What to Do in Wales When You Stay at Llanthony Castaway
People often ask me what there is to do in Wales when they book a stay at Castaway.
The honest answer is that quite a lot depends on what sort of person you are. Some guests arrive with walking boots, maps and a plan to conquer every hill. Others arrive with a good book and the firm intention of doing very little at all.
Both approaches work beautifully here.
Llanthony sits tucked into the Black Mountains in a valley that feels quietly removed from the rush of everyday life. You will find history, wild landscapes, friendly pubs and some of the darkest skies in the country. The trick is not trying to see everything. The trick is enjoying the place you are in.
Here are a few of my favourite things to do while you are here.
Walk to Llanthony Priory
One of the great pleasures of staying here is that you can simply step out of the door and start exploring.
A gentle wander across the field brings you to Llanthony Priory, a beautiful set of medieval ruins that sit peacefully in the valley. The priory dates back to the twelfth century and feels wonderfully atmospheric. Sheep graze nearby and the mountains rise up around it.
You can walk around the grounds, sit for a while on the grass, and take in the sense of history that lingers in the stone walls. It is one of those places that invites you to slow down.
In the cellar, there is also a wonderful bar, run by my sister & brother in law Annabel & Jamie. How often can you say you’ve had a drink beneath the ruins of an ancient monument. They welcome you to come in for a coffee, refreshing pint, glass of Mead or some real food should you wish to linger longer (check opening hours first so you won’t be disappointed).
Visit a Proper Welsh Pub
No trip to Wales feels complete without a visit to a pub that has been welcoming travellers for generations.
Just a little further you will find The Half Moon at Llanthony, a friendly spot with a good pint waiting at the end of a walk, dog friendly.
A little drive down the road is The Crown at Pantygelli, another favourite among locals and visitors. Expect good food and a welcoming atmosphere. Also situated near the Sugar Loaf in case that’s on your tick list of local peaks to climb.
Or perhaps you’d like to try the Oldest Inn in Wales, the Skirrid Inn. Also famed for being the most haunted – why is it so haunted? Legend says the inn served as a courtroom where capital punishments were handed out, with hangings occuring from an oak beam on the staircase – you can still see today.
Walk the Black Mountains
The Black Mountains offer some of the most beautiful walking in Wales. There are routes for every pace and energy level.
Some guests enjoy climbing up onto Hatterrall Ridge, which forms part of the famous Offa’s Dyke Path and provides wide views across the borderlands. Others prefer quieter valley walks along the lanes and footpaths that weave through fields and woodland.
Whichever route you choose, the landscape here has a calming effect. Fresh air, open views and the occasional curious sheep tend to do that.
Spend Time by the River
The valley has several quiet spots where the river runs clear and cool. On warmer days it is a lovely place to dip your feet or sit with a picnic.
It is not the sort of place with crowds or queues. Often you will hear nothing but the water moving over the stones and the wind moving through the trees.
Be mindful of walking through Hay meadows, keep to the edges or on the footpaths and please do ask me, I would be more than happy to suggest the best spots.
Enjoy the Dark Skies
One of the unexpected highlights of staying at Llanthony Castaway is the night sky.
With very little light pollution in the valley, the stars appear in extraordinary detail once darkness settles in. On a clear night the Milky Way stretches across the sky and shooting stars are not uncommon.
Guests often sit around the firepit wrapped in blankets, looking up and quietly pointing out constellations. It is one of those simple moments that stays with you long after the trip is over.
Slow Evenings at Castaway
After a day exploring Wales, many guests find their favourite moments happen back at Castaway.
The fire is lit, a drink is poured and someone stirs the hot tub or opens a book.
There is a pause to evenings spent here that feels wonderfully calm. Time stretches out a little and conversations last longer. The valley settles into silence.
It is, without doubt, the part of the trip people remember most.
Wales Is Best Enjoyed Slowly
When people search for things to do in Wales, it would be easy to create a long list of places to rush between.
The truth is that the best experiences here tend to happen at a slower pace. A good walk with a welcoming pub. A sky full of stars and a quiet valley that gives you room to breathe.
Llanthony Castaway sits right in the middle of all that.
Come for the hills, the history and the pubs and stay for the stillness.
You can see more of what to do during your stay at Llanthony Castaway here – including fine dining, biking, and other local places or visit: https://llanthonycastaway.co.uk/things-to-do/
Stay wild!