The Olway Inn
Chepstow Rd, Usk NP15 1EN
The Olway Inn is a charming 17th-century country pub, restaurant, and B&B situated on Chepstow Road just outside the historic town of Usk, Monmouthshire. Nestled in the scenic Welsh countryside alongside the gentle trout waters of the Olway Brook, it is highly regarded for its traditional character, exceptionally generous home-cooked meals, and its outstanding hospitality toward campervans and motorhomes.
Motorhome & Campervan Stopovers
The Olway Inn has earned a stellar reputation within the camper community as an incredibly accommodating "pub stopover".
The Cost: Overnight stays are entirely free of charge if you purchase a meal or drinks inside the pub. For those who prefer not to dine, a small £10 fee applies.
Parking: The inn features a large, flat, concrete, and hardstanding car park located safely at the rear of the property.
24/7 Facilities: Van lifers have continuous 24-hour access to dedicated toilets and a hot shower room located on-site. Freshwater is also available.
Pet Friendly: Dogs are fully permitted both in the car park and inside the pub building itself. [1, 2]
Booking: Because of its massive popularity on regional van-life apps, it is highly recommended to phone ahead (+44 1291 671142) to secure your slot.
Pub Atmosphere
Stepping inside the Olway Inn reveals an authentic, old-world Welsh tavern layout. The main bar area is cozy and old-fashioned, adorned with historic exposed brickwork and heavy timber beams. Guests can relax next to a roaring open log fire during colder months.
The atmosphere is famously social and inclusive. Reviewers frequently note that the operators (Matthew and Nicola) and the local regulars actively welcome travellers, making visitors feel like part of the village community. For warmer weather, the pub features a beautiful, leafy front garden patio alongside the brook.
Dining & Food
The kitchen specializes in "honest, Welsh pub grub" where everything is made fresh to order from local ingredients. The portions are notoriously massive, meaning you should definitely bring an appetite.
The Specialties: The pub is renowned for its freshly baked steak pies with rich gravy, crispy homemade chips, locally sourced steaks, mild chicken curries, and an excellent selection of fish dishes.
Sunday Roast: Their traditional Sunday lunch is a massive regional draw. It features slow-cooked meats, giant crispy Yorkshire puddings, perfect pork crackling, and unsparing amounts of gravy.
Drinks: The bar serves a well-kept rotation of real ales from local Welsh brewers, fine wines, and crisp ciders.
Local Information & Things to Do
The inn serves as a fantastic base camp for exploring Monmouthshire:
Usk Town Centre: A flat, scenic 10-to-11-minute walk brings you right into the heart of historic Usk. The town is celebrated for its independent boutique shops, historic stone structures, and regular floral displays.
Usk Castle: Perched on a hill overlooking the town just under a mile away, the romantic ruins of this Norman fortress offer lovely paths and commanding valley views.
Riverside & Stream Walks: Beautiful walking trails run directly along the River Usk and the adjacent banks.
Lines Brew Co: If you love craft beer, this independent microbrewery situated on the Usk high street is highly recommended by stopping travellers.
Raglan Castle: Located just 7 miles up the road, these striking late-medieval castle ruins make an easy afternoon detour before or after your stopover.
