Usk
Usk, Monmouthshire, NP5
Category: Wye Valley and the Vale of Usk
The peaceful, almost picture-perfect town of Usk takes its name from the river on which it stands. It’s a great river for salmon fishing, so not surprisingly, it attracts fishermen from far and wide. With its pastel-coloured houses and copious floral displays, it’s also achieved fame as a regular winner in the Wales in Bloom competition. Like many other towns in the area, Usk boasts plenty of historic buildings such as the 13th-century gatehouse which stands at the top of Twyn Square. Once part of a Benedictine nunnery, the gatehouse now guards the passage to the 12th- and 13th-century church. Another must-see is the Usk Rural Life Museum, housed in several historic buildings including a converted 18th-century malt barn. Put together by locals, it tells the story of the area from Victorian times up to the end of World War II. There’s a particularly fascinating array of agricultural and domestic paraphernalia and an exhibition about the Great Western Railway. When you’ve had your fill of history, wander up Bridge Street, away from the river, where you’ll find lots of great pubs and restaurants in which to relax.
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