Crickhowell

Welcome to Crickhowell, the little town with a big personality! 

Nestled in the stunning Usk Valley and cradled by the Brecon Beacons National Park, Crickhowell is the kind of place that makes you wonder if you’ve stumbled into a picturesque postcard or a quaint movie set. But don't be fooled by its charming, chocolate-box appearance – this town packs a punch of personality and wit that’s as sharp as its Georgian architecture is beautiful. 

Forget your big-city shopping malls and cookie-cutter high streets; Crickhowell’s award-winning High Street is the ultimate antidote to retail monotony. Here, you’ll find a delightful mishmash of independent shops that are as unique as the town itself. Imagine a department store that started as a paraffin delivery service in the 1930s and now sells everything from high-end furniture to chainsaws. Yes, we're talking about Webbs, the grande dame of Crickhowell’s shopping scene, where quality and personal service reign supreme. Feeling peckish? The Bear Hotel, with its cozy nooks and crannies, has been perfecting shabby chic since before it was cool. It’s been welcoming travelers for over 500 years, and its open log fire and snug sofas make it the ideal spot to refuel and soak up some history.

Crickhowell isn’t just a feast for the eyes and a haven for shoppers – it’s also a town that wears its accolades with a knowing grin. Named the ‘Best Place to Live’ in Wales by The Sunday Times in 2019 and dubbed ‘Knightsbridge on Usk’ by The Times for its ravishing prettiness, Crickhowell has earned its bragging rights. Yet, despite the fanfare, it remains refreshingly unpretentious. You see, Crickhowell’s charm lies in its organic evolution. It hasn’t reinvented itself overnight; instead, it’s grown gracefully, much like the greenery that surrounds it. This natural and measured rise to eminence makes every visit feel like a homecoming.

Crickhowell Day Itinerary

Morning

CRiC (Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre)

• Start your day here to get maps, guidebooks, and local tips from the helpful staff. Explore the art and craft gallery and enjoy a cup of coffee at the café.

Crickhowell Castle

• Walk to the ruins of Crickhowell Castle, a Norman stronghold from the 13th century. Explore the eastern tower and part of the gatehouse and enjoy the surrounding green space and playground.

St Edmund’s Church

• Head to St Edmund’s Church, known for its tall, needle-sharp spire and beautiful interior. Admire the period monuments and effigies of Lady Sybil Pauncefote and her husband, Sir Grimbald.

Late Morning

Shopping on the High Street

• Spend some time browsing Crickhowell’s award-winning High Street. Don’t miss:

  • Webbs of Crickhowell: A unique department store.

  • Nicholls: Known for its fashion and giftware.

  • Natural Weigh: Wales’s first zero-waste shop.

  • Other shops include CwCw lifestyle boutique, Book-ish, Grenfell & Sons grocery, and more.

Lunch

Lunch at The Bear Hotel

• Enjoy a hearty meal at The Bear Hotel, a historic coaching inn known for its cosy atmosphere, open log fire, and delicious food.

Riverside Walk

• After lunch, take a stroll along the footpath northwards from the Usk bridge. Enjoy the lush, green valley and mountain views. For a longer walk, do the 4.5-mile loop through the Glanusk Estate.

Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal

• Cross to the nearby village of Llangattock for a scenic walk along the towpath of the Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal.

Castle Park

• Head to Castle Park for a relaxing break. If it’s summer, you might catch a cricket match. Enjoy the park's peaceful ambiance and views of the Crickhowell Castle ruins.

Bullpit Meadow

• Stroll down Bridge Street, lined with charming 18th-century cottages, to Bullpit Meadow, another attractive green space by the River Usk.

Evening

Dinner and Relaxation

• End your day with dinner at one of Crickhowell’s charming pubs or restaurants. 

Festivals and Events

• The Green Man Festival

  • If visiting in summer, don’t miss the Green Man Festival held on the nearby Glanusk Estate.

• Walking, Literary, and Classical Music Festivals

  • Check the town’s event calendar for other festivals and events during your visit.

Curiosities and Surprises

• Crug Hywel: The flat-topped mountain that looms over Crickhowell.

• The Bear Hotel’s Historical Significance: The former role as a stagecoach halt and its historical timetable inside.

• Sir George Everest Connection: The Surveyor-General who lived in Gwernvale.

• Neolithic Chambered Tomb: Ancient stones at The Manor Hotel.

• Crickhowell Bridge: The optical illusion of its arches.

• Rain Shadow Area: Crickhowell’s unique climate advantage.