Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
( 01873-811625;
www.tygwyn.com
;
Brecon Rd; s/d from £40/66; )
Once the home of Regency ar-
chitect John Nash, Tŷ Gwyn is a lovely old Georgian house with four spacious en suite
rooms. It's only two minutes' walk from the town centre.
Llangattock (Llangatwg)
Across the oddly arched bridge from Crickhowell, Llangattock's old stone houses are
clustered around a castle-like 12th-century church. A late-afternoon stroll is rewarded by
views back to Crug Hywel bathed in golden light, its fort looking like one of the magical
fairy circles of Welsh myth.
The surrounding countryside is perfect horse-riding country.
Golden Castle Riding Stables
(
01873-812649;
www.golden-castle.co.uk
; per 30min/day from £30/55)
offers pony trekking, hacking,
trail riding and children's activity days.
Sleeping
Old Rectory
( 01873-810373;
www.rectoryhotel.co.uk
; Llangattock; s/d from £55/85; )
Surprisingly grand for
the price, this partly 16th-century stone mansion was once the home of poet Henry
Vaughan. Now it has its own golf course and a clubby atmosphere pervades the down-
stairs bar and restaurant. Rooms are chic and comfortable.
HOTEL
££
Tretower Court & Castle
Originally the home of the Vaughan family,
Tretower
(
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
;
Tretower; adult/child
£4.75/3.60; 10am-5pm Apr-Oct, 11am-4pm Fri-Sun Nov-Mar)
gives you two historic buildings for the
price of one - the sturdy circular tower of a Norman motte-and-bailey castle, and a 15th-
century manor house with a fine medieval garden. Together they illustrate the transition
from military stronghold to country house that took place in late medieval times. Some
domestic clutter has been added to bring the kitchens and banqueting hall to vivid and sur-
prisingly colourful life, but otherwise the rugged authenticity of the place is left intact.
Film buffs may like to know that Tretower featured in
The Restoration
starring Robert
Downey Jnr, and the Johnny Depp vehicle
The Libertine
.
Tretower is 3 miles northwest of Crickhowell on the A479.
