Nature
Through The Local Lens: Richard Giles
Post date:
2nd October 2026
Discover the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with photographer Richard Giles. From his favourite places to top photography tips.
- Locations
- Monmouth
Monmouth - Trefynwy
Discover Monmouth (Trefynwy)
Where history, culture and riverside charm meet
Set at the confluence of the Rivers Wye, Monnow and Trothy, Monmouth is a town with a rich history and a lively atmosphere, it's a perfect base for exploring the Wye Valley and beyond.
A Town Steeped in History
Monmouth’s story stretches back centuries. The impressive 13th-century Monnow Bridge is the only surviving gated bridge of its kind in Britain, and it still guards the entrance to the town today. Nearby, you’ll find Monmouth Castle, now home to a regimental museum and famously the birthplace of King Henry V.
While its medieval roots run deep, today’s Monmouth is largely a Georgian town. Elegant architecture lines the streets, with the Shire Hall at its heart - an iconic building from 1724 that witnessed the historic Chartist Trials of 1840.
Monmouth’s Famous Connections
- Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson: Monmouth’s museum celebrates the life of Britain’s naval hero, showcasing personal items and memorabilia that tell the story of his remarkable career and his deep ties to the town.
- Charles Rolls: Aviation pioneer and motoring legend Charles Rolls, co-founder of Rolls-Royce, has strong links to Monmouth. His record-breaking longest single flight in a hot-air balloon and the world's first non-stop double Channel crossing in an aeroplane helped shape the future of travel and transport.
Explore More Around Monmouth
- The Kymin: Just outside the town, The Kymin offers one of the best panoramic views in Wales. Built in 1794, the Round House once hosted banquets for Monmouth’s gentlemen - today it’s the perfect spot for a picnic with a view.
- Riverside Walks: Monmouth’s riverside setting makes it a wonderful place for gentle strolls, with scenic routes along the Wye and into the beautiful surrounding countryside.
- Festivals and Events: The town comes alive with events all year round. Highlights include the Monmouth Festival, one of Europe’s largest free music festivals, and the Monmouthshire Show, Wales’ biggest one-day agricultural event.
- Many watersports activities can be enjoyed in Monmouth, with easy access to the River Wye.
Plan Your Visit to Monmouth
Whether you’re exploring centuries of history, walking the riverside trails, or enjoying local food and drink, Monmouth offers something for everyone.
For more information, please visit Monmouth's Tourist Information Centre here.
Businesses related to Monmouth - Trefynwy
Groups | Families
Big House Holiday Lets
Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily… Beautiful self-catering, large holiday homes in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. All easily accommodate large groups of up to 26 people.
Groups | Families
Forest Hills Golf Club
Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful… Forest Hills Golf Club warmly welcomes you to experience a challenging course set in the beautiful Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. Our six-En Suite bedrooms offer stylish,…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Borderlands Outdoor
Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving,… Outdoor Training and Adventure in the Wye Valley & South Wales Borderlands. Climbing, Caving, Archery, Bushcraft, Navigation Training and more
Adventure | Groups | Dogs | Families
Way2Go Adventures Ltd
Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing,… Way2Go Adventures is a family-run business offering exciting outdoor activities such as Canoeing, Kayaking, Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP) and Gorge Walking in the Wye Valley…
Adventure | Families | Nature | Arts | History | Accessible
Monmouth Town Council
Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales. Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales.
Adventure | Families | Groups
Inspire2Adventure
Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and… Stand-up paddleboarding, gorge scrambling, guided kayaking and rock climbing in the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean. Join us for an introduction, a half-day or full day of…
Adventure
Newnham Private Hire
Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Bespoke chauffeur driven private tours of the beautiful Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
4-12 July 2026 are the farOpen art trail dates for your diary. Visit artists in their workshops and… 4-12 July 2026 are the farOpen art trail dates for your diary. Visit artists in their workshops and galleries during this annual event in the Forest of Dean, Wye Valley,…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Monmouth Canoe & Activity Centre
Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog.… Canoe and kayak hire on the River Wye. Families and large groups welcomed including the dog. Qualified instruction available.
The nation's favourite river, flowing through some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in… The nation's favourite river, flowing through some of the most beautiful lowland scenery in Britain. Find out about the Wye Valley National Landscape AONB.
Adventure | Groups
Wye MTB
WYE MTB — Mountain Biking & Off-Road Cycling in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley WYE MTB — Mountain Biking & Off-Road Cycling in the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley
Prices from:
£3,250.00
Groups | Families
The Manor on the Monnow
Manor House sleeping 26 in 11 bedrooms, private grounds, riverbank, short walk from the town with… Manor House sleeping 26 in 11 bedrooms, private grounds, riverbank, short walk from the town with Hot Tub, Games Room, pet friendly, fishing, swimming
Families | Groups
Pencraig Court
Come and holiday like a Lord at Pencraig Court, a classic, 18th century, country house. Its… Come and holiday like a Lord at Pencraig Court, a classic, 18th century, country house. Its elevated aspect provides it with outstanding panoramic views across the River Wye…
Foodies | Groups
Infamous Catering
We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private… We are a boutique catering company based in the beautiful Forest of Dean, specialising in private events for 20 to around 200 people.
Families | Groups
The Savoy Theatre
Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events Historic theatre offering live performances, film screenings, and community events
History | Nature
The Kymin
When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful… When Admiral Lord Nelson visited the site in 1802 he described it as one of the most beautiful places he had ever seen.
Events awarded Monmouth - Trefynwy
Select a Timeframe:
Date From:
Date To:
Families | Foodies | Groups | Accessible
Christmas at Silver Circle Distillery
Dates:
4th Dec 2026 - 19th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
4th Dec 2026
Festive nights in our winter Chalet Festive nights in our winter Chalet
Families | Groups | Arts | History
Festival of Stories
Dates:
2nd Oct 2026 - 4th Oct 2026
Explore Monmouth through a number of events including storytelling, crafts and performances. Gather… Explore Monmouth through a number of events including storytelling, crafts and performances. Gather Round. Come for the stories. Discover Monmouth.
Arts | Relaxation
Book talk - The Dying Light by Ann Cleeves
Dates:
7th Oct 2026 - 7th Oct 2026
Celebrating 40 years of being published with her 40th novel, CWA Diamond Dagger winner Ann Cleeves… Celebrating 40 years of being published with her 40th novel, CWA Diamond Dagger winner Ann Cleeves will talk about her new novel, The Dying Light.
Dates:
8th Oct 2026 - 8th Oct 2026
Join bestselling author and Rossiter Books favourite Amy Jeffs for an evening about her new book,… Join bestselling author and Rossiter Books favourite Amy Jeffs for an evening about her new book, Arthur: A New Life.
Experiences Awarded Monmouth - Trefynwy
Prices from:
£55.00
Adventure | Dogs | Families | Groups
Canoeing on the River Wye
Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife. Way2Go… Canoeing is a brilliant way to see the Wye Valley’s stunning scenery and wildlife. Way2Go Adventures offer a range of guided trips for any age or ability.
Prices from:
£110.00
Groups | Foodies
Make Your Own Gin
Create your own gin at a working distillery in the Wye Valley. Explore botanicals, distill your… Create your own gin at a working distillery in the Wye Valley. Explore botanicals, distill your recipe in a mini copper still, sample craft gins, and take home a full-size…
Prices from:
£20.00
Foodies | Groups
Distillery Tour and Tasting
Join a friendly Welsh distillery tour where tasting is part of the adventure. Learn how local… Join a friendly Welsh distillery tour where tasting is part of the adventure. Learn how local flavours come to life in the countryside and soak up the laid-back vibes of…
Prices from:
£41.00
Adventure | Families | Groups
Stand-Up Paddleboarding Experience with…
Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers a Stand-up Paddleboard Experience! Suitable for… Easy to learn, fun to do, Inspire2Adventure offers a Stand-up Paddleboard Experience! Suitable for families, groups, and individuals where you can explore the River Wye on a…
Itineraries Awarded Monmouth - Trefynwy
A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations,… A one-day Sex Education road trip through the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Six filming locations, from Otis's house to Wintour's Leap and a river cruise.
Trails In Monmouth - Trefynwy
History
The Agincourt Trail
The Battle of Agincourt, on 25 October 1415, is one of the best-known events in British history.… The Battle of Agincourt, on 25 October 1415, is one of the best-known events in British history. Follow the Agincourt Trail to discover the important historic landmarks of…
Dogs | Families | History | Accessible
Market Towns Trail
Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market… Explore the character, charm and community spirit of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s market towns with our self-guided Market Towns Trail. Each town on the trail offers…
The Wysis Way starts at Monmouth, where Offa's Dyke crosses the River Wye and heads east across a… The Wysis Way starts at Monmouth, where Offa's Dyke crosses the River Wye and heads east across a tract of the Forest of Dean and the Leadon Vale to Gloucester, which fully…
The Monmouthshire Way is a 116 mile circular walk that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire… The Monmouthshire Way is a 116 mile circular walk that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire in South East Wales. It has been designed by South Wales Long Distance…
Our latest Monmouth - Trefynwy blogs
Explore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
Read more
Find swimming pools, hot tub breaks & outdoor baths in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from Bathurst Pool to natural swimming & group stays with pools.
Read more
arOpen open studios trail returns 4-12 July 2026. 127 artists, 55 venues, free entry across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Plan your route.
Read moreStay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
