Wales, a country renowned for its picturesque villages and breathtaking landscapes, is home to one particularly enchanting village that stands out from the rest.

Tintern, nestled on the west bank of the River Wye in Monmouthshire, is a gem in the heart of the stunning Wye Valley. The village’s crowning glory is undoubtedly the awe-inspiring ruins of Tintern Abbey, which sit majestically at its centre, making it a firm favourite among travellers.

The modern-day village of Tintern is the result of two historically rich villages merging – Chapel Hill, forming the southern end, and Tintern Parva, making up the northern end. Since 1976, it has been a designated Conservation Area, and in 2022, it was renamed as Wye Valley, with some boundary changes also taking place.

Despite its small size, Tintern boasts a significant historical presence, with the magnificent Tintern Abbey being the standout feature of the famed Wye Valley. Its striking gothic architecture, complete with pointed arches, lancet windows, and ribbed vaults, leaves an indelible impression on all who visit.

Over the centuries, the majestic ruins of this Cistercian monastery have captivated visitors and inspired countless travellers, reports <a href=”https://www.walesonline.co.uk/whats-on/travel/stunning-welsh-village-majestic-ruined-32711333″ rel=”Follow” target=”_self”>Wales Online</a>.

Tintern, a village steeped in industrial history, has made its mark globally. The Abbey Forge, renowned as the cradle of British brass production and a pioneer in large-scale wire manufacturing, is notably where the first transatlantic cable was crafted.

Today, Tintern serves as a magnet for walkers and cyclists, with numerous long-distance trails and circular routes starting or passing through the village. It boasts an extensive network of local footpaths, intersecting with two major paths: the Wye Valley Walk on the Welsh side and Offa’s Dyke path on the English side.

The chapel of St Mary the Virgin on Chapel Hill is a popular tourist attraction, and the village also hosts the award-winning Parva Farm Vineyard. Another must-visit spot is the medieval church of St Michael in Tintern Parva.

Adding to the attractions, the Tintern railway station, located a mile’s walk above the village, ceased passenger services in 1959 but remains a thriving tourist centre. As a dog-friendly village, visitors can bring their pets along to any of Tintern’s numerous pubs and cafes, assured of a warm welcome wherever they go.

The village is easily reachable from both Monmouth and Chepstow via the number 69 Wye Valley bus, which runs hourly.

Tintern Abbey

By the 18th century, Tintern Abbey had already become a must-see attraction as part of the Wye Tour along the river – and for good reason.

Most notably, Tintern Abbey inspired poems by literary giants such as William Wordsworth and Alfred Lord Tennyson, and was even the subject of breathtaking paintings by artist JMW Turner.

Tintern Abbey was first established on May 9, 1131, during the reign of King Henry I, by Walter de Clare alongside the river. The abbey was the second Cistercian foundation in Britain (following Waverley Abbey) and the first in Wales.

Initially, the abbey was simply a complex of timber buildings. However, between 1270 and 1301, it underwent reconstruction and was completely rebuilt.

The current remains at Tintern Abbey are a mix of architectural works spanning several centuries and its present-day remnants reflect this diverse architectural history. Once it was rebuilt, around four hundred monks, who originally came from a daughter house of Cîteaux in France, lived in the complex.

The land of the abbey was divided into farming units or granges, with local villagers providing agricultural labour and serving both the abbey and its many visitors. For four centuries, Tintern Abbey played a crucial economic role in the surrounding region, becoming an integral part of Tintern village’s history and culture.

The abbey remained operational until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536, and Cadw took over management of Tintern Abbey in 1984.

By the late 18th century, tourism had begun to flourish in the Wye Valley, attracting numerous visitors who travelled along the river to see the abbey and other scenic spots in the renowned area. In 1798, poet William Wordsworth visited the village and famously wrote Lines Written a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey.

The construction of the turnpike road (now known as A466) through the valley in 1829, followed by the arrival of the Wye Valley Railway in the 1870s, significantly increased visitor numbers to the village, cementing tourism as the bedrock of Tintern’s economy, a legacy that persists today.

Tintern Abbey now welcomes approximately 70,000 visitors each year, who travel from near and far to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the magnificent abbey.