Tintern Abbey

Rising dramatically from the wooded banks of the River Wye, Tintern Abbey is one of the most breathtaking ruins in Britain. 

Founded by Cistercian monks in 1131, the roofless Gothic church still stands to its full height, its ornate window tracery and soaring arches remarkably intact. 

The abbey inspired Wordsworth's famous poem and captivated Turner's paintbrush — and it's easy to see why. 

The surrounding village of Tintern offers welcoming pubs and tearooms, while the Old Station nearby provides a lovely riverside walk. 

For panoramic views over the abbey and valley, climb the short trail to the Devil's Pulpit on the opposite hillside.

Offa's Dyke

Offa's Dyke is regarded as one of Europe's remarkable ancient earthworks — an 8th-century boundary built by King Offa of Mercia to mark the frontier between England and Wales. 

Stretching 177 miles from Chepstow to Prestatyn, the dyke is followed by a spectacular long-distance National Trail that passes through some of the most unspoilt countryside in Britain. 

Near Monmouth and the Wye Valley, walkers can explore well-preserved sections of the original bank and ditch as they wind through wooded hillsides and open farmland. 

You don't need to tackle the full trail — shorter circular walks linking sections of the dyke with valley paths offer memorable outings for all abilities.

Chepstow

Perched on a limestone cliff above the tidal River Wye, Chepstow Castle is one of the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortifications in Britain, begun just after the Norman Conquest in 1067. 

Its dramatic riverside setting is unforgettable, and the interior reveals centuries of expansion and history. 

The town itself retains stretches of its medieval Port Wall — remarkable survivals of town defences — and the old high street has a pleasing mix of independent shops and cafés. 

The nearby Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path both pass through Chepstow, making it a popular starting point for walkers. The bridge over the Wye also offers wonderful views back up to the castle, and not forgetting of course the world famous Race Course.

Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is perhaps an impressive later medieval castle in Wales — a lavish 15th-century fortress that was as much a statement of wealth and status as a military stronghold. 

Built by Sir William ap Thomas and his son William Herbert, its elaborate gatehouses, state apartments and the mighty hexagonal Great Tower speak of ambition on a grand scale. 

The castle played a significant role in the Civil War before being slighted by Parliamentary forces in 1646. Managed by Cadw, it is remarkably well preserved and atmospheric to explore, with enough remaining detail — carved stonework, fireplaces, moat — to fire the imagination. 

The surrounding village of Raglan has a welcoming pub and is an easy drive from Monmouth and Abergavenny.

Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in England and Wales. From Symonds Yat Rock, 150 metres above the River Wye, you look down on a breathtaking horseshoe loop of the river far below, framed by dense ancient woodland. 

Peregrine falcons nest on the cliff face each spring and summer, and the RSPB sets up telescopes so visitors can watch them. 

Down in the gorge, the twin villages of Symonds Yat East and West face each other across the river, linked by a hand-pulled rope ferry. 

There are riverside pubs, canoe hire and a network of walking trails threading through the Forest of Dean, making this a perfect destination for a full day out.