Monmouth

Monmouth sits where the rivers Monnow and Wye meet, with a 13th-century gatehouse bridge marking the edge of the old core. Main streets fan out from this point, connecting cobbled squares with narrow lanes that wind between stone houses and traditional buildings.

Normans built a castle here in 1067 as a defense against Welsh forces, and the site gained royal significance when King Henry V was born within its walls in 1386. Over the centuries, the settlement shifted from military stronghold to a market center that served the surrounding farming communities.

The Savoy Theatre, Wales' oldest working venue, hosts regular performances throughout the year, drawing audiences from across the region. Each summer, the town opens its streets for a free music festival that brings performers and visitors together in a celebration of live sound.

The town center works best on foot, with most shops, cafes, and points of interest located within a compact area. Parking areas sit close to the main commercial district, offering easy access to the heart of the settlement.

Excavations at Parc Glyndwr uncovered remains of a Bronze Age boat building community and a Neolithic dwelling that dates back 5,000 years. These finds show that people lived and worked here long before the Normans arrived.