HOTEL of the week
GLENYRAFON HOUSE HOTEL, MONMOUTHSHIRE
WHERE AND WHY Deep in the peaceful Monmouthshire countryside overlooking the River Usk, this privately owned hotel is set in three acres of picturesque grounds which have won it many awards. Built in 1868 as an elegant country house for a draper and his family, the four-star hotel is traditional in design with wood panelling, antique furnishings, and stained glass windows. Each of its 27 rooms is individually styled.
ON THE MENU Clarke’s Restaurant has been garnering great praise since it opened in 2007 thanks to head chef Julie Carey, who takes advantage of the county’s many fine local suppliers to create a menu using Welsh beef, lamb, seafood, cheese and wines. My starter of smoked trout and crab risotto with rarebit sauce (£8.95) tickled the tastebuds. My mains of baked halibut, with samphire and clams in a white wine cream (£23.95) was fantastic. Somehow I managed to find room for an Eton mess with lashings of cream (£5.75). After that feast we sank into the leather armchairs in the cosy bar for coffee and a postprandial drink. The hearty full Welsh the following morning included maple-cured bacon, sausage, fried bread, hash browns and mushrooms.
WHILE YOU’RE THERE Take a stroll over the stone bridge to the charming little town of Usk where many of its historic buildings proudly display a blue plaque. Then head to the International Centre for Birds of Prey, a 40-minute drive away in Newent and catch a mesmerising flying demonstration (icbp.org, from £11.25 adults, £6.30 children). You’re right in the heart of castle country – Monmouth, Chepstow and medieval Raglan Castle are all a short drive away.
WAKE-UP CALL There’s 10 per cent off for Sunday Mirror readers booking the one-night luxury break – down to €195 for a double. Includes Prosecco afternoon tea, four-course dinner and breakfast. Call 0044 1291 672302 and quote code SUNDAYMIRROR19.
Like all the best ideas, adventure travel company Exodus was formed over a beer in a pub – and 1974 saw the launch of it first trip by overland truck to the Minaret of Jam in the heart of the Hindu Kush.
Today Exodus takes travellers to over 100 destinations worldwide and to celebrate its 45th birthday it is offering a 10% discount on 45 of its classic adventures. Top trips include the eight-day Walking the Amalfi Coast starting at €999pp and the 16-day Discover Costa Rica, from €2,983pp. Book by tomorrow at exodus.co.uk or call 0044 20 8712 3486 quoting HDB10%.