Abergavenny and Hereford

Abergavenny and Hereford

 

Abergavenny is the traditional gateway to South Wales approx. 1 hour drive directly north of Newport.

 

Nestled between seven hills close to the border between England and Wales, it truly is a "Gateway To Wales". Although there is evidence of humans in the area from around 4,000 B.C, the first major settlement was built by the Romans. They called their fort Gobannium, and it was occupied from 57-400 A.D.

 

In 1087, just 21 years after the invasion of the Normans, they built a castle in the area. A town grew up alongside it - this town was called 'Burgavenny'. The town grew, and sometime after 1241 a set of walls was built around the town, with four large protected gateways. The town expanded until the Black Death arrived in the late 1340s, but recovered in the 16th and 17th centuries, when the trades of weaving and tanning became the major source of income.

 

Today Abergavenny remains a vibrant town. Although there is no major industry here, the busy markets, the annual festivals and the tourists they attract support the local economy. The indoor market is always a very popular trip to browse and purchase your bargains.

 

Dropped at coach/car park at bottom of hill that goes up into the town. Leave after lunch (provisionally 1.30pm) to head on to Hereford.

 

Hereford

 

Set along the bank of the famous River Wye, the city of Hereford is the county town of Herefordshire and is famous for its ancient Cathedral which dates back to between 1010 and 1015. The town was given city status originally by Henry 1st in 1154, and the standing was re-awarded by Queen Elizabeth in 2000. The streets and architecture of Hereford are a wonderful surprise to visitors because they closely follow the medieval layout.

 

Hereford has a great deal to offer to tourists. It is an especially attractive town with its picturesque riverbank, spectacular Norman Cathedral, the Mappa Mundi maps and the Chained Library exhibition. The town has excellent shopping facilities and a great range of cafes, restaurants and pubs. The surrounding area has much to offer too with breathtaking scenery for hikers in the Golden Valley, the Forest of Dean and the Black Mountains. 

 

Hereford's Norman Cathedral is an imposing Gothic building dating back to the 12th Century. An impressive building in its own right, Hereford Cathedral is also celebrated as being home to the famous ‘Mappa Mundi’, a medieval map of the world.

 

Depart for Home at Approx. 17.00

Abergavenny Hereford