Nature
Through The Local Lens: Harriet Radford
Post date:
2nd May 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Harriet Radford. See why she loves the Forest of Dean, top tips and must visit places.
- Locations
- Monmouthshire
Visit Monmouthshire
Monmouthshire is where the outdoors meets something a little more refined.
This is a place where you can start the day with a riverside walk, stop for lunch at a market town pub, and finish with a wander around an independent gallery or one of Britain's most iconic abbey ruins. It doesn't ask you to choose between fresh air and good food, between countryside and culture. You get both.
Market Towns with Character
The towns here have something about them. Abergavenny has earned its reputation as one of Wales's top food destinations, with producers, delis and restaurants that take local seriously. Monmouth sits where the River Wye and River Monnow meet, full of independent shops, a medieval bridge you won't see anywhere else, and centuries of history layered into every street. Chepstow, with its castle perched above the river, feels like the gateway to something bigger. And Usk, quieter and often overlooked, rewards those who slow down long enough to notice it.
Big landscapes within easy reach
Between the towns, you'll find the Usk Valley, the Wye Valley, quiet lanes that cyclists love, and hills that reward those who climb them. Tintern Abbey stands in the wooded valley below, as impressive now as it was to the Romantic poets who made it famous. The Sugar Loaf and Skirrid mountains offer proper walks with views across to the Brecon Beacons.
It's varied, unspoilt, and close enough to feel like a proper escape without the long drive. Whether you're after a weekend of walking and eating well, a cultural day out, or simply somewhere beautiful to slow down, Monmouthshire delivers.
Businesses related to Monmouthshire
Nature | Arts | History
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.
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
Families
Tintern Abbey Cottage
Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming… Unparalleled views of dreaming Tintern Abbey, multi prize winning 18C stylish and warmly welcoming luxury character cottage with every convenience from superfast WiFi to an…
Families | Groups
Hidden Gems
Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect… Stay at Ardens Farm or Holly Barn – two unique countryside escapes in the Forest of Dean, perfect for group getaways and outdoor adventures.
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…
Groups | Relaxation
Hill Farm, Tintern
Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to… Enjoy spectacular views over the Wye Valley, ideal for guests who want to take time out to reconnect with nature and enjoy the peace and serenity of this fabulous location –…
Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Roman Miniature Golf
Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball! Challenging Miniature Golf Course. Fun and games for all, all you have to do is hit the ball!
Families | Groups | Nature
Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo
Indoor butterfly zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up… Indoor butterfly zoo at Symonds Yat with tropical species, life-cycle displays and close-up encounters. Open year-round in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
Prices from:
£340.00
Dogs | Families | Groups
Seven Hills Hideaway Luxury Glamping
Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples… Our unique, dog-friendly safari lodges are the perfect spot for families, friends and couples looking for adventure a little closer to nature. Take in the Brecon Beacon views…
Adventure | Families | Groups
River Wye Canoe Hire
Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's… Ross on Wye Canoe Hire, based in Symonds Yat West in the heart of the Wye valley is one of the UK's leading Canoe Hire specialists with over thirty years of experience in the…
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…
Relaxation | Nature | Groups
Forest Retreats
Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye… Experience one of our Guardian-recommended eco-retreats at our beautiful site overlooking the Wye Valley. Unwind with yoga, forest bathing, eco spa and holistic therapies.…
Groups | Families
Big House Holiday Lets
Our 10 beautiful our self-catering, large holiday homes nestle in the heart of the Wye Valley and… Our 10 beautiful our self-catering, large holiday homes nestle in the heart of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean and each can easily accommodate large groups of up to 26…
Families | Foodies
Brockweir Village Shop and Café
The shop stocks a wide variety of both essential and speciality, fresh and frozen foods and… The shop stocks a wide variety of both essential and speciality, fresh and frozen foods and household goods focused on prioritising and promoting local suppliers. There is…
Families
Wyelets
A beautiful perfectly formed cottages designed so you can unwind and take life at a slower pace. A beautiful perfectly formed cottages designed so you can unwind and take life at a slower pace.
Arts | Nature | Relaxation
Wye Valley Sculpture Garden
The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and… The Wye Valley Sculpture Garden hosts one of Wales largest outdoor Summer Sculpture Exhibitions and is one of the top things to see when visiting Tintern and the Wye Valley. .
Our latest Monmouthshire blogs
Stay up to date
Be the first to hear about our exciting events, offers, inspiration and competitions by signing up.
