Reputedly the oldest public house in Wales, the Skirrid’s history goes back to the Norman Conquest – its resident ghosts have even ‘appeared’ on TV’s Most Haunted. Halfway up the pub’s
winding staircase is a cell (now a store room) where prisoners spent their last night before being sentenced by ‘bloody’ Judge Jeffreys – the hangings actually took place at the inn, using a noose
hung from one of the joists, and the slab on which bodies were placed can still be seen at the bottom of the stairs. If all this makes The Skirrid sound a tad inhospitable, think again; fireplaces,
a pool table and friendly staff are among its many charms – not forgetting beers from Wychwood, Tetley and Ushers. The menu focuses on lasagne, steaks and other pub favourites. Abergavenny is just
five miles away.