We are planning a trip for next year and it appears we will be be near Abergavenny when their food festival is being held. Has anyone been? Did you stay in Abergavenny or otherwise? I can see it's an easy train tip from Cardiff, considering using that as a base for a few days. Recommendations?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6534 posts
Just drove through it in May and it looked like a nice, small, town. We didn’t stop because we couldn’t find a parking spot. I’m not certain it’s worth a few days by itself, but if you could easily take public transport for day trips, then it would be a relaxing place to stay.
Posted by
2405 posts
I have been to the Food Festival in Abergavenny and it is worth the trip - despite the 17 minute or so walk from the station into the town. However, I would consider buying a return ticket from Cardiff to Ludlow - which is a good bit further up the same line. On arriving in Ludlow station, the place does not look up to much but if you walk into the town, you will be in real olde world England. (Nice view of the castle from the west bank of the river).https://www.ludlow.org.uk
Then back down the same line to Abergavenny. The line is relatively scenic going through lush rolling countryside. Trains are roughly 2 per hour. Don't buy advance tickets as they will tie you down to specific trains.
Be sure to visit St.Fagans Museum (Bus 32A); Caerphilly Castle and maybe Castell Coch to the north of Cardiff.
https://www.wherewhenwales.com/wales-day-tours/
https://www.seewales.com
Posted by
OP
Ohio
33 posts
Thanks so much for everyone's suggestions. We are trying to do our trip by public transportation since I am the only driver and since we're trying to be more "green." We know this means some parts of Wales will not be accessible but at least in the area of Cardiff/Abergavenny/Talgarth, train travel is feasible. (This is our first trip to Wales but hopefully not our last, perhaps the second will be by car.) My SO is trying to locate a family home near Cardiff in Pentyrch so we will be in Cardiff for at least an overnight, then probably head to Abergavenny/Talgarth. Thanks again!
Posted by
2405 posts
Talgarth is not on the railway - the nearest station being Abergavenny. For buses check www.travelinecymru.info
Here is Pentyrch :>https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.5296776,-3.295262,2092m/data=!3m1!1e3!5m1!1e1
Posted by
OP
Ohio
33 posts
So sorry, not Ludlow. Talbert. Too many planning discussions.
Posted by
392 posts
If you go to Pentyrch you'll be very close to Castell Coch which is worth a visit. Also if you watch the 1990s film An Englishman went up a Hill and Came down a Mountain the closing sequence is filmed at the Garth Mountain just behind Pentyrch.
Posted by
Wales
3 posts
Abergavenny Food Festival is brilliant! Lots to see and do, taste and learn about. If you are intending to stay in Abergavenny itself then book in really good time. There are lots of places to look at staying. You can get the train from Cardiff to Abergavenny and walks from the station, but if you go by car there is parking. Be sure to wear comfy shoes as there is plenty of walking.
Posted by
OP
Ohio
33 posts
Thanks Pritch. From what I am seeing, some tickets for events will sell out. We are thinking 6 mos. in advance will be plenty of time. Is there anything we should be careful not to miss?
We're thinking of staying in Cardiff and taking the train although having a local place to chill for a while might be handy. Any recommendations? We're looking at airbnbs.