"More History than you can shake a stick at!" Caldicot by M0B1US

Firstly I have to say Lonely Planet: "Shame on you!"

You see, they appear to have completely dropped the ball by totally omitting any reference to one of the best preserved Roman sites in the British Isles, One of the best Castle visits in Wales and the fascinating Dewstow Hidden Gardens and Grotttoes - all within a mile or so of each other!!!

D'OH!

But have no fear, for I your intrepid leader will now shed light on these not to be missed attractions...

Aren't I great? ;-)

The area around Caldicot is a beautiful area of rolling hills, farmland and woods - you would not think that this picture of tranquility was just a few miles from some of the most industrially scarred landscape in the British Isles!

Even today the monolithic Llanwern Steelworks is only a few minutes away down the M4 Motorway which itself cuts an ugly swathe through this picturesque country between Caldicot and Caerwent - though thankfully not seen or heard by either settlement.

So why not step into this magical world of the past literally on the doorstep of the modern day...

Caerwent Village Square

Check out the Roman city of Venta Silurum. It has numerous Roman excavations within its impressive walls that still encircle the modern day village of Caerwent.

The smallish castle at Caldicot has been quite well restored and has an interesting past. It has an excellent audio tour and is a venue for regular medieval banquets in its Great Hall.

The Dewstow Gardens are an impressive collection of underground gardens and grottoes - that I haven't yet visited... ;-)

Penhow castle is another restored gem on the road to Newport, it is a small restored fortified manor and private residence - again if you don't know EXACTLY where this is, you will miss it!

Take time to refuel mind and body with a pub lunch at the many great pubs that are to be found in this locale...

Caldicot Castle

Both Caldicot and Caerwent are linked by buses between Chepstow and Newport.

The transport links in this part of the world are excellent with the fast M4 and M48 piercing the Welsh countryside at a rapid rate from England across the Bristol Channel.

Again, if you have your own transport you will be able to see far more for your time and this hidden jewel of Gwent makes a fascinating interlude on any trip between Newport and Chepstow