The Kings Head Hotel, Monmouth

Ancient Monmouth is a traditional county town, with shops, restaurants, and cafés – it has some elegant Georgian buildings, notably the beautiful Shire Hall.

The town has existed since Roman times, gaining importance in the medieval period, when it gained its 12th-century castle, perhaps best known as the birthplace of Henry V.

Monmouth boasts a whole host of historical sites, famous people and buildings, from the Nelson Gardens to the town hall.

It has a medieval 13th-century bridge over the River Monnow, unique in Britain, as it is the only preserved bridge of its design remaining.

The Kymin is a wooded hill with wonderful views over the Welsh countryside. On the hilltop is the Georgian Naval Temple, commemorating the victories of the British Navy.

The surrounding countryside of the Wye Valley is also rich in history.

To the west are the stunning remains of magnificent Raglan Castle, while to the north is the even older ruin of Skenfrith Castle.

Going south will take you to the splendid medieval Tintern Abbey – a highlight of any trip to Wales.

Offa’s Dyke is a beautiful 136-mile (218km) trail following the river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys, criss-crossing the border between England and Wales.

Monmouth bus station is a five-minute walk from the hotel. Bus timetables are available from reception.

Pay-and-display car parks are available close to the hotel for both long- and short-term stays, as well as free on-street parking during 5pm–9am and all day on Sunday. For more details, contact the hotel.

Walking from the bus station:
Take a left onto Monnow Street and follow the road until you reach the square – the hotel will be on the right.

Approaching from the M4:
Take junction 24 onto the A40. Take the first turning after the tunnel, signposted Monmouth. Turn right at the petrol station, then right at the traffic lights. Take a left at the roundabout and follow the road round to the right and up the main street. After quarter of a mile, turn right – we are across the road from the town hall.

Approaching from the M5:
Take the M50, heading for Ross-on-Wye and leading onto the A40. Take the second exit off the roundabout, through the next set of lights. After quarter of a mile, turn left at the town hall – and we are across the road.