Most places try to sell perfection. Picture-postcard streets. Immaculate roads. Filtered views that don’t quite match real life.
But here in Monmouthshire, perfection isn’t necessary. Because what people actually remember isn’t perfection, it’s how somewhere makes them feel. And in Monmouthshire, you feel everything.
You feel it in the views that stop you mid-sentence.
In the history layered into every town and village.
In the community that waves, chats, and somehow knows someone who knows your mum.
And, of course, you feel it in the roads.
Every twist, every turn, every unexpected dip keeps your coffee on its toes and your suspension gainfully employed. It’s not just a journey. It’s an experience. A full-body commitment. A story you’ll tell when you get home.
This year, Monmouthshire has earned the prestigious title of International County of Potholes 2026. The award recognises both the sheer number of potholes that pepper the county’s roads and the character that comes with them.
Evan Treadwell, Monmouthshire’s official pothole spokesperson, said:
"Most places hide their flaws, but here in Monmouthshire, we embrace them. Every pothole has a story, every bump is part of the journey, and the community makes it an experience worth having."
He adds, "Some might see it as a problem. I see it as character. We don’t just drive through Monmouthshire, we feel it, we live it, and somehow we always make it home in one piece. That’s what this award is really about."
Residents and visitors alike know the reality. Monmouthshire’s roads aren’t just routes from A to B. They’re part of the county’s personality, a reminder that life here is lived fully, not neatly packaged.
"When visitors leave, they don’t just remember the roads," Treadwell continues. "They remember the people, the stories, and the unexpected adventure in every corner. That’s Monmouthshire."
So, if you’re planning a visit, prepare yourself for a few bumps along the way. But know this: those bumps are part of the charm. Monmouthshire doesn’t need perfection. It gives you something better. An experience. A story. And a county that leaves an impression long after you’ve gone.
Visit Monmouthshire - there’s a surprise around every corner.