Tintern Abbey

Tintern
South Wales
NP16 6SE


It's easy to understand why Tintern Abbey was one of the first places in Wales to attract Visitors. Travellers have been flocking to this riverbank in the wooded Wye Valley for hundreds of years to admire Tintern's grace and sublime beauty. The appeal of this exceptional religious house remains as enduring as ever, the best preserved medieval abbey in Wales.

Founded for Cistercian monks in 1131 and largely rebuilt by Roger Bigod, lord of nearby Chepstow Castle, in the late 13th century, it encompasses grand design and architectural detail of great finesse. The shell of the abbey stands open to the skies almost to its full height, an outstanding example of the elaborate "decorated" style of Gothic architecture. Visitors are invariably captivated by the vast windows with their delicate tracery, and the wealth of decorated detail displayed in the walls, doorways and soaring archways.

This extensive site also gives a fascinating insight into the monastic way of life in medieval times. Tintern stirs the soul. Wordsworth was inspired by his visit to write his famous poem, "Composed a few Miles above Tintern Abbey". Tintern's true character though, can perhaps never be captured in words. As the Cistercian Father, Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, "You will find among the woods something you never found in books."


General Information:

  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Shop
  • Audio tour
  • Site exhibition
  • Guide dogs only allowed
  •  

    Opening Times
    (2006 times)
    1st April to 31st May:
    Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm.

    1st June to 30th September:
    Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm.

    1st to 31st October:
    Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm.

    1st November to 31 March 2007:
    Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm, Sunday 11am - 4.00pm.

    Closed 24, 25, 26th December and 1st January.

    Last admission 30 mins before closing.

    Admission Charges
    (2006 prices)
    Adult £3.50; Concession £3.00; Family ticket (2 + 3 under 16yrs) £10.00.

    Children under 12yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5yrs Free.

    Directions
    From Cardiff M4 J23, M48 J2, A466. From London M4 J21 to M48.
    Show map of Tintern Abbey...

    Tintern Abbey Postcode for SatNav: NP16 6SE

    Nearby Attractions
    Chepstow Museum (4 Miles)*
    Chepstow Museum reveals the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre. Wine trade, shipbuilding and salmon fishing are among Chepstow's many industries featured in displays with atmospheric settings.
    Chepstow Castle (4 Miles)*
    Chepstow Castle, on its rock above the swirling waters of the River Wye, stands guard over a strategic crossing point into Wales.
    Lydney Park Gardens (5 Miles)*
    An enchanting, secluded wooded valley with lakes, carpeted with daffodils, primroses and bluebells and filled with a profusion of rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, acers and other flowering shrubs and trees. There is also a Roman Settlement.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Abbey Hotel – A legacy Associate Hote (< 1 Mile)*
    The Abbey Hotel sits in a prime location on the side of the beautiful Wye Valley, overlooking the ruins of the famous Tintern Abbey, which was founded in 1131.
    Wye Valley Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    Ideally placed between the historic towns of Monmouthshire and Chepstow. Tintern is in the heart of the Wye Valley, and all of the attractions it has to offer. The poet Wordsworth described Wye as the most romantic valley in Wales.
    Castle View Hotel (4 Miles)*
    Built about 300 years ago as a private residence originally called Woodfield House, this charming hotel offers an unrivalled view of Chepstow Castle, located just across the road.
    more nearby hotels...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    The Dovecote (6 Miles)*
    The Dovecote is a romantic hide-away in the stunning Wye Valley. It sits on the side of a beautiful valley near the River Wye, and provides an idyllic base for some exceptional walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing.
    The White House (7 Miles)*
    A large, traditional stone-built cottage in the charming Forest of Dean village of Pillowell. Located on the edge of the forest the cottage is surrounded on 3 sides by gardens, with a pleasent outdoor dining area.
    Mulberry Tree Cottage (9 Miles)*
    Mulberry Tree Cottage dating back to the middle of the 19th Century, is a fine two bedroom hoilday cottage typical of the style and type found in the historic Vale of Berkeley.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more nearby self catering...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Popular Pages

    Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

    Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

    Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

    Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

     Copyright © 1999-2008 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
    Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map