Llanthony Priory Campsite

The haunting remains of Llanthony Priory are all that survives of one of the greatest buildings of medieval Wales. Llanthony Priory resembles a mini Tintern Abbey but, being totally buried in a little known spot in Wales, amid the enormously gorgeous Black Mountains in the heart of the Brecon Beacon National Park, it’s far less of a tourist trap. Unlilke the great ruins of Tintern, it has its very own pub attached. Once you’ve persevered through the winding country lanes of the Ewyas valley and arrived at these antiquated ruins, it’s hard to imagine how a small band of Augustinian monks managed to build such a majestic structure way back in the early years of the 12th century. As you take in the glorious scenery it is, however, easy to see why they bothered.

The dramatic landscape framed by the arches of the Abbey’s remaining window frames takes some beating as a backdrop location, with the omnipresent wall of the Black Mountains either side of the valley. The camp site is a 2 acre field with toilets, a tap but no showers; however, there is a river close by, and Bugle (pronounced Bew-glie) bridge is a well-known place to jump into the river, both to cool off, and clean up. Barbeques are permitted on site as long as they are raised from the ground - there are eggs available from the farm as well as homemade beefburgers and sausages.

The Llanthony Priory Hotel bar (known locally as The Abbey) in the crypt under the Priory ruins, cooks up imaginative bar meals, served in unforgettable surroundings. In the village, Treats offers breakfasts and lunches. The Half Moon Inn is a short stroll away and serves simple meals between 7pm and 9pm.