Beyond The Old Schoolhouse lies a wealth of history, adventure and unforgettable experiences waiting to be discovered
The Old Schoolhouse sits in the Monmouthshire countryside near Raglan, surrounded by rolling Welsh hills yet wonderfully well connected.
Raglan village and its landmark castle are just a few minutes away, with Abergavenny, Monmouth and the Wye Valley all within easy reach. Cardiff and Bristol are also accessible for days out and onward travel.
Sitting on the borderlands of England and Wales, Monmouthshire is steeped in history, with castles, abbeys and ancient landmarks scattered throughout its countryside.
Explore the magnificent ruins of Raglan Castle, discover the atmospheric remains of Tintern Abbey in the Wye Valley, or follow the trail of medieval strongholds through Skenfrith, Grosmont and White Castle. In nearby Monmouth, the remarkable Monnow Bridge is the only surviving medieval fortified river bridge in Great Britain with its gate tower still standing.
From Roman remains and ruined abbeys to imposing castles and historic market towns, centuries of Welsh history have left their mark on the landscape, making this a fascinating part of the country to explore.
With the Wye Valley and Bannau Brycheiniog on the doorstep, this is wonderful country for getting outdoors — whether that means a gentle riverside wander or something altogether more adventurous.
Walk to panoramic viewpoints from Sugar Loaf and the Skirrid, explore miles of woodland and riverside trails, cycle quiet country lanes or take to the River Wye by canoe or kayak. Llandegfedd Lake offers sailing, paddleboarding, kayaking and open-water swimming, while the Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal provides a gentler way to enjoy the landscape.
Whatever the pace, some of the most beautiful countryside in Wales lies within easy reach of the house.
Days here needn’t be hurried. Browse independent shops and cafés in Abergavenny and Monmouth, wander through picturesque villages, discover local markets or venture a little further to the bookshops of Hay-on-Wye.
Monmouthshire is particularly celebrated for its food and drink, with farm shops, producers, vineyards and exceptional restaurants dotted throughout the countryside. Abergavenny sits at the heart of that reputation, while the historic towns of Monmouth and Chepstow offer plenty to discover at a slower pace.
Whether you spend the day exploring, shopping, eating or simply following a country road to see where it leads, there is plenty here for wonderfully unstructured days.
For something a little different, the surrounding countryside offers experiences that can make a stay particularly memorable.
Take to the skies in a hot-air balloon over the Monmouthshire landscape, paddle along the Wye beneath wooded hills and historic ruins, or spend an afternoon discovering the area’s flourishing wine scene at vineyards such as White Castle Vineyard, The Dell Vineyard and Sugar Loaf Vineyards. For the more adventurous, paragliding from the Blorenge offers an entirely different perspective on the landscape.
From wine tasting and river adventures to seeing the Welsh countryside from the air, there are plenty of opportunities to experience this beautiful corner of Wales in a way you’ll remember long after you leave.
The Old Schoolhouse lies in the Monmouthshire countryside near Raglan.
Explore the map to discover our corner of South Wales and see what's within easy reach.
