fortifying the border, which was then known as the Welsh Marshes. Consequently, the county is rich in military and cultural heritage, and ruined castles can be found in almost every town in the area. The most famous of these is Chepstow Castle, which is the oldest surviving castle of its type in the country.
Monmouthshire retains the rural charm one would expect from the Welsh countryside, in stark contrast to the industrialised areas around Newport, and inland into the valleys. Driving through the valleys visitors can see countless mining towns built onto the steep mountainside around the coal mines on the valley floor. Newport, on the other hand, grew from its docks, and although the city has been regenerated in recent years, its heritage is still visible. Gwent is a great visitor destination for those interested in history. Its location along the M4 corridor means it is easy to reach, while its diversity means you can enjoy a break in the countryside, while not being too far from the city.
Gwent is a diverse county, and a tour through it illustrates the inherent beauty of South Wales, as well as a physical record of its fortunes through the centuries. Remains from Palaeolithic, Iron and Bronze Age, Roman and Norman settlements can be found dotted through the area. Monmouthshire displays beautiful countryside and is filled with charming market towns such as Monmouth, Abergavenny and Chepstow. Monmouthshire also includes part of the Wye Valley, a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with rolling hills, a remarkably unpolluted river and splendid wildlife habitats. Gwent’s location on the boundary between England and Wales meant that throughout history each side attempted to control trade and invasions from the other by fortifying the border, which was then known as the Welsh Marshes. Consequently, the county is rich in military and cultural heritage, and ruined castles can be found in almost every town in the area. The most famous of these is Chepstow Castle, which is the oldest surviving castle of its type in the country.
Monmouthshire retains the rural charm one would expect from the Welsh countryside, in stark contrast to the industrialised areas around Newport, and inland into the valleys. Driving through the valleys visitors can see countless mining towns built onto the steep mountainside around the coal mines on the valley floor. Newport, on the other hand, grew from its docks, and although the city has been regenerated in recent years, its heritage is still visible. Gwent is a great visitor destination for those interested in history. Its location along the M4 corridor means it is easy to reach, while its diversity means you can enjoy a break in the countryside, while not being too far from the city.