I like the
sound of that
Sound is often the key that unlocks memories and evokes special locations. A melody on the radio. A rarely heard accent. In an instant you’re in another world. So listen carefully to these great-sounding ideas for weekends away.
an enthusiastic crowd
What? Optimistic racegoers crescendo as the runners reach the finishing straight in front of the grandstand.
Where? Chepstow Racecourse
chepstow-racecourse.co.uk
When? All year; there are 28 National Hunt and Flat race meetings planned for this year, including weekday, weekend and evening fixtures.
Alternatives A free live gig in the buzzing Agincourt Square, Monmouth during Monmouth Festival.
monmouthfestival.co.uk A full-blooded rugby match at Rodney Parade, home of Newport Gwent Dragons, one of the four professional rugby teams in Wales.
newportgwentdragons.com
golden silence
What? Unadulterated peace and quiet, interrupted by only the sounds of nature – wind in the trees, water on rocks, lambs bleating, birdsong. Refreshment virtually guaranteed.
Where? Secluded Llanthony valley, reached by a narrow, winding road. From Offa’s Dyke Path high up on the eastern ridge the 12th century Cistercian Priory on the valley floor is but a dot.
breconbeacons.org
When? All year. OK, so there’ll be others with the same idea on bank holidays but even then you’ll find plenty of space to yourself just a few minutes’ walk from the Priory car park.
Alternatives Wander through the Victorian Belle Vue Park and take a seat in St. Woolos Cathedral in Newport city centre. One of the former bishops of this diocese is Dr. Rowan Williams, now Archbishop of Canterbury.
churchinwales.org.uk Or fill your senses at New Grove Meadows Reserve, near Monmouth, some of the very best wildflower meadows in Britain. Bursting with colour (and natural sounds) from April to July.
gwentwildlife.org
28 a distant whistle
What? Take a trip back in time on restored steam and diesel locomotives at Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, which recently opened a branch line to Big Pit National Coal Museum. Adults can even take the controls of a locomotive on a Steam Driver Experience Day.
pontypool-and-blaenavon.co.uk
Where? Blaenavon World Heritage Site
world-heritage-blaenavon.org.uk
When? Easter to October half-term, plus Christmas specials in December.
Alternatives Re-enactments and theatre productions at Caldicot castle, Chepstow castle & Raglan castle.
caldicotcastle.co.uk cadw.gov.uk
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