Things to do in Monmouthshire

Discover South Wales in the company of a historian and native Welsh speaker, on this guided tour from Cardiff. After being picked up from your hotel, be whisked away to the countryside. Get a breakdown of the Welsh language and gain a deeper insight into culture. Continue to Tintern Abbey, a national icon that is still standing in roofless splendor on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace. Explore the hauntingly beautiful ruins of a medieval abbey have inspired artists, poets, and travelers. Then, enjoy a walk around the market town and visit Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Enjoy its stunning setting overlooking the River Wye and spend an hour here. Finally, visit the 13th-century Caerphilly Castle, Wales' largest and Britain's second-largest castle behind Windsor. As you marvel at its massive walls, towers, and gatehouses, see how it stands out from other Welsh castles.

Discover the highlights of South East Wales on this full-day trip from Cardiff. See sights such as the ancient Roman remains of Caerleon, the ruins of the Abbey of Tintern, the Black Mountains and the Brecon Beacons. Meet your guide in Central Cardiff and set out to your first stop, Caerleon Roman town. See the remains of the Roman amphitheatre, and the legionary barracks. Follow the Wye Gorge towards Tintern and stop briefly to visit Tintern Abbey, a sight made famous by painter JWM Turner. Continue up through the gorge and the spectacular Forest of Dean to Monmouth and Rockfield. Next, enter the Brecon Beacons National Park in the beautiful Black Mountains, visiting the hidden church of St.Issu. Stopping in the little market town of Crickhowell for lunch (not included). Brecon Town, home of the Army in Wales, with its canal and Cathedral. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and the fast running waters of a beautiful mountain stream. Enjoy the breath-taking views of Pen y Fan and Corn Ddu, South Wales' highest peaks, check your reflection in the reservoirs of Talybont and Pontsticill. In Merthyr Tydfil, cradle of the Welsh industrial revolution, discover the beginnings of train travel, following the river Taff for our return to Cardiff in the late afternoon. Example Itinerary, weather and other conditions can dictate route taken.

The cost of this tour includes entry to all the locations visited. We will have an hour or more at each attraction with travelling time making up the rest of the nine hours. Our lunch location will be at a small cafe in Tintern. You will travel in a modern and luxurious fully electric vehicle, limited to a maximum of seven passengers, in the company of your driver guide, Andy, who is a Mountain Leader and a Green Badged Tourist Guide, an ambassador for many areas of Wales and a Visit Wales Pro. Oh, and amongst other things tourism and adventure, he’s also been chair of Brecon Beacons Tourism and a Brecon Beacons National Park Warden. Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre is our first stop. A fine example of a spot once used for combat and games and perhaps even is the fabled round table from the King Arthur legend. We then visit the two museums in Caerleon, the National Legionary Museum and the Roman Baths. Next stop is Chepstow Castle, which is is magnificent. Once inside its walls, you'll feel yourself taken back in time and perhaps imagine being a Lord or Lady from times past. Tintern Abbey is glorious! Its ruins are a testament to a troubled past but now, in the Wye Valley, it is quiet and contemplation that is most often experienced. Caerphilly Castle is quite remarkable! It has a leaning tower, just like Pisa. A rather fine example of a moated castle with much of its towers and walls intact. Castell Coch is our final destination and it's a beauty. Renovated by the Victorians, it is gorgeous both inside and out. Know Before You Go This tour will take place rain or shine There is leisurely walking on this tour including optional spiral staircases in the castles We will visit spots with the most astounding views and many interesting features on our journey. You will be able to spend time with the guide at each location, as they walk and talk about Wales, its history and culture or you are free to self-explore. We will return to Cardiff around 6 pm and likely a little earlier.

Embark on a fascinating day tour from Cardiff, where history, culture, and breathtaking scenery come together to create an unforgettable experience. Travel through the heart of South Wales and the stunning Wye Valley, visiting historic sites, charming towns, and remarkable landmarks along the way. Our adventure starts in the vibrant capital of Wales, Cardiff. As you set off, sit back and enjoy the scenic drive through the Welsh countryside, where rolling hills and picturesque villages provide a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. The first stop is the National Roman Legion Museum, where you'll journey back nearly 2,000 years to when Wales was under Roman rule. Located in the historic town of Caerleon, this site was once home to one of only three permanent Roman legionary fortresses in Britain. Explore ancient artefacts, reconstructed barracks, and a fascinating Roman bathhouse, gaining insight into the lives of the soldiers who once called this place home. Next, we’ll visit Usk, a delightful market town steeped in history and famous for its floral displays and medieval past. Stroll through its quaint streets, admire the 12th-century Usk Castle ruins, and take in the peaceful surroundings of this hidden gem. With its welcoming atmosphere and rich history, Usk offers a perfect glimpse into traditional Welsh life. Our journey continues to Monmouth, a charming market town with strong royal and medieval connections. Here, you’ll have time to enjoy a leisurely lunch, with plenty of local cafés and eateries offering delicious options. As you explore, don’t miss the Monnow Bridge, the only remaining fortified river bridge of its kind in Britain. The town’s lively streets, independent shops, and historical landmarks make it an ideal place to soak up the local culture. After lunch, it’s time to experience the hauntingly beautiful Tintern Abbey. Nestled in the breathtaking Wye Valley, this 12th-century abbey is one of Wales’ most iconic landmarks. Wander through the majestic ruins, where towering stone arches and intricate Gothic windows create an awe-inspiring atmosphere. Learn about the abbey’s fascinating past, from its time as a thriving monastery to its romantic rediscovery by poets and artists. With its serene riverside setting, Tintern Abbey is a photographer’s dream and a place of quiet contemplation. The final stop of the day takes you to one of Wales’ most remarkable engineering feats - the Newport Transporter Bridge. Built in 1906, this rare and innovative bridge is one of the few surviving transporter bridges in the world. Marvel at its impressive steel structure as it spans the River Usk, and learn about its role in Newport’s industrial heritage. As the day draws to a close, relax on the scenic journey back to Cardiff, reflecting on the incredible history and landscapes we've explored. This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and anyone looking to experience the very best of South Wales in one unforgettable day.

This is a fully inclusive tour with ALL admissions to the various attractions paid for in advance by us. Our Valleys tour is a guided tour from central Cardiff taking in the industrial heritage of the valleys. You will travel in a modern and luxurious fully electric vehicle, limited to a maximum of seven passengers, in the company of your driver guide, Andy, who is a Mountain Leader and a Green Badged Tourist Guide. South Wales is geologically 'lucky', having all of the elements required to fuel the industrial revolution, iron, coal, limestone and silica rock. From the 1750's iron boom through the 1850's to the 1980's when coal was king, South Wales was a hive of activity, smelting, mining and developing technologies to improve production. This tour has been designed to look at this history, its effects upon the landscape and people who laboured so hard and also at those who profited from that labour. We'll also have a glimpse of the scenic beauty of the Brecon Beacons National Park which lies to the north, on the fringes of the coalfields, and how the mining communities are recovering, post the closure of the mines in the 1990's. Itinerary Pick up from Little Man Coffee Cardiff. Fourteen Locks: is the most spectacular flight of canal locks in South Wales. A scheduled ancient monument situated in this idyllic part of Newport. It lies on the Crumlin Arm part of the Monmouthshire and Brecon canal. Surrounded by striking landscape, it is one of the most beautiful scenic waterways. Cwmcarn Forest Drive: In the vehicle we will meander around the twisting bends and allow the enchanting forest to immerse us in tranquillity where you can leave the rest of the world behind. We will park up at one of the seven car parks to absorb the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the tour guide will give you more information about the area. Guardian of the Valley: a sculpture commemorating the Six Bells Disaster: On 28 June 1960 an underground explosion at 'Arrael Griffin' colliery led to the deaths of 45 miners. Fifty years later, after tireless work by the community and local organisations, a steel sculpture by Sebastien Boyesen, over 60ft high, was dedicated to those who died. Abertillery: a traditional-style town centre mainly developed in the late 19th century and as such has some interesting Victorian architecture. We will be here for lunch. Mountain Road: We’ll take a drive from St Illtyd to Abersychan along a beautiful mountain road with open views of the Brecon Beacons to the North, the road we travel is 1200 feet above sea level. Big Pit: a real coal mine and one of Britain's leading mining museums. Enjoy exhibitions in the Pithead Baths and Historic colliery buildings AND the world-famous Underground Tour: go 300 feet underground with a real miner and see what life was like for the thousands of men who worked at the coal face. Back to Cardiff, Little Man Coffee.

We will be kayaking on the Brecon and Monmouth canal. We will kayak for 3 miles through the peaceful countryside with views of woodland and mountains. You will be guided and instructed how to kayak as you go on a adventure with one of our instructors.

Explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley your way with this guidebook that illustrates a scenic 76-mile (123 km) point-to-point trip across 15 of the area’s most fascinating towns and villages. Designed for flexibility, the guide is organised into themed sections covering destinations where the Rivers Severn and Wye converge, weaving between England and Wales, so you only visit the places that you choose. __________________________________________________________________ WHAT TO EXPECT • This is an online travel guide – much like a digital book – ready for you to read, browse, and get inspired while planning at home or using your phone on the go. • The guidebook offers an overarching plan to help shape your multi-destination holiday, with different ideas and sample itineraries. It shows how destinations can be combined to suit your timeframe – typically from 3 to 14 days. • It’s designed to help you decide where to go, what to see, where to stay, and to inspire your trip in a way that suits your interests. It also includes helpful tips such as how to get there and where to park. • Please note: the guide itself is not customisable. However, each route includes Uncover Britain’s own pre-populated Google Maps with suggested pins and directions, plus customisable directions by section using Google Maps. __________________________________________________________________ GO BEYOND THE CLASSICS WITH: • Tintern Abbey – Explore the iconic ruins nestled in the Wye Valley • Symonds Yat – Take in sweeping river views and forested walks • Coleford & Lydney – Discover market towns with rich mining and railway heritage • Canoeing & Outdoor Adventures – Experience the Wye by water or take on the walking trails • Clearwell Caves & Puzzlewood – Enter the ancient forest landscapes used in film and TV • Chepstow & Monmouth – Historic towns with castles, bridges, and charming high streets • River Walks, Scenic Drives & Nature Reserves – Spot local wildlife and hidden viewpoints __________________________________________________________________ While you could search for places to go on your own, this guide offers curated context and ready-made itineraries along a recommended journey—so you don’t have to second-guess or piece everything together yourself. HOW TO ACCESS: see Know Before You Go

Discover the history of Wales on a full-day tour from Cardiff. Visit the Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, the National Legionary Museum, the Roman Baths, Chepstow Castle, Tintern Abbey, Caerphilly Castle, and Castell Coch. Meet your guide, Andy, a Mountain Leader and a Green Badge Tourist Guide, and set off in a luxury, fully electric vehicle with a maximum of 7 passengers. Visit the Caerleon Roman Amphitheatre, a fine example of a spot once used for combat and games and perhaps is the fabled round table of King Arthur legend. Visit two museums in Caerleon, the National Legionary Museum and the Roman Baths. Next, head to Chepstow Castle, a magnificent castle. Once inside its walls, feel yourself taken back in time and perhaps imagine being a Lord or Lady from times past. Continue to Tintern Abbey, a glorious ruin that is a testament to a troubled past. Now, in the Wye Valley, it is quiet and contemplation that is most often experienced. Visit Caerphilly Castle, a remarkable castle with a leaning tower, just like Pisa. Admire the moated castle with towers and walls intact. Finally, visit Castell Coch, a beautiful castle renovated by the Victorians. Admire its stunning interior and exterior.

Day 1 Departing Bristol, your journey begins with a scenic drive through what is considered the birthplace of British tourism and the birthplace of the industrial revolution. We’re talking about Wye Valley, of course, which is dubbed an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. You’ll love the views of this region as we head towards Tintern Abbey on the banks of River Wye. There’s some fascinating history behind this now-roofless national icon which was founded in 1131. Afterwards you make your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye where you have free time to explore and grab a bite to eat. Then it’s time to head to Broadway. No, we’re not talking about seeing a stage production, we’re talking about the picturesque village in the Cotswolds. This is a great time for a spot of shopping, or simply wander and enjoy the town before heading to Stratford-upon-Avon, your base for the night. You arrive in the birthplace of Shakespeare in the mid-afternoon so there’s still some time to explore and sort yourself out for dinner. You’re spoilt for choice in Stratford-upon-Avon. Perhaps you’ll explore the Schoolroom and Guildhall, where Shakespeare was first inspired by literature and theatre. Or perhaps you’ll visit his childhood home and hear tales of his family life. Day 2 You’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into a movie today. Your first destination is considered one of the most beautiful tourist destinations in the UK. Wander around the picturesque village of Chipping Campden before heading to Bourton-on-the-Water. Quite a literal name, as this village boasts the beautiful River Windrush running through it, and is known as the Venice of the Cotswolds. You continue onto Oxford, your main stop for the day. Famously known for its university, the city of Oxford has an interesting history and plenty of things to do and see. You can learn about some of it at the Ashmolean Museum, Britain’s oldest public museum. If museums aren’t your thing, there’s always Oxford Castle & Prison, a tour of some of the colleges around town, and even several Harry Potter locations to spot. Enjoy a relaxing drive back through some of England’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the perfect way to end your day as you head to Bristol where your tour ends in the early evening.

Uncover the best attractions in the Wye Valley, one of the five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Wales. Begin your adventure from an accessible spot in Cardiff, just a short few minutes stroll from Cardiff Castle. Settle into a comfortable van with plenty of legroom and escape the city to experience the picturesque rural scenery. Pause in Caerleon to marvel at a Roman Amphitheatre, nearly 2,000 years old. Take some time to explore the Legionary Museum, which offers free admission and sheds light on the area's rich historical background. Then, proceed to the town of Chepstow to tour Chepstow Castle, the oldest fortress in Wales. Inside, discover an impressive wooden gate, the oldest example in Europe, which has endured for over 800 years. Next, delve into the monastic ruins of Tintern Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986 and a must-visit spot in South Wales. Conclude your journey by exploring the boundary between Wales and England at the fringes of the Forest of Dean. Savor a relaxing stroll down the sculpture trail nestled in the forest to reconnect with nature, or unwind with a cup of coffee at the nearby cafe. After an enriching day, make yourself comfortable for the return trip to Cardiff. Please note that this itinerary is an example, and the route taken may vary due to weather or other conditions. Participants engage at their own risk, with adults or parents determining if the event is appropriate for them. Participation levels in any event are solely personal decisions. We suggest securing a personal activity insurance plan to guard against potential income loss in the unlikely event of an accident during a walk.