Local Area
If castles light your fire, then you're spoilt for choice with Chepstow, Caldicot and Raglan each boasting their own magnificent stone-built castle, or maybe, like Wordsworth it will be the lure of Tintern Abbey (less than 2 miles away) that draws you.
Being an area of outstanding natural beauty there are cool forests to stroll or bicycle in, hills and mountains to climb, a natural cave system to explore, valleys to picnic in, and even the beauty of the Gower Beaches to explore a little further afield.
For cyclists and walkers the scenery is spectacular and there are unspoilt tracks and roads to follow. If you thought the hills were a problem then worry no more ! Hire an e-bike https://www.wye-bikes.co.uk a super friendly company with a fabulous selection of bikes, they have a live on line booking system and will deliver and collect right to the door.
Head underground and discover the delights of Clearwell Caves, a natural cave system mined for iron ore for years but now open to the public. Or go down Big Pit, a working coal mine from 1880 - 1980 but now a fascinating industrial heritage museum.
Eating and Drinking
Monmouthshire really is spoilt for delicious places to eat and drink from Michelin restaurants to small local cafés there is something for everyone. Below is a small local selection, all of which we personally try and enjoy on a regular basis. The restaurants tend to get very booked up and some only open on certain days so please book ahead.
Gastronomes can indulge in the sensational tasting menu at The Whitebrook https://www.thewhitebrook.co.uk (a 15 minute drive through the beautiful Wye Valley) which boasts a Michelin star and makes for an unforgettable dining experience.
Locally, in Tintern and within daytime walking distance are:
The Wild Hare https://www.thewildharetintern.co.uk with an excellent menu. A lovely friendly pub which welcomes dogs.
The Filling Station, https://www.facebook.com/TheFillingStationCafeTintern a small café that has, we think, and lots of our guests agree, the best coffee in Wales. On the opposite side of the road they have a delicious ice cream shop.
The Parva Farmhouse https://www.parvafarmhouse.co.uk is a gastronomic delight. Our guests always return having enjoyed delicious dining experiences there.
A little further afield are:
The Star on the Hill http://thestaronthehill.co.uk is 4 mile drive away, The food is delicious, the pub fantastically friendly and the views on the way spectacular.
In Chepstow:
Panevino https://panevino-restaurantchepstow.com/ is a delicious Italian restaurant on the banks of the River.
Sitar Balti http://sitarbalti.co.uk/ It may not look much from the outside but this restaurant set in the vaults of a property in which Nelson is claimed to have stayed offers spectacular Indian food.
Tell Me Wine https://tellmewine.co.uk/ Is run by a delightful French couple, they sell seriously delicious wines and really know their stuff.
To enjoy the best of Monmouthshire food, arrange your stay to take advantage of Abergavenny's famous Food Festival in mid September.
Doing Nothing:
One of the joys of Penterry is it's a great place for doing nothing.
For those who seek peace and quiet at Orchard Cottage, you need go no further than the sun loungers on your private terrace, the bench by the stream at the end of the private orchard, or perhaps the swing bench, with a glass of wine in hand, listening to the prolific birdsong, and admiring the stunning view.
Anne's Hut, a short walk away through the fields, offers similar seclusion. Whether lying in the hammock under the ancient oak tree, enjoying the hammock chairs or nestling in by the fire pit with a rug as the plethora of stars appear around you, total luxury and relaxation await.
