The gorgeous village of Skenfrith sits just on the River Monnow, located in Monmouthshire, south-east Wales, close to the border between Wales and England.
Walking around, you’ll be treated to picture perfect streets which wind around Skenfrith castle, making you feel like you’ve stumbled straight into a fairy-tale. The village itself is also surrounded by rolling countryside. From old stone cottages to an ancient church, it’s a true slice of Welsh paradise.
Another huge feature is also the Bell Inn, which is a popular hotel and restaurant with some of the “best pub views in the UK” according to Time Out. For the latest restaurant reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here
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Skenfrith is a picture-perfect retreat in the Welsh countryside
Skenfrith offers some idyllic riverside walks and lush green landscapes
Even the drive towards the village feels like a breath of fresh air, going through gorgeous scenery
The setting itself couldn’t really get any more romantic. Even driving down the main road (B4521) to reach the village, it feels like the British countryside can’t get any better, with gentle hill slopes and various woodlands dotted about, passing fields of ship and stunning looking farmhouses.
Once you reach Skenfrith you will see beautiful cottages that will undoubtedly make you want to uproot and move to the sticks or fantasize about village life at some point during your visit. And if you are strolling around the tiny streets in summer you might even be treated to some of the magical-looking wildflowers which pop up in different corners.
While Skenfrith looks undeniably gorgeous in the warmer months, it’s also the perfect place to wrap up warm and enjoy the scenery from the comforts of village pub, the Bell Inn.
St Bridget’s Church -Credit:Jonathan Myers/WalesOnline
The Bell Inn has some stunning views of the surrounding area
The iconic Skenfrith Castle stands as a testament to its medieval past
The Monmouthshire pub has one of the best beer gardens in the UK, according to lifestyle magazine TimeOut and named the The Bell Inn as fifth on their list of the 12 best beer gardens, describing the “idyllic views over the valley.”
The Bell is nestled in the picturesque village of Skenfrith, and alongside the beautiful banks of the River Monnow, where a stunning bridge that definitely makes an Insta-worthy snap also sits.
From inside the pub, people can see some of the green rolling hills where sheep graze as well as deer occasionally in the late afternoon or early evening.
Or if you don’t fancy a pub visit, the impressive castle which you can find right in the centre of the village is a must visit, if you are heading to Skenfrith. Rich with history, it was substantially rebuilt between 1219 and 1223 but by 1538 was abandoned. Now, you can visit the castle which is protected by the National Trust to stroll around the area, soaking up the history, snapping a photo or stopping for a picnic.
Skenfrith offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life
Skenfrith sits in the middle of rolling hills and stunning greenery
Skenfrith offers a comforting sense of simplicity with it’s chilled and charming village life.
With free access, you can enjoy the site at any time in the year. But this village isn’t just about old times, as Dr Who fans who already know that Skenfrith might have heard it was used as the location for the fictional village of “Upper Leadworth” in the Doctor Who episode Amy’s Choice broadcast on May 22nd 2010, with various locations used dotted around the pretty village.
And just down the road from the historical castle is St Bridget’s Church, which was first mentioned in 1207 and then reconstructed and enlarged in the 14th century. It lies at the north end of the village of Skenfrith, and is an active parish church and a Grade I listed building.
Have you been to Skenfrith? Let us know what you thought of the area in the comments section below.