Village 30 minutes away with 90 acre nature reserve and crumbling mansion

There are many villages near Bristol that are perfect for a family day out, especially when it comes to nature. Most places in nature are becoming more and more popular and sometimes it can be hard to find something new to enjoy.

Located just 30 minutes from Bristol in Wales, Magor has much more to offer than meets the eye. Magor may be best known for being the location of the M4 services at junction 23A, but beyond that it offers a unique day out.

The village, which is located east of Newport, is home to a 90-acre nature reserve. Magor Marsh, managed by the Gwent Wildlife Trust, has a rich variety of habitats and animals and is “the last relatively natural area of ​​woodland on the Gwent Levels”, according to Visit Monmouthshire.

READ MORE: Opening date confirmed for refurbished Bristol pub after £405,000 upgrade

READ MORE: Tesco store and petrol station in Bristol to close for months

Animals regularly graze on the land next to the trail that skirts the nature reserve, meaning you’re never too far from the next batch of wildlife. There is no entrance fee to enter the nature reserve, but due to the sensitive wildlife, dogs are not allowed.

The Magor Swamp is also home to prehistoric traces, as the area was a hunting ground for early humans. Roman remains have also been found at the site, including an almost intact Roman boat.

Many species live in the reserve, including kingfishers, water voles, colorful dragonflies and a huge selection of birds, making the site popular with bird watchers, especially in autumn and winter. Magor Marsh is also home to wetlands, hay meadows and a large pond containing wintering wildfowl.

Going back to Magor, it is also home to a number of historic buildings, each with its own story to tell. St. Mary’s Church, located in the heart of Magor, has been worshiped on the church site since the 7th century, and the oldest parts of the church date back to the 13th century.

Next to the church is the Prosecutor’s House, known as the Magor Mansion. It was built in the early 16th century, but is now a ruin.

Magor is home to a number of pubs, bakeries and shops located in a historic town square. Magor Square is home to a historic war memorial in the middle, while pubs, bakeries and shops surround it.

For something to eat, Magor has Angelo’s Fish Bar. The fish and chip shop on Newport Road also offers pizza and cakes, is highly rated with 4.3 stars out of five on Google after over 200 reviews, and customers love it.

One reviewer said: “I had the calzone pizza and it was absolutely delicious,” while another reviewer said: “The best fish and chips money can buy.”

Despite Magor being known more for highway services than a village, it’s definitely a hidden gem to visit whatever the weather.

Want the latest Bristol breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions and advertisements from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out anytime you want. If you are curious, you can read Privacy Notice.