Nature
Through The Local Lens: Tom Radford
Post date:
1st June 2026
Through the Local Lens: with photographer Tom Radford. 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…
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…
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…
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.
Families | Groups | History
Raglan Castle
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…
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.
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.
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…
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…
History | Groups | Arts
Tintern Abbey
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.
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 | 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 | 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.
Dogs | Foodies | Groups
Silver Circle Distillery
Home to Wye Valley Gin and series of small batch limited edition seasonal spirits, Silver Circle… Home to Wye Valley Gin and series of small batch limited edition seasonal spirits, Silver Circle Distillery is a great place to spend an hour or two tasting unique spirits…
Adventure | Groups
Forest Adventure
Activities include Climbing, Canoeing, kayaking, Stand up Paddle Boarding, Raft Building, Team… Activities include Climbing, Canoeing, kayaking, Stand up Paddle Boarding, Raft Building, Team Building Caving. Archery, Fly Fishing, Bivouac Adventures and Camping. Whether…
Events awarded Monmouthshire
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Families | Groups | Arts | Nature
Summer Sculpture Exhibition 2026
Dates:
24th May 2026 - 13th Sept 2026
The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is now in its third year, showcasing over 54 artists and 146… The Summer Sculpture Exhibition is now in its third year, showcasing over 54 artists and 146 sculptures. Designed not as a showcase of sculpture, but as an experience,…
Families | Groups | History
Falconry at the Abbey
Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 11th 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.
Families | Arts
Creative Snacking: Drop-in Art Workshop
Dates:
13th Jun 2026 - 14th Jun 2026
People of all ages and abilities can get creative in this drop-in activity and make a work of art… People of all ages and abilities can get creative in this drop-in activity and make a work of art inspired by Chepstow Castle.
Dogs | Families | Foodies | Groups
Wye Valley Midsommar
Dates:
20th Jun 2026 - 20th Jun 2026
Midsommar returns to Silver Circle Distillery for an afternoon of midsummer ritual, folklore,… Midsommar returns to Silver Circle Distillery for an afternoon of midsummer ritual, folklore, aquavit and celebration in the Wye Valley.
Arts | History
The Pilgrimage
Event Dates:
27th Jun 2026 - 28th Jun 2026
Come and meet these fierce men-at-arms and their families in the warmth of…
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Families | Groups | History
Brother Thomas the Cellarer
Event Dates:
18th Jul 2026 - 30th Dec 2026
Step back in time with Brother Thomas and learn what life was like as a…
View Event
Arts
farOpen Annual Open Studios Event
Event Dates:
4th Jul 2027 - 12th Jul 2026
The farOpen Art Trail returns this July, offering a vibrant annual…
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