Historic Days Out in the Wye Valley | Tintern Abbey & Castles
Explore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
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.
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.
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.
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.
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…
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…
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…
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.
Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales. Monmouth Town Council is the voice of local government for Monmouth, Wales.
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.
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…
Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the… Step into a world of myth and mystery at the brand-new Indoor Adventure Golf. Inspired by the legends of King Arthur and Merlin’s magic -it’s a twelve-hole quest.
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 & Wye Valley.
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
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!
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern… When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside.… Explore Raglan Castle – a striking fortress rising above Monmouthshire's rolling countryside. Discover its history, impressive towers, and dramatic ruins, just a short trip…
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.
Prices from:
£360.00
Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife… Oakgrove Cottage self catering cottage for 2 in rural location. Ideal walking birdwatching wildlife cycling.
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Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
15th Aug 2026
Showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is designed as an… Showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is designed as an experience, offering space to slow down, reflect & engage.
Dates:
29th Jul 2026 - 26th Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
19th Aug 2026
Get crafty at Chepstow Castle during the summer holidays! Get crafty at Chepstow Castle during the summer holidays!
Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
19th Sept 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey. Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a monk in Tintern Abbey.
Dates:
8th Aug 2026 - 11th Oct 2026
Next Event Date:
10th Oct 2026
Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight. Come to Tintern Abbey to see majestic birds of prey in flight.
Event Dates:
16th Aug 2026 - 16th Aug 2026
A one day agricultural event with a packed schedule of music,…
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Event Dates:
18th Aug 2026 - 18th Aug 2026
Even in times of war, domestic life still has to go on.
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Event Dates:
22nd Aug 2026 - 23rd Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
22nd Aug 2026
1471, a company of Archers and their families rest at the Abbey in order…
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Event Dates:
25th Aug 2026 - 25th Aug 2026
Printer Francesca Kay demonstrates how to set type and print the…
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Event Dates:
29th Aug 2026 - 31st Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
29th Aug 2026
To celebrate the life of one of Tintern Abbey’s greatest patrons, we…
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Event Dates:
29th Aug 2026 - 29th Aug 2026
A wonderful evening of local food, drink & entertainment.
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Event Dates:
30th Aug 2026 - 31st Aug 2026
Next Event Date:
30th Aug 2026
Join us for a multi-historical period weekend of living history.
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Event Dates:
12th Sept 2026 - 12th Sept 2026
A one day agricultural show in the gorgeous town of Usk, featuring…
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Event Dates:
12th Sept 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
Next Event Date:
12th Sept 2026
Experience the sights and sounds of medieval life, as historical…
View EventWye Valley Butterfly Zoo Great British Summer Savings 2026 Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo Great British Summer Savings 2026
Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Adventure Golf, Miniature Golf and Butterfly Zoo. Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Adventure Golf, Miniature Golf and Butterfly Zoo.
Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Roman Miniature Golf, Indoor Adventure Golf and… Summer savings, entry prices reduced for the Roman Miniature Golf, Indoor Adventure Golf and Butterfly Zoo.
Explore three historic days out in the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire, including Tintern Abbey, Chepstow Castle and Raglan Castle, perfect for a summer break
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 moreVisit Raglan Castle this summer for Welsh history, striking towers, countryside views, falconry days and living history events.
Read morearOpen 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.
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