Torfaen, South Wales

Conveniently positioned in South Wales for easy and convenient access to many important centres, The Commodore Hotel is 3 miles from M4 junction 26, 12 miles from Cardiff’s city centre and 20 miles from Bristol.

Cwmbran is a new town established in 1949 to provide new employment opportunities in the south eastern portion of the South Wales Coalfield; though there is evidence that Neolithic and Bronze Age people used the area, with the Iron Age Silures tribe also occupying the region before being subdued by the Roman legions based at nearby Usk and Caerleon.

The Commodore Hotel itself is built upon one of Cwmbran's most historic sites. At one stage the grounds incorporated the 17th Century Llanyrafon Mill. The Commodore Hotel was built onto to the late 19th Century Llanyrafon House, which still stands today, when ownership passed from the Pilliner family to the Williams family; whose decendants still own and run the hotel today.

Our peaceful setting within wooded grounds ensures your guests a tranquil and relaxing stay. Also, within walking distance are river walks along the Afôn Llwyd River and the nearby boating lake.

Nearby, Newport is a vibrant city which is undergoing massive regeneration, but which has also retained it's historic buildings and character. It is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Forest of Dean, the Wye Valley (which is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) and the undulating Vale of Usk, famous for its salmon fishing.

South Wales has much more to offer for those wishing to extend their stay. More information can be found at Visit Wales.

SHOPPING

Cwmbrân Shopping offers a myriad of retail outlets and hosts many seasonal markets. We have plenty of nearby beauty salons giving you the perfect opportunity to spoil yourselves while enjoying the Welsh countryside.

A little further afield you have the choice of St Davids 2 and Cabot Circus- two of the country's newest and premier shopping emporiums.

LEISURE

Cwmbrân is host to a well equipped Sports Stadium and Llanyrafon Golf Course is within 5 minutes walking distance from the hotel.

Just 4 miles away at The Celtic Manor Resort, The Twenty Ten Course has already won a reputation as one of the world's must-play layouts. The course staged its first Celtic Manor Wales Open within a year of opening in 2008 when competitors like Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke recognised its potential to provide an exciting Ryder Cup venue in 2010.

For breathtaking walks, or a leisurely drive, the Brecon Beacons National Park, including Pen-y-Fan, which is the highest peak in Southern Britain, is less than an hour's drive away. Cyclists are also well catered for, with cycleways linking the city and rural areas, both locally and further afield.

CULTURE

The Borough of Torfaen, South Wales, holds a wealth of history from all ages. Nearby Caerleon was home to an important Roman fortress for 200 years until around 300AD. Blaenavon, recently designated a World Heritage Site, was where the industrial revolution started. 

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway is located high on mountain moorland in the county of Torfaen, and is well worth a visit not only for its setting, but for the wide variety of stock located there.

A boat trip on the nearby Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal is an experience in relaxation. Boats of various sizes can be hired for anywhere between an hour and a day.

A visit to Blaenavon's Big Pit Musem is an unforgettable experience. Over the last ten years, over a million peple have visited this interesting attraction to learn about our industrial heritage and to experience the exciting underground tours.

TRUE TASTE OF WALES

PENDERYN DISTILLERY opened its doors to visitors in June 2008 with the launch of its new purpose designed and built Visitor Centre. The distillery is the only one in Wales and the first to legally distill a whisky spirit in the country for more than 100 years. At last, members of the public can visit the distillery, take a journey through the history of whisky making in Wales, and understand the distilling and bottling process at first hand. 

LLANERCH VINEYARD is the largest and oldest premier vineyard in Wales. Standing in more than 20 acres of beautiful Glamorgan countryside yet only 15 minutes from Cardiff, the vibrant capital of Wales, it offers a range of superb accommodation and an opportunity to participate in gourmet activities by learning about and sampling great wine and food.

FAMILY ACTIVITES

Greenmeadow Community Farm is a 150 acre haven with a 17th Century farmstead. Children enjoy getting to know the animals - and even feeding them. An enjoyable and educational day out for all the family.

Tredegar House, set in 90 acres of gardens and parkland, is one of the architectural wonders of Wales. The ancestral home of the Morgans for over 500 years, visitors can discover what life was like for those who lived 'above' and 'below' stairs.