1 / 7

Castle Knights

Monmouthshire Np15 1 Sd, Monmouthshire, Wales
1 acre hosted by Tom H.
Ancient ivy-clad walls, weathered gargoyles, an imposing round tower – there's history at this medieval Monmouthshire glampsite

They say every Englishman's home is his castle. Well, what about the Welsh? We know of one Welshman for whom this old adage rings truer than most, for Tom Humphreys is the owner of Usk Castle in Monmouthshire. Built around 1120, this fantastically well-preserved Norman fortification overlooks the charming Mid-Wales market town, and beyond to the Black Mountains. It's a suitably atmospheric setting – the ancient ivy-clad walls, the weathered gargoyles, the imposing round tower – history hued into every stone.

But, far from the cold-hearted overlord presiding over his medieval serfdom, Squire Humphreys has graciously opened up the castle grounds for a handful of lucky campers.

Comprising four spacious, stripey pavilions (with additional space for around 10 or so tents), Castle Knights offers guests the chance to indulge their most feather-plumed medieval fantasies.

Campers have the run of the castle grounds and the ruins are free to explore. Unsurprisingly, kids will adore this place, with medieval fancy dress, archery, and bicycle jousting on offer. There's even a wooden watch tower for your knee-high noblemen to plot their next defence of the realm.

It's not all pitched battles and pillaging though. The setting is wonderfully peaceful. There's a magnificent woodcraft sculpture trail by local artist Adam Humphreys (Tom's son), and the views over undulating Monmouthshire hills are lovely. In short, the perfect setting for swaying lazily in the hammock.

Usk itself is steeped in history. One of the simple joys is strolling through this pretty market town – the Victorian clock tower in the floral Twyn Square, the cobbled pavements and 17th century houses of the parade, all presided over by the Norman castle, a pleasing anachronism. Tom is a mine of local history too and his encyclopedic knowledge of the castle and town's tempestuous past really brings this place to life.

Activities
Biking
Hiking
Natural features
Mountainous
Not currently accepting bookings on Hipcamp
More camping spots nearby
Location
Monmouthshire Np15 1 Sd, Monmouthshire, Wales, United KingdomTraditional, ancestral territory of various First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking
Hosted by Tom H.Joined in October 2015
From the host
Take a step back in time at Usk Castle Knights – a medieval style encampment of pavilions reminiscent of the Field of the Cloth of Gold. Five large and colourful jousting pavilions are sited only a stone's throw (or should we say Trebuchet's throw) from the picturesque ruins of the Usk Castle. The encampment is ideally located, it could be deep in the countryside but is really only a short walk from Usk town centre, which has great pub food, excellent shops for all essentials, a variety of food outlets, and a Farmers Market on 2 Saturdays each month. The area is renowned for its excellent restaurants. Usk is in real castle country with Skenfrith, Grosmont, White castle, Chepstow, Raglan and Abergavenny all in the vicinity. Children will love being Knights of the Round Table, playing in the castle, exploring the site of the battle of Pwll Melyn, with an exciting footpath through the surrounding 100 acres of woodland, and swimming in the river Usk with its Island playground just across the old railway bridge.
Nearby attractions

There's some spectacular walks in the area, not least in the stunning Black Mountains and Brecon Beacons National Park. The River Usk makes for good fishing with salmon, brown and sea trout all known to inhabit its waters. Summertime sees young and old partaking in a spot of wild swimming. Not had your fill of rivers? You could always slip over Offa's Dyke for a spot of peaceful canoeing in the Wye (01600 891100). Usk is also on the National Cycle Route 42 from Glasbury to Gloucester for those wishing to explore Mid-Wales on two wheels. For a spot of pampering, Cwrt Bleddyn Hotel & Spa (01633 450521) offers various beautifying treatments. The famous Abergavenny Food Festival (01873 851643) is a must for any foodies visiting at the tail end of September. Usk Rural Life Museum (01291 673777) is a charming educational insight into the town's history. Further afield, the Big Pit: National Coal Museum (029 2039 7951) brings Wales' coal mining heritage vividly to life with a 300ft descent into a genuine mine – and it's free. Not bad for a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Food and drink

The area is something of a gastro hot-spot. There's the Michelin-starred Walnut Tree (01873 852797), run by distinguished chef Shaun Hill. The excellent Crown at Whitebrook (01600 860254) offers a similarly sophisticated menu in gorgeous Wye Valley setting. The Hardwick (01873 854220) in Abergavenny is the favourite Welsh restaurant of a certain Michel Roux Jr. Nantyderry's The Foxhunter (01873 881101) is a former AA Welsh Restaurant of the Year, housed in an old stationmaster's house. For something a little less grand but no less lovely, The Greyhound Inn Llantrissant (01291 672505) serves up pub grub favourites and mixed grills at reasonable prices. The Raglan Arms (01291 690800) serves adventurous locally-sourced dishes impeccably presented. The Inn at Penallt (01600 772765) promises a warm welcome, fantastic food and spectacular valley views. Try a drop of the Butty Bach – Welsh for 'little mate'.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Cool Camping is now Hipcamp, your best resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover & reserve tent camping, caravan parks, cabins, treehouses, & glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.