When we think about Christmas, we often think about Dickens and his descriptions of snowy Victorian streets, fireside games, and families enjoying their time together. His classic tale, A Christmas Carol, is one of the most-read books of all time, inspiring many TV and film adaptations. If you’re looking to sample a taste of that traditional Christmas, visit our home village of Gilwern this weekend.
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‍The annual Victorian Christmas Market is held every year on the first Saturday of December – this year, it’s December 2nd. We will be at the event on our stall selling decorations and gifts so please drop by and say hello! Stallholders dress in Victorian costumes and there will be entertainment throughout the afternoon.This year, the event will be staged at the village’s community centre and bowls club, just above Gilwern Primary School.Rare Seeds drama group will provide street entertainment, the bowls club will host a traditional Victorian tea room, a games emporium, and a licensed bar. There will be live music from choirs including Gilwern Primary School choir, Cân Aderyn choir, and the Tena Ladies. Local artist Jim Ramsey and Puppets Aloud will also be on the bill. You will also be able to learn how to make straw sculptures with Dave Packwood. There’s something for people of all ages to enjoy. Of course, no Christmas event would be complete without a visit from a very special guest: Father Christmas who is due to arrive at around 2pm. The event is free, and entertainment begins from noon. You can find out more information on Hope Church's Website

While you’re here…

Take a walk along the beautiful Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal which is home to our narrowboats. It’s lovely at any time of the year.A walk between Gilwern and Govilon will help you walk off those mince pies, and allow you to see the local wildlife such as ducks, herons, and kingfishers which live alongside our favourite waterway. Govilon Wharf is also home to several of the local narrowboats which spend all of their time on the canal. If you’re up for a longer walk, take the old tramway from Govilon to Llanfoist, then under the A465 Heads of the Valleys Road and into Abergavenny. Thinking about booking your narrowboat holiday in 2018? Check our prices and availability.