Attractions and Places To See around Pencoyd - Top 20

Skenfrith Castle is a beautiful ruined castle owned and run by the National Trust in the quaint village of Skenfrith. It's a lovely valley setting next to the River Monnow, and right next door is the equally charming St Bridget's Church. The castle was originally established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066 to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place, and in response, King Stephen brought together Skenfrith Castle and its sister fortifications of Grosmont and White Castle to form a lordship known as the "Three Castles", which continued to play a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries. It is obviously a ruin now, but the walls are still substantial, and the fulcrum of the place is the imposing, commanding keep. This is a three-storey, 12-metre-high circular keep built around 1219–1244 by Hubert de Burgh. There is good parking there and plenty of green space for picnics and parking. There is also no charge for entry. A great place to visit, along with nearby Grosmont and White Castle.

Fabulous and iconic Sandstone building, centrepiece of Ross on Wye.

According to Harper Bridges - This bridge was commissioned by the congregations of the churches of Sellack Boat and King’s Caple and built in 1895. The towers are of tubular cast iron, with nameplate transoms embossed “Louis Harper AIMCE, Maker, Aberdeen”. The original cables to common anchorages are still in place, as are their hangers. However, at some stage (nobody seems to know when or why) further short cables were clamped to the original, presumably to support areas of wear and avoid cable replacement. This has led to crowding at the saddles. However, the bridge is still used and the local churches continue to hold their ‘Bridge Thanksgiving’ ceremony each year. This area is noted for its flooding but so far the bridge has held since the arched deck remains above the flow, although the approaches are inundated. It lacks the original longitudinal deck boarding but the original camber is well maintained. This bridge is the best illustration of the method of attachment of hangars to main cable employed by John and Louis Harper

This 13th century Norman Castle is set in a beautiful riverside location. It's managed by the National Trust and has free parking and free entry. It's also a good starting point for exploring the area.

Great stopping point and a hub for rides in all directions. Plenty of coffee shops

Great viewpoint gor the river Wye and Goodrich castle.

Nestled by the River Wye, Ross-on-Wye is a charming market town. Originating from the first travel guidebook by William Gilpin in 1782, it inspired picturesque tourism. It has independent stores, 19th-century mock-Gothic walls, a Gazebo Tower folly, and colourful homes cascading down the hillside to the river.

Perched above the River Wye, Ross is a pretty market town that played a significant role in nature tourism's history. In 1770, William Gilpin started organising boat trips down the Wye. Some believe that this was the very origin of the Picturesque Movement, leading people to appreciate the natural world and its beauty. Ross has a lot to offer the hiker. Gateway to the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean, it is also within easy driving distance of the Brecon Beacons, the Cotswolds and the Malverns.