This peaceful village, which abuts the northernmost edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park,  has a pedigree dating back to the Romans, who used it as a stopping-off point on their way west. The Normans built Clyro Castle - La Royl - as a companion to the main castle in nearby Hay-on-Wye to guard the passage of the River Wye.

The conservation area embraces Kilvert's old Victorian village and  a number of listed buildings.  Ashbrook House is a grade 2 listed Victorian villa, where Kilvert lodged for seven years and recorded the daily lives of his parishioners.  It is now an art gallery and museum to Kilvert and attracts pilgrims from all parts of the world. 

On the opposite side of the narrow street is a delightful pair of listed 17th century cottages.  The small green in front of them is the site of the village stocks and whipping post.

St. Michael's and All Angels Church, in the centre of the conservation area, dates from the 12th century, although only the tower survives.  It was rebuilt in 1853 and contains a memorial tablet to Kilvert.

On the edge of the village lies Clyro Court, a 19th century Jacobean-style house and part of the old Baskerville estate.  Conan Doyle stayed there and, it is said, based "The Hound of the Baskervilles" on the legend of Black Vaughan, a huge hound that haunted the surrounding Marcher lands.