Thousands of visitors from all over the world will flock to Newport South Wales in October 2010 for the Ryder Cup. When the last putt is sunk and the competition is over there will still be plenty to attract visitors to the area.
Newport is in easy reach of beautiful countryside, historic castles and major cities. All the following are less than an hour’s drive from Newport.
Cardiff - The Capital City of Wales
Cardiff is a city of contrasts. Stand at the top of the Norman Keep at the Castle and admire the modern architecture of the Millenium Stadium. Head out of town to the regenerated buzz of Cardiff Bay or sample traditional Welsh life, lovingly recreated at the Welsh Folk Museum. Wander round the shopping centre, where modern malls mix with Victorian arcades, and well known high street names stand alongside locally owned speciality shops.
Bristol - An Historic Port and Modern City
Bristol is a city with a long history. The Clifton Suspension Bridge, Isambard Kingdom Brunel and a thriving port have all helped create Bristol’s unique identity. Today, Bristol is a modern thriving city boasting top quality shopping, comfortable hotels and eating places ranging from cheap and cheerful cafés to exclusive restaurants.
Brecon Beacons National Park
The Brecon Beacon National Park is an area of stunning natural beauty. Hay on Wye is regarded as the literary capital of the UK. The main street has a host of second hand bookshops and the town hosts literary festivals. The Brecon Mountain Railway runs from just outside Merthyr Tydfil and the 7 miles round trip offers scenic views of the park. Penderyn whisky regularly wins awards when competing against better known Scotch and Irish brand. Whisky lovers may like to take a trip round the distillery in the village of Penderyn just off the A465.
Wye Valley for Castles, Abbeys and Natural Beauty
Wye Valley has been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Visitors can explore historic sites, discover the area’s industrial heritage, or just simply enjoy the scenery
The region’s castles include Chepstow at the gateway to Wales , White Castle near Abergavenny, Caldicot Castle , Raglan Castle and Abergavenny Castle. Tintern Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey buiit in Wales. It dates back to 1131 and remained a place of worship until its dissolution in 1536. The monastic ruins are in a beautiful situation on the banks of the River Wye.
Forest of Dean, The Home of Steam Trains and Birds of Prey
The Forest of Dean lies just across the English border in South West Gloucestershire. Visit the historic market town at Ross on Wye or enjoy sensational views of The Forest of Dean and The Wye Valley from a vantage point at Symonds Yat. Other attractions include The Forest of Dean Railway and The International Bird of Prey Centre at Newent.
John Oyston - I am a freelance travel writer, accountant and further education teacher. I have spent a lifetime travelling across the UK, Western Europe ...
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