Tintern Abbey Tours and Activities

Tintern Abbey showing heritage elements, religious elements and château or palace
Tintern Abbey showing heritage architecture, building ruins and heritage elements
Tintern Abbey
Tintern Abbey showing heritage elements, building ruins and heritage architecture
Tintern Abbey


Tour the ruins of an ancient monastery where Cistercian monks used to live, pray and study. See the remains of their former dwellings and church.

Stroll among the windowless and roofless ruins of Tintern Abbey, a 12th-century building founded by Cistercian monks. The abbey's shell may well be open to the sky, but it has been well maintained and there is a lot to see.

Before your tour, you will be given a plan of the abbey, which includes a suggested route for wheelchair users. The remains that stand today hail from several building phases that started in 1131 and continued for another 400 years.

Walk through the remains of the refectory where the monks used to eat their meals. Step into their dayroom where you'll see fragments of stone columns that used to support a stone vault. Go over to the ruins of the infirmary and its neighboring kitchens. Visit the cloister where the monks used to walk and work at their desks. You will see a recess in a wall here that used to contain a book cupboard.

One of the abbey’s main draws is the church, which was built in the second half of the 13th century. Although it lacks glass and a roof, it is still an impressive sight. Gaze up at the nave's ornate west window and examine the columns and remains of aisle walls. Pick up insights into the history of the abbey by reading the information panels dotted around the site. In the south aisle of the abbey, find the statue of Our Lady of Tintern.

As you make your way through the ruins, study the decorative details that can still be seen on some of the archways, doorways and walls.

Tintern Abbey lies on the west bank of the River Wye, a little more than 5 miles (8 kilometers) from Chester. Metered car parking is available on site. The ruins are open daily and admission charges apply, with discounts for senior citizens, students and children under the age of 16. Disabled people with a companion can access the site for free.

Popular places to visit


Top Tintern Abbey Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Wye Valley Hotel

Wye Valley Hotel

3 out of 5
Tintern, Monmouthshire, Chepstow, Wales
Wye Valley Hotel
Traditional Yurt, woodburner, private loo, outdoor shower, woodfired hottub.

Traditional Yurt, woodburner, private loo, outdoor shower, woodfired hottub.

Lydney
Traditional Yurt, woodburner, private loo, outdoor shower, woodfired hottub.
Cabin, Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, Tintern

Cabin, Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, Tintern

Lydney
Cabin, Wye Valley, Forest of Dean, Tintern
The Sloop Inn

The Sloop Inn

4 out of 5
Monmouth Road, Monmouth, Wales
The Sloop Inn
Country Cottage With Truly Amazing Views Over The River Wye valley. Pet friendly

Country Cottage With Truly Amazing Views Over The River Wye valley. Pet friendly

LLandogo
Country Cottage With Truly Amazing Views Over The River Wye valley. Pet friendly
The Old Laundry - UK12136

The Old Laundry - UK12136

Hewelsfield, near Lydney
The Old Laundry - UK12136
The Stables Trap Farm

The Stables Trap Farm

Devauden, Wye Valley
The Stables Trap Farm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey offers a serene escape with activities such as spa treatments and beautiful holiday rentals nearby. Visitors can explore the stunning abbey itself, take in the picturesque surroundings, and find charming holiday homes in the area. For those travelling from Australia, Cardiff flights provide convenient access to this historic site, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful getaway or a cultural experience in Wales.

Shopping

Tintern Abbey offers a quaint shopping experience with local shops for gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Friars Walk Newport (25.7km away) and The Mall at Cribbs Causeway (19.3km away) for a wider selection of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

Recreation

At Symonds Yat West Leisure Park, enjoy nature walks and serene relaxation amidst lush greenery, just 16.1km from Tintern Abbey. For a sporty vibe, visit Forest Hills Golf Club, an 12.9km drive away, where you can play golf surrounded by stunning landscapes.

Adventure

Explore Puzzlewood, a magical outdoor wonderland located 9.7km from Tintern Abbey, where twisting pathways and ancient trees create an enchanting atmosphere. For a scenic hike, Offa's Dyke National Trail, 8.0km away, offers stunning views and a sense of adventure through the beautiful Welsh countryside.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Delta Force Paintball North Bristol for some thrilling adventure just 16.1km away. Alternatively, catch a flick at Cineworld Newport Wales, a charming cinema 22.5km from Tintern Abbey, perfect for a romantic evening.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Tintern Abbey

When visiting Tintern Abbey, don't miss the chance to explore the nearby castles and the scenic valleys. This historic site offers a perfect blend of culture and romance, ideal for those seeking an outdoor experience. Be sure to check out the spectacular sights of the abbey itself, which is rich in history and beauty, making it a must-see for travellers heading to this enchanting part of Wales.

  • Wye Valley: Just 6.4km from Tintern Abbey, Wye Valley offers stunning landscapes teeming with outdoor adventures. Explore its lush woodlands, scenic walking trails, and the picturesque River Wye, perfect for kayaking and cycling.
  • Chepstow Castle: Also 6.4km away, Chepstow Castle boasts rich history and breathtaking architecture. This romantic fortress overlooks the River Wye and invites you to wander its ancient walls while soaking in the captivating views and tales of yesteryear.
  • Celtic Manor Resort Golf Club: Located 20.9km from Tintern Abbey, this resort is a golfer's paradise. With a warm, welcoming atmosphere, it caters to families and business travellers alike, providing relaxation and stunning golf courses amidst beautiful surroundings.

Best time to go to Tintern Abbey

The best time to visit Tintern Abbey is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March44.6°F (7.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May53.2°F (11.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
June58.5°F (14.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August61.2°F (16.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
October53.8°F (12.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Tintern Abbey

To save money on your visit to Tintern Abbey, consider travelling between January and March for the lowest accommodation prices. Mondays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly lodgings by sorting options from low to high prices and selecting eco-certified hotels for sustainable choices. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotel stays, and local activities to save even more. Public transport is affordable, and exploring the Abbey's grounds is free, making it easy to enjoy the area without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Tintern Abbey are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Tintern Abbey is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Tintern Abbey is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search feature enables you to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, making it easy to find the most affordable accommodation first. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type—by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you'll be shown sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Tintern Abbey hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.