Abergavenny is an ancient market town in the Usk valley, which is surrounded by the peaks of the Black Mountains and Brecon Becons to the west. Indeed it is often referred to as the gateway to the Beacons. The town is also the start point of the Heads of Valleys Road, which runs westwards and takes in all the industrial towns of the south Wales valleys.
It is an excellent place to base yourself if you want to explore the fantastic countryside and some of the nearby castles and heritage. The town also has some good places to stay and eat if you don't fancy being out in the sticks.
The town’s ancient history dates from 1090 when a Norman Lord, Hamellen the Ballon, built his fortified castle; this of course brought him into conflict with the local lords and the castle became the scene of many battles. It is mostly a ruin today except for the keep and hunting lodge, which were restored in the early 19th century and now house an impressive museum, which explores local history.
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