While Gloucestershire and its neighboring regions boast many excellent hotels, I stumbled upon a truly exceptional hidden gem that outshines them all. This small, family-run hotel offers an unparalleled experience, blending historic charm with genuine warmth. From its intimate, cozy rooms with charmingly uneven floors and door frames, to its snug bar serving local beers beneath a stone-vaulted ceiling, every detail adds to its unique character.
Set within the ruins of a 12th-century priory, the hotel is perfectly positioned on the border between Wales and England. The bedrooms look out onto breathtaking priory ruins, offering views you won’t find anywhere else in the country. Though the hotel and its cellar bar are not as old as the priory itself, they blend seamlessly into the historic atmosphere. A narrow, dimly lit stone staircase connects the rooms directly to the bar, evoking the feeling of a monk descending to enjoy a daily ale.
Located deep in the Black Mountains of Wales, at the foot of Rhiw Cwrw—meaning “beer track” due to its historical use by monks transporting beer casks—the priory and hotel sit on the eastern edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. Even in the 12th century, this remote spot was described as “truly suited to the monastic life… in a wilderness far removed from the bustle of mankind.” Nestled in the Vale of Ewyas between Abergavenny and Hay-on-Wye, the area is a peaceful escape filled with rolling hills and unspoiled natural beauty.
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The hotel is run by a local couple who recently took ownership, bringing a warm, hands-on approach that makes guests feel right at home. Annabel handles reservations and warmly welcomes visitors, while Jamie crafts and serves a memorable breakfast each morning.
Housed in a small, stone building built into the priory ruins, the hotel features a communal living area with flagstone floors, a grand stone fireplace, and stunning views of the ruins. The rooms are quaint, characterized by their low, tilting door frames and cozy atmosphere.
During my stay with three friends, we booked The West Range—a set of three rooms that share a bathroom for £320 per night. The hotel has four additional rooms available. A narrow stone staircase from our rooms led down directly to the intimate cellar bar. Stone vaulting, flagstone floors, and wooden furnishings make it a cozy spot to relax. The bar is open to non-guests as well, accessible from the priory grounds by descending stone steps.
The beer selection highlights local brews, with my favorite being the Blorenge Golden Ale (£5.30 a pint) from Tudor Brewery nearby. The food here is homemade and locally sourced, ideal after a long hike in the hills. The menu offers hearty dishes like very local lamb and homemade lasagne. Breakfast was equally impressive, with personalized orders taken the night before and freshly prepared in the morning.
The priory ruins themselves are the crowning glory, open daily to the public. Staying at the hotel or visiting the bar gives you the special privilege of enjoying the ruins at sunset with a drink in hand—a truly magical experience. The area also offers numerous walking opportunities, including a scenic 20-mile circular hike along the ridges above the priory, with panoramic views spanning Wales and England.
Founded by the Norman knight William de Lacy—who abandoned war to embrace religion—the priory grew into a monastery of Augustinian canons until its dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539.
Rooms range from £135 for single occupancy to £320 for the entire West Range of three rooms, an incredible value for a stay steeped in history and natural beauty.