Top 7 Castles around Monmouth

Monmouth is a charming historic market town that sits right on the confluence of Rivers Wye and Monnow. It's noted for its 13th-century gated bridge and being the birthplace of Henry V. The River Wye separates the town of Monmouth to the east from Wyesham to the west and provides a scenic wonderland for many river activities. I have finished many a DOE gold award canoe trip at this point.

Skenfrith Castle is a beautiful ruined castle owned and run by the National Trust in the quaint village of Skenfrith. It's a lovely valley setting next to the River Monnow, and right next door is the equally charming St Bridget's Church. The castle was originally established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066 to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place, and in response, King Stephen brought together Skenfrith Castle and its sister fortifications of Grosmont and White Castle to form a lordship known as the "Three Castles", which continued to play a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries. It is obviously a ruin now, but the walls are still substantial, and the fulcrum of the place is the imposing, commanding keep. This is a three-storey, 12-metre-high circular keep built around 1219–1244 by Hubert de Burgh. There is good parking there and plenty of green space for picnics and parking. There is also no charge for entry. A great place to visit, along with nearby Grosmont and White Castle.

This 13th century Norman Castle is set in a beautiful riverside location. It's managed by the National Trust and has free parking and free entry. It's also a good starting point for exploring the area.

A temple that was inspired by Britain’s naval supremacy at the height of the British Empire and built in 1800. This was inspired by Nelson's victory in the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Nelson came to see it in 1802 with Lady Hamilton and her husband Sir William. That must have been an interesting weekend!

Naval Temple

Interesting C13th castle. Beautiful setting by river. Well worth a visit. Free parking. I used it as a starting point.

Goodrich is a village in south Herefordshire, England close to Gloucestershire and the Forest of Dean, situated near the River Wye at grid reference SO574193. It is known for its Norman and mediaeval castle built with Old Red Sandstone. The village of Goodrich grew up next to Goodrich Castle, a 'Marcher Castle' dating to c. 1101 which stands on a high spur of land commanding a strategic position above Kerne Bridge, an ancient crossing point of the Wye. The population of the Civil Parish at the 2011 census was 550. Source: Wikipedia

The 300-year old Shire Hall, on Agincourt Square in the centre of Monmouth, has outside a large sculpture of King Henry V (also called Henry of Monmouth) and a statue of the aviation pioneer Charles Rolls who lived near Monmouth. Rolls also co-founded the Rolls-Royce car manufacturing firm.