Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Wye river flows through the protected landscape of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border of Wales and England, with the serene Tintern Abbey at its centre. Birthplace of British tourism in the 18th century, even Wordsworth waxed lyrical about it. This border has shaped the land - with castles, towers, abbeys, market towns and industrial heritage dotting the landscape - and the way people experience it, with its unique blend of Welsh and English cultures. Although the stunning landscape of the lower Wye Valley may feel a million miles away, it's only twenty minutes from nearby towns in Monmouth and Chepstow and offers a wide range of activities, including sightseeing, canoeing, wild swimming and walking.
Monmouthshire towns of the Wye Valley
Chepstow
Tintern
Monmouth
Wye Valley Attractions
Humble by Nature
Humble by Nature is a rural skills centre and working farm owned by broadcaster Kate Humble, in Monmouthshire.
Chepstow Racecourse
Each year Chepstow Racecourse will hold around 32 National Hunt and Flat race meetings. With a variety of weekday, weekend and evening fixtures throughout the year, there is something for everyone.
Chepstow Museum
Chepstow Museum reveals the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre.
Veddw House Garden
Located deep in the heart of Monmouthshire, Veddw House Garden has been created through more than 20 years of patient work by Anne Wareham and Charles Hawes.
Tintern Abbey (Cadw)
Tintern Abbey is a national icon – still standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.
Monnow Gate and Bridge
Monnow Bridge in Monmouth, Wales, is the only remaining mediaeval fortified river bridge in Great Britain with its gate tower still standing in place.
Chepstow Bridge - Old Wye Bridge
Chepstow Bridge is the World's largest iron arch road bridge from the first 50 years (1780-1830) of iron and steel construction.
The Blake Theatre
We are a theatre that is at both the heart of the town and community of Monmouth. We play host to live drama, music, dance as well as renowned speakers.
Wyndcliffe Court House
Anthony and Sarah Clay are thrilled to welcome garden visitors. Wyndcliffe Court House and Garden School is held in the Edwardian Motor House recently converted into a lecture hall for informative talks and demonstrations.
Picturesque Wye Tour
The beauties of the Wye Valley were discovered for the first time at the close of the eighteenth century when it became fashionable to take a boat tour down the Wye Valley, to view its romantic sites and picturesque landscape.
Kingstone Brewery
At Kingstone Brewery, our passion is real beer. Uncompromised by the inflexibility of modern manufacture, we choose to champion a hand brewed and bottled beer using only mineral water and the finest ingredients.
Cornwall House
Town house, dating back to at least the 17th century. Red brick garden facade in Queen Anne style, dating from 1752. Street facade remodelled in Georgian style (date unknown). Many original features, including fine staircase.
Silver Circle Distillery
A brand new microdistillery in the Wye Valley Silver Circle Distillery is a brand new craft spirits producer based in the beautiful village of Catbrook, deep in the Wye Valley Area Of Natural Beauty.
Nelson Garden
Visit this hidden Georgian garden, a favourite of Admiral Nelson's, between 12 & 3pm every Friday during the Summer.
Mari Lwyd Artwork Exhibition
This exhibition brings together artwork from artists throughout the UK and beyond whose work features the Mari Lwyd in some way or the mythic world from which she has emerged.
The Wye Valley Arts Centre
The Wye Valley Arts Centre in the heart of the picturesque village of Llandogo is an inspiring environment with excellent studio facilities and an ideal place for students to enjoy a wide range of courses.
Old Station Tintern
Built as a Victorian country railway station, the Old Station, Tintern is a charming site to visit for a quiet relaxing day out or to start your walk in the beautiful Wye Valley.
The Kymin
A charming 18th-century Round House and Naval Temple standing proudly atop a prominent hill, the Kymin and its nine acres of pleasure grounds overlooks Monmouth and the beautiful Wye Valley.
Clearwell Caves - Ancient Iron Mines
An atmospheric and mysterious natural cave that has been mined for iron ore and ochre pigments for over 4,500 years. Nine impressive caverns for visitors to explore, descending 100ft underground.
Chepstow Castle (Cadw)
Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone.
Events in and around the Lower Wye Valley
Places to Stay in and around the Lower Wye Valley
Chepstow
Tintern
Monmouth
Places to eat and drink in the Wye Valley
The Filling Station Cafe
The Filling Station Café is owned and run by Vin and Lou Kennedy. We were very pleased to have been award a 5 star for food hygiene. Everyone is welcome including cyclists, walkers, tourists, families and residents.
Abbey Mill Coffee House & Restaurant
Built on recommendation our licensed Coffee House and Restaurant hosts a delight of home cooked cakes and Welsh specialities including Abbey Mill's famous 'Mill Wheel' teacake. We are renowned for our fine salads and traditional dishes.
The Carpenters Arms
The Carpenters Arms is a traditional country pub serving excellent locally sourced food and a varied bar including local real ales.
The Whitebrook
Set in 1 acre of tranquil, landscaped gardens in the beautiful Wye Valley, 5 miles from Monmouth, The Whitebrook are proud holders of one Michelin star and 3 AA rosettes putting us amongst the top restaurants in the country.
The Rose & Crown
Sally and Jason welcome you to the Rose & Crown. This historic pub is in the heart of Tintern, nestling in the beautiful Wye Valley.
The Boat Inn
Welcome to 18th century Boat Inn Located in a superb riverside location overlooking the River Wye, The Boat Inn was built in 1789 and still boasts many of the original interior features.
The White Monk
We serve homemade Welsh favourites such as Welsh Rabbit, homemade clotted cream scones and homemade cakes. We make our sandwiches to order and freshly cook hot snacks such as omelettes, bacon sandwiches and homemade soup.
The Sloop Inn
The bar at the Sloop Inn is spacious and comfortable to local and visitor alike. The historic building is over 300 years old and was originally built as a cider house and mill.
Green & Jenks Gelato House
Homemade ice cream loving produced in our shop using locally sourced ingredients.
The Wye Valley Hotel Pub and Restaurant
Wye Valley Hotel and Restaurant The Wye Valley Hotel is situated in an area of breathtaking natural beauty at Tintern in the heart of the Wye Valley.
The Wild Hare Pub
At The Wild Hare, you will receive a true countryside pub experience alongside locally sourced, seasonal menus. With comfy sofas and a cosy log burner, there's nowhere better to enjoy a delicious meal or a pint of local beer.
Parva Farmhouse Hotel & Restaurant
A 17th Century former farmhouse set yards from the banks of the River Wye, less than a mile from Tintern Abbey. It has been a guesthouse for some years with a loyal following, and now has a proper restaurant too.
The Anchor Inn
The Anchor Tintern dates from the twelfth century and is set in extensive grounds alongside the River Wye with the stunning backdrop of Tintern Abbey.
Old Station Tea Room Cafe
Come and visit the newly refurbished Tea Rooms which are under new ownership, and are open daily from 10am - 4pm offering a selection of takeaway refreshments.
The Misbah
The Misbah is a family-run Restaurant offering authentic Bangladeshi cuisine, and is located in a Grade II listed building in the heart of Monmouth, within the Picturesque Wye Valley.
Discover the Picturesque Wye Tour
Take on the Wye Valley Walk
Walks in the Lower Wye Valley
Health Walk - Two Rivers Meadow Walk
2 mile walk around the land between the River Wye and the River Monnow.
Health Walk - Vauxhall Fields Walk
1.75 mile walk through part of the town and around Vauxhall Fields.
Health Walk - St. Arvan's Walk
2.8 mile route through and to the west of the village of St. Arvan's.
Health Walk - Tintern Walk
2.5 mile walk from the Old Station, Tintern enjoying both sides of the River Wye.
Whitestone (NRW)
Whitestone Wood lies adjacent to a section of the famous Wye Valley Walk. Visitors to the site can enjoy pleasant walks that take in a number of fantastic views across the Wye Valley.
23 Trellech Village
A walk of 1.2 miles around the historic attractions of the village of Trellech, above the Wye Valley, south of Monmouth.
22 Mitchel Troy to Cwmcarvan
A 5 mile walk with lots of ups, downs and spectacular views from Mitchel Troy, west of Monmouth.
19 Redbrook to Penallt
A walk of 4.4 miles in the Wye Valley south of Monmouth. Sustained ascent and descent.
Eagle's Nest Viewpoint & Wyndcliff Wood
Wyndcliff Wood is a superb example of a lower Wye Valley gorge woodland. There is a waymarked walk (with 365 steps!) from the car park to the Eagles Nest lookout which is one of the best viewpoints in the Wye Valley.
24 Wells and Springs at Trellech
A 5.3 mile walk from Trellech, above the Wye Valley south of Monmouth.
18 Monmouth King's Wood
A 6.1 mile walk from Monmouth including a section of the Offa’s Dyke Path in King’s Wood.
Devil's Pulpit Viewpoint
One of the most spectacular views in the Wye Valley, Devil's Pulpit looks over Tintern Abbey & the Wales / England border. Starting in Tintern, Monmouthshire, you cross into Gloucestershire before walking through woods up to the viewpoint.
