Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tristan Shipley
Post date:
1st September 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer and videographer Tristan Shipley. See why he 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
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…
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.
Accessible | Adventure | Families | Groups
Wye Valley Indoor Adventure Golf
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.
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 | 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!
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…
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…
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.
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.
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 | 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.
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 & Wye Valley.
Families | Nature | Groups | Relaxation
Ed and Liz Drewitt - naturalists and wildlife…
Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest… Ed and Liz Drewitt - husband and wife team offer guided wildlife-watching in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
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.
Prices from:
£110.00
Business Directory
Granton Coach House
4*super self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat in… 4*super self-catering accommodation for two people close to Ross on Wye and Symonds Yat in peaceful village setting. Many local walks here in the beautiful Wye Valley.Stay…
Relaxation
Stella & Rose's Books
25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for… 25,000+ out of print and rare books in stock. Open every day. Art to zoology, something for everyone.
Events awarded Monmouthshire
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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 | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Dates:
1st Aug 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Next Event Date:
17th Oct 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.
Groups | Nature | Relaxation
Sanctuary Sessions: Qi Gong & Breathwork
Dates:
13th Oct 2026 - 12th Jan 2027
Next Event Date:
10th Nov 2026
Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork Sanctuary Sessions at Wye Valley Sculpture Garden: Qi Gong & Breathwork
Foodies | Families | Groups
Monnow Bridge Market
Dates:
31st Oct 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
Monnow Bridge Food Market hosted by Monmouth Town Council in collaboration with Monmouthshire Food… Monnow Bridge Food Market hosted by Monmouth Town Council in collaboration with Monmouthshire Food Partnership
Families | Groups
Halloween Market
Event Dates:
31st Oct 2026 - 31st Oct 2026
A spooky (and not-so-spooky) market with Halloween inspired stalls and…
View Event
Groups
Coral Welsh Grand National 2026
Event Dates:
27th Dec 2026 - 27th Dec 2026
Get ready for the biggest day in Welsh racing as the legendary Coral Welsh…
View EventItineraries Awarded Monmouthshire
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.
Our latest Monmouthshire 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
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Visit Raglan Castle this summer for Welsh history, striking towers, countryside views, falconry days and living history events.
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