Courtyard Cottage is ideally located near the village of Govilon and the market town of Abergavenny. The Welsh border county of Monmouthshire has an abundance of historical monuments, charming local towns, variety of events plus an extensive choice of outdoor activities all on our doorstep.
Things to Do
If you enjoy the fresh air it doesn’t get any better than here in our beautiful part of Wales
Walking:
Bring your walking boots and take your pick from the mountains that surround Hopyard Farm – Sugar Loaf, the Blorenge, the Black Mountains and not forgetting the Brecon Beacons National Park.
From the farm you can also enjoy a leisurely stroll down across the field to the River Usk or up through the village of Govilon up on to the Monmouth-Brecon canal. In the nearby village of Crickhowell an annual walking festival takes place (about end of February) with walks suitable for everyone
Golf:
Enjoy a round on one of the 17 golf courses in Monmouthshire including the Celtic Manor Resort, host for the Ryder Cup 2010.
Horse Riding:
Saddle up and enjoy the thrill of riding across the mountains. Local stables welcome beginners and experienced riders.
Paragliding:
Fancy jumping of a mountain? Enjoy some air time paragliding or hang gliding off the Blorenge Mountain with 
Cycling:
Fantastic range of cycling in the area from extreme mountain biking at Cwmcarn and Afan Forest park to family rides on the converted railway track to Brynmwar. Cycles can be hired from Pedlaway at Hopyard Farm.
Organised Activities:
If you want to arrange an activity for your group during your stay then Michael Downey is the person to contact at www.lifechangingactivities.co.uk
Take the opportunity to canoe on the River Wye, go gorge walking or fish the local waters- which will you choose?
Places To Go
Courtyard Cottage is surrounded by a wealth of places to visit to entertain all ages.
Historical:
Visit one of the many border castles in the county from Raglan to Caephilly and Chepstow to the ruins of Grosmont, Skenfrith and Whitecastle
The World Heritage Site at Blaenavon - offers a fascinating insight to life during the Industrial Revolution – take a trip down Big Pit Mining Museum with a miner who worked there.
The amphitheatre, baths and museum at Caerleon give you a full Roman experience.
Free entry into St Fagan’s Museum of Welsh Life is a fantastic opportunity to take a trip back in time through actual homes and houses from around Wales.
Child Friendly:
Green Meadow Community Farm at Cwmbran offers all the farm animals, tractor rides, play area and café ideal for young children.
Down in Cardiff Bay is the wonderful Techniquest Science Discovery Centre which offers a popular interactive, handson experience for children over 5.
Goytre Wharf is an interesting 8 acre site on the Monmouthshire-Brecon Canal with canoes and day boats for hire . This can be reached from Hopyard by cycling (approx 1 hour) or walking.
For the train enthusiast try the Brecon Mountain Railway –all the fun of narrow gauge steam train.
Events in the Area
National Eisteddfod - 31st July to 7th August 2010 . On old steel site at Ebbw Vale.
Abergavenny Food Festival - 18th to19th September 2010
Brecon Jazz Festival – August 2010
Ryder Cup Wales – 28th September to 4th October 2010 hosted at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport.
Abergavenny Cycling Festival - 9th to 11th July 2010
Where to Eat
Winner of True Taste of Wales Award in 2008 showed Monmouthshire is now a real foodie destination. There is an abundance of places to eat out around the county with top notch chefs and plenty of local ingredients.
The Hardwick. Run by Stephen Terry and close to abergavenny
Llanwenarth Hotel. Across the River Usk from Hopyard Farm with lovely views from their restaurant.
The Bear Hotel. Well known hotel in centre of Crickhowell. Excellent bar meals
Take a look on the local tourist site for a list of the local eateries
Dining In
A wonderful luxury would be to order in from Sugar Loaf Catering. A family run company with Mark Coulton chef has 18 years experience. They provide quality meals made from local produce. Ready meals can be ordered in and delivered to Hopyard Farm for your arrival or during your stay.
For those who enjoy food shopping the local supermarkets Waitrose, Tesco and Iceland but don’t forget the excellent butchers, delicatessen and cake shops.