Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
1131 by the Cistercian order, this sprawling monastic complex is one of the most intact
medieval abbeys in Britain, its soaring Gothic arches and ornate tracery a testament to
Cistercian wealth and power.
The haunting ruins and their riverside setting have inspired poets and artists through the
centuries, including William Wordsworth, who penned
Lines Composed a Few Miles
Above Tintern Abbey
during a visit in 1798, and JMW Turner, who made many paintings
and drawings of the ruins.
The huge abbey church was built between 1269 and 1301, and the stone shell remains
surprisingly intact; the finest feature is tracery that once contained the magnificent west
windows. Spreading to the north are the remains of the cloisters, the infirmary, the chapter
house, the refectory, the latrines, and a complex system of drains and sewers.
The site is clearly visible from the road, but if you want to explore it properly you'll
need at least two hours to do it justice. It's best visited towards the end of the day after the
coach-tour crowds have dispersed.
There are plenty of options for riverside walks around Tintern. One of the best begins at
the old railway bridge just upstream from the abbey, and leads up to the Devil's Pulpit, a
limestone crag on the east side of the river with a spectacular view over the abbey (2.5
miles round trip).
Bus 69 stops here, en route between Chepstow (15 minutes) and Monmouth (30
minutes).
Old Station Tintern
( 01291-689566;
http://www.tinternvillage.co.uk/seedo/tintern-old-station/
; parking per 3/5hr 50p/£1;
10am-5.30pm Apr-Oct)
Just over 1 mile upstream from Tintern Abbey is Old Station
Tintern, a Victorian train station with old railway coaches that house a tourist information
desk, temporary exhibitions and a cafe. There's a large grassy play area for kids, picnic
spots and easy riverside walks.
NOTABLE BUILDING
Sleeping
B&B
££
Parva Farmhouse
( 01291-689411;
www.parvafarmhouse.co.uk
; s/d from £58/72)
This cosy 17th-century farmhouse has
low oak-beamed ceilings, leather Chesterfield sofas and a wood-burning stove in the
