Sustainable Wales for all types of traveller
21.07.2023 - 07:50
/ roughguides.com
One of the world’s most diverse countries, Wales has it all. There are jagged mountains, gorgeous beaches, fantastic food, a groundbreaking approach to sustainability and fabulously preserved heritage sites which make our secondary school history lessons look rather boring.
Intrigued? Read on to discover what Wales has to offer every type of traveller. If travelling responsibly is on your mind, you might also want to discover five eco-friendly holiday ideas in Wales, and find out about practical ways to travel better in Wales, a beautiful nation that isn't short on places to stay for a sustainable trip.
With plenty of places to go green off-the-beaten-track, and rewarding sustainable trips for every season, Wales really does have something for all types of traveller.
Abergavenny Food Festival, South Wales © Crown Copyright 2022 Visit Wales
When hunger strikes (and trust us, working up an appetite is easy in Wales), there’s no better place to head to than Monmouthshire, in the south-east of the country. Monmouthshire is a county which punches above its weight – alongside ancient country pubs and quaint cafés, you’ll find vineyards, breweries and Michelin-starred restaurants.
There’s a serious passion for local, seasonal produce here, whether it’s honey, jam or wine, and it’s thoroughly deserving of its moniker: Wales’ culinary capital. The icing on the cake is a packed calendar of food-themed events, although our favourite is the Abergavenny Food Festival, held every September.
Monmouthshire is known for culinary innovation, although it’s also a destination which embraces both sustainability and tradition. Take mead, for example, which has recently experienced a popularity boom and is now being made by a number of Monmouthshire producers, like the team at the Wye Valley Meadery.
At this family-owned company, honey produced by the farm’s bees is used to make the mead, which has a lower alcohol content than the traditional version. The current owners, brothers Kit and Matt, were keen to make a tipple which was more drinkable. Feeling thirsty yet? Book a visit to the Wye Valley Meadery’s taproom, or stop by the on-site shop.
Monmouthshire is home to a huge number of breweries, including the fantastic Kingstone Brewery in Tintern, where you’ll find a beautiful taproom and a huge range of beers. We recommend the Humpty’s Fuddle IPA, with its delicate combination of floral notes and a citrusy finish.
For visitors keen to splash the cash on the best culinary experiences money can buy, there’s an abundance of fine dining restaurants in Wales, and its seven Michelin-starred restaurants include two in Monmouthshire. First up is the Walnut Tree Inn, an Abergavenny restaurant famous for its local produce.
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