Visiting Wales
Border country, river valleys and historic towns
East Wales is a great region for exploring at a slower pace. The Wye Valley, the border countryside and the eastern reaches of Bannau Brycheiniog offer wooded trails, riverside views, market towns and some remarkable historic sites. It is an especially good choice for visitors who enjoy walking, independent shops and days out with a sense of history.
Use this guide to start planning your days out. We have picked six places and experiences to get you going, with official visitor information linked where available. Check opening details, access information and local conditions before travelling.
Historic places, landscapes, coastal experiences and ideas for a day out while you are staying in the region.
Follow the River Wye through a beautiful wooded valley of limestone cliffs, riverside villages and viewpoints. The area is ideal for walking, cycling, canoeing and exploring by car, with plenty of places to stop along the way.
Official visitor information →The roofless Gothic remains of Tintern Abbey stand beside the River Wye and are among Wales’s most atmospheric historic sights. Combine a visit with a walk beside the river or a drive through the wooded valley.
Official visitor information →Set above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle has a long history and striking views across the river. The town is also a useful starting point for the Wye Valley Walk and the Wales Coast Path at the Severn Estuary.
Official visitor information →Raglan is a striking late-medieval fortress-palace, with a Great Tower, moat and grand gatehouse. Set in open countryside, it makes an excellent stop when exploring Monmouthshire and the surrounding market towns.
Official visitor information →Explore the eastern edge of Bannau Brycheiniog, including the Black Mountains, Sugar Loaf and Skirrid. Abergavenny makes a good base, with its market, independent food shops and easy access to countryside walks.
Official visitor information →Hay-on-Wye is famous for its bookshops and independent shops, but it is also a useful base for exploring the border landscape. Nearby sections of Offa’s Dyke Path offer long-distance walking and wide views across the countryside.
Official visitor information →East Wales is largely an inland destination, but the Wales Coast Path reaches the region at the Severn Estuary and Chepstow. Explore the coastal route around the estuary, then connect your trip with inland walking such as the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path. The coast and border paths offer very different landscapes within a relatively compact area.
Relevant sections: South Wales Coast and Severn Estuary, with connections to the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path.
Explore the official Wales Coast Path website →Make a break of it. Here are a few properties from the current Cottage in Wales listings, matched to this region using county and location information.
Showing up to six of 1,014 matching properties in the current feed. The selection may change as accommodation providers update their listings. Check property details and availability with the provider before booking.
East Wales is made for walking, from riverside paths in the Wye Valley to the Black Mountains and the long-distance Offa’s Dyke Path. See our walking holidays page for ideas for a longer break.
Explore walking holidays in Wales →