South WalesBeautiful Country Pubs

The Vintage Inns of South Wales Collection

Welcome to the land of myth and magic, fairytale castles and amazing characters and places that exist as much in fantasy as they do in reality.

To travel through Wales is to journey through thousands of years of history and imagination; sometimes eerie and sometimes amusing, but always entertaining. And as you travel, you can count on rest and refreshment along the road at a reliable British inn that is as much part of the story as the stunning landscape around you.

The Vintage Inns Collection - South Wales is just six pubs, each with their own tale to tell. The charming Travellers Rest is very much the chocolate box picture of a traditional British inn, yet while the building gives the appearance of being an old thatched cottage it is believed to have been the stables for the now ruined Castle Morgraig.

By contrast, if you stop for a tasty bite and a glass of something delicious at The Plymouth Arms you’ll be dining in aristocratic company – the pub takes its name from the Earls of Plymouth, and is still owned by the family.

What wonders might you see on a summer’s day in the beer garden at The Dragonfly? Here magic wells up with the waters to form a tranquil pond in the garden which attracts many beautiful dragonflies. And what dark tales might you hear on a winter’s night as you pull up a chair by the fire at The Captain’s Wife in Swanbridge, a pub apparently as popular with the spirit world as it is with our worldly guests?

From the glittering seas to the south to the mountains and valleys to the north, Wales has a great story to tell, and our Vintage Inns are there to provide you with good company on your way.

ContentsPlymouth Arms – CardiffGroes Wen Inn – PenhowTravellers Rest – ThornhillThe Dragonfly – NewportCaptains Wife – Penarth

Castell Mynach – Pontyclun

Countryside walksWaterside walks Heritage sites Visitor attractionsInformation National Trust sites Museums

Cardiff

NewportBrecon Beacons

Bristol Channel

Black Mountains

Captains Wife

Plymouth Arms

Castell Mynach

Travellers Rest The Dragonfly

Groes Wen Inn

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The Vintage Innsof South Wales

There has been an inn on the site of The Plymouth Arms since the 14th century, so you can be sure they know a thing or two about running a traditional British pub.

The inn takes its name from the third Earl of Plymouth following his marriage to Elizabeth Lewis, heiress of a major landowner, in the early 1700s. The present building was commissioned by one of his descendants in 1859 after the original burnt down, and used as accommodation for butlers and valets during shooting outings.

The pub is owned by the present earl, who also owns a large part of St. Fagans, but don’t feel you have to doff your cap when you enter – there are no airs or graces here, simply a friendly welcome and good food and drink.

This Grade II listed building provides surroundings of great character - trailing creepers outside, and oak beams, open fire places and even a St. Fagans snug. On warm days, the large garden attracts many guests.

Set in countryside right on the edge of Cardiff, the pub has always been a popular stopping point for travellers and is well placed for the attractions of both city and country. The river valley contains a mix of woodland and fields, with footpaths linking the village with the city.

The pub is a good starting point to follow St. Fagan’s Walk, which runs by the river and passes by the site of the Battle of St. Fagans, a tremendous clash between Cromwell’s Parliamentarians and Royalists in 1648.

The village is home to the National History Museum and St. Fagans Castle, which has a commanding position on a bluff above the River Ely. Cardiff has many attractions, including a magnificent castle, the Millennium Stadium and some of the best shops in the country.

Plymouth ArmsSt. Fagans, Cardiff, CF5 6DUTel. 0292 056 9173

Some pointers for a great day out...

• Kick off in Cardiff with sightseeing and shopping.

• Follow the river path to St Fagans and join us for lunch.

• Take in the local culture at St Fagans National History Museum, then back to The Plymouth Arms for dinner.

For further information about The Plymouth Arms and the fascinating area around St Fagans, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/theplymoutharmssaintfagans 1

If you want to know more about The Groes Wen Inn and the many attractions around Penhow, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thegroesweninnpenhow

Groes Wen InnPenhow, Caldicot, NP26 3AD Tel. 01633 400978

When they first set eyes and their hearts on The Groes Wen in 1881, Mr and Mrs Lewis saw their dreams and their future lives together – this would be their family business, their friendly little pub.

They saw this beautiful cottage in the small village of Penhow, surrounded by lovely rural views and decided to turn their romantic vision into reality. They quit their jobs as a hoop shaver and a grocer, and set about a labour of love that resulted in the smart, pleasing inn you see today, serving traditional British food and keeping a warm hearth and a friendly welcome.

Groes Wen means white cross, and it certainly marks the spot – the pub is a distinctive landmark. Opposite the pub is a field used as pasture for horses, and a few minutes’ walk away is a signposted woodland path to Usk.

Penhow Castle lays claim to being the oldest inhabited castle in Wales, and became the first British home of the Seymour family who rose to national prominence. Caldicot, just four miles away, is famous for its magnificent castle.

To the north is the ancient forest of Wentwood, which once formed virtually an unbroken band from the River Usk to the River Wye. There are many paths with coloured way-markers indicating routes through the forest. Short walks take under one hour - the longest is a four mile circular route.

Caerwent, where the road between Gloucester and Caerleon met the road from Shrewsbury, was once an important centre, claimed by some to have been the birthplace of St. Patrick. Others say it may have been the original Camelot of King Arthur. Founded by the Romans, large sections of the ancient town walls remain, described as the most impressive of their kind. Ruins include the foundations of a 4th century temple.

You could enjoy...

• A morning uncovering the history at Caldicot Castle.

• A delicious meal at The Groes Wen Inn.

• And an afternoon exploring the Roman remains at Caerwent.

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The charming thatched roof and weather-worn walls of The Travellers Rest make it very much the chocolate box picture of a traditional British inn, and a distinctive landmark in Thornhill.

Yet, while the building gives the appearance of being an old thatched cottage it is believed to have been the stables for the now ruined Castle Morgraig. Records show the pub was granted its first licence in 1864 and from the outset it has exhibited a determination to deliver first class hospitality, whatever the circumstances - unlike many other pubs, it remained open throughout the Second World War.

This is a pleasant spot and the views over Cardiff are truly spectacular. There are also plenty of opportunities to stretch your legs; it is possible to take the Taff Trail from the village towards Castell Coch, and the Rhymney Valley Ridgeway Walk runs along the top of Graig Hill.

A favourite route for locals runs to the west to Caerphilly mountain, The Travellers Rest, and further on to Tongwynlais. There are stunning panoramic views - on clear days you can see as far as the Brecon Beacons in the north and the Bristol Channel in the south.

Not far away is Parc Cefn Onn, a country park with terrific collections of native and exotic trees and its own unique character and atmosphere. Streams, ponds and woodland provide a diverse range of habitats to attract wildlife.

This is an area rich in natural beauty and heritage, and there is a huge amount to see. Cardiff is an exciting, vibrant city, offering many modern attractions, in particular some great shopping. Yet new and old sit easily side by side here – the futuristic lines of the Millennium Stadium are a far cry from the medieval towers of Cardiff Castle, yet the mix works well.

Travellers RestThornhill, Caerphilly, CF83 1LY Tel. 02920 859021

If you want to find out more about The Travellers Rest and the many things to see and do in this diverse area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thetravellersrestcaerphilly

Take your time to…

• Plan your day over morning tea or coffee with us at The Travellers Rest.

• Take a trip to Caerphilly before returning to us for lunch.

• Enjoy the breath-taking views on the many walking trails or head into Cardiff for the delights of the city.

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Magic flows as naturally as the rivers in Wales, particularly around The Dragonfly, an area of great significance to the ancient Celts.

The pub was formerly known as The Celtic Springs, referring to a sacred spring near the inn. The pub’s beer garden is a magical spot too, a favourite place for guests whiling away the warm evenings, enchanted by the plethora of dragonflies it attracts.

Also near to the pub is another enchanted site, the infamous Witching Tree, which supposedly entombs unwitting victims within its trunk. The nearby hills were once the stronghold of the ancient Celts and home to the sacred groves of the Druids – here there are springs and caves where hermits and seers lived.

The Dragonfly can offer somewhat more comfortable surroundings in which to enjoy a glass of your favourite brew and a delicious bite to eat, particularly when the weather turns chilly and the roaring log fires make it all the more cosy. It’s the perfect base from which to explore this magical land.

Tredegar House, the ancient home of the Morgan family, is a must see, and Bassaleg (1.5 miles away) draws many visitors. The Cwm Hedd Lakes offer numerous activities including canoeing.

On the River Usk, Newport offers 2,000 years of history to explore. St. Woolos Cathedral is a building of considerable antiquity, and Newport Castle is a 14th century Grade II listed building, built to guard the river crossing. Westgate Hotel bears the scars of civil strife: having been stormed during the Chartist uprising of 1839, bullet holes are visible in the entrance pillars.

Make time to see the Steel Wave, a controversial piece of public art, and the Transporter Bridge, a rare example of an aerial river-ferry.

The DragonflyHazel Drive, Cleppa 4, Newport Road, Newport, Gwent, NP10 8FY Tel. 01633 810611

To find out more about The Dragonfly and this magical area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thedragonflynewport

You could enjoy a day...

• Start at The Dragonfly with coffee before exploring Tredegar House.

• Come back to the pub for a slap up meal.

• Then head into Newport for sightseeing and perhaps a little shopping.

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Seafarers the world over know the value of a safe haven; a sheltered port offering the warmth and comfort of good fires, friendly conversation and hearty food and drink.

How welcoming then, must have been the lights of Sully House and the row of fishermen’s cottages to the crews of the little boats returning home? On the site and right at the waters edge now stands The Captain’s Wife, a pub which continues the tradition of offering simple, unconditional hospitality and camaraderie you would expect from a tiny community bonded together by the perils of the sea.

But the pub also has a dark side, shot through with smugglers’ tales, superstition and ghosts. Pirates and smugglers were among the frequent visitors to Sully Island, a small tidal island just off the coast, and which can be reached on foot from the pub during low tide – take care.

Legend has it the pub’s eponymous captain’s wife died at sea - sailors were superstitious about having corpses aboard so the captain hid her body in a trunk which he later buried until a coffin was made. But the crew stole the trunk thinking it contained treasure, and the wife’s spirit was said to haunt the area until her skeleton was discovered and buried properly.

The cottages incorporated to form the pub are said to be haunted by a boy who died accidentally whilst hiding in a chimney. A ghostly woman walks the lounge and a well to do gentleman, possibly the captain, walks outside.

This diverse area has seen a span of human history stretching six millennia – at St Lythan’s Burial Chamber you’ll go back 6,000 years to the late Neolithic period; smuggling was once rife and there are many places to be found with related stories; and at Lavernock Point is the site where wireless technology was pioneered.

Captains Wife Beach Road, Swanbridge, Penarth, CF64 5UG Tel. 02920 530066

Why not…

• Join us for elevenses at The Fisherman’s Wife.

• Enjoy the countryside at the park at Cosmeston or the coast at Lavernock Point.

• Come back for a hearty pub meal before continuing your adventures inland.

If you want to know more about The Captain’s Wife, and things to do in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecaptainswifepenarth 5

Built in the 1930s, the distinctive fresh white walls and smart paint work of The Castell Mynach promise a house maintained in traditional good order, with well kept wines and ales, and good honest food.

The unusual name translates as Castle of the Monks, referring to the ruins of an old monastery which the pub overlooks. The ruins are accessible, providing visitors with an intriguing site to explore.

Originally a private residence, The Castell Mynach was extended to accommodate the hostelry and stands partly on the grounds of the old stables. Now it offers warmth and comfort and a great place to plan your day, and with a good mix of town and country attractions you’re unlikely to run short of things to do and see.

The pub’s location in the countryside on the outskirts of Pontyclun means there are a number of good walks nearby. Most start from the bridge over the River Ely at Brynsadler on the north side of the river and lead onto the Valeways Millennium Heritage Trail.

There is also a series of off-road trails, known as the Loops & Links, suitable for walkers, cyclists and horse riders of varied abilities. Set in the scenic South Wales Valleys the routes cover over 160 miles - a guide book is available to download from www.loopsandlinks.co.uk.

The castle at Llantrisant is well worth seeing. Llantrisant was granted its Royal Charter months before the archers from the town helped Edward, the Black Prince, defeat the French army at the Battle of Crecy. The Llantrisant longbow men were pivotal in the adoption of the English longbow.

The vintages at Llanerch Vineyard are well worth taking time out to sample, and you can get closer to the culture of Wales with a visit to St. Fagans and the National History Museum.

Castell MynachLlantrisant Road, Groesfaen, Pontyclun, CF72 8NHTel. 01443 237395

For more information about The Castell Mynach and the many things to see and do in the area, visit www.vintageinn.co.uk/thecastelllmynachllantrisant

For a great day in Wales...

• Start with one of the many walks from The Castell Mynarch (set yourself up with a hot drink with us before you go).

• Return to compare notes

over a good lunch.

• Head for St. Fagans and the National History Museum.

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