Wye Valley Tourist
Information and Travel Guide

Wye Valley Tourist Information and Travel Guide

The lower Wye Valley journeys from in the north; Hereford the historic capital of the Wye Valley in the County of Herefordshire through the County of Gloucestershire to Chepstow in the Welsh County of Monmouthshire, separating the borders between England and Wales. The natural beauty of the area is unrivalled, with each season bringing its own delights. From the spring and summer greenery to the magical feeling of autumn mists and snow capped hills.

The Wye Valley runs through the counties of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire and is one of the UK's Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1971, the beauty of the area has been attracting visitors for centuries,The Wye Valley with the most breathtaking natural scenery in Britain combines a unique blend of Welsh and English influences and offers a warm welcome to visitors to the UK world wide.

Symonds Yat Rock provides a fabulous viewpoint of the River Wye, and is reputed to be the best viewpoint in Britain. From the rock, the river can be seen to follow dramatic U-bends around Huntsman and Coppet Hill. In the distance you can see across Herefordshire towards the mountains of Mid Wales.

The river Wye is famous for its Salmon fishing and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its nutrient unpolluted water, which supports an abundance of animal and plant life. At any time of year you may see Kingfishers darting across the waters, and the swans as they glide gracefully along the river surface.

As the river passes many famous sites - Symonds Yat, Kilvert country, Tintern Abbey, there are many places to visit, things to see and do, and it provides a perfect location at any time of year. It is indeed a Valley for all Seasons. In Spring visualise swaths of bluebells under leafy glades, in Summer green and fertile landscapes, in Autumn the striking tints of woodland, and in Winter crisp snow-dusted hills. Many artists, poets and writers have sought to capture its tranquil charm and elusive beauty.

Fought over for centuries by the English and the Welsh and many more before them has awesome castles around every bend and twist in the River Wye, hawks soaring over the fields and forests, and secret places along every stream. bustling market towns, fresh-farm produce, an artisan tradition, generous hospitality, and sunshine and showers,the Wye Valley is a captivating experience that treats the senses at any time of year.

The Wye Valley is steeped in rich industrial heritage, and near the town of Abergavenny lies the Blaenavon Industrial Landscape World Heritage Site where visitors can go underground with a miner and uncover real stories about people from the past.

In Newport there is an extensive public art trail which includes statues and mosaic murals commemorating the Chartists fight for democracy. As well as this, there is also the Nelson Museum in Monmouth which has one of the worlds best collections about Britain's most famous admiral, and even includes his fake glass eye!

The origins of the River Wye are deep within the hills of Wales at Plynlimon, a heather-clad mountain dominating central Wales. From its birthplace, it gently meanders some 248km (154 miles) through five British counties in both England and Wales. The journey starts as a slow, trickling stream in the Welsh hillside, crossing the border into England at Hay-on-Wye to flow through the Herefordshire plains, then crossing the border returning to Wales at Monmouth to head southwards to re-join its sister river, the River Severn, in the Severn Estuary at Chepstow. Throughout its length, it winds and curves its way through undulating rural countryside, through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and Site of Special Scientific Interest. 

Exploring the Wye Valley could not be easier or more exciting, whether you prefer to explore the area on foot, by car, bicycle or canoe. The Wye valley walk which meanders along the river Wye for 52 miles, takes in some of the most spectacular views, and is a great way to discover the area.

The Woodlands of the Wye Valley - recognised as one of the most beautiful woodlands in Britain, with most of its 4,300 hectares lying within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.These woodlands are predominantly broadleaf with a mix of mature oak and beech as well as other species such as ash, cherry and small leafed lime. The historic Wye Valley Walk passes through Tintern and Monmouth. There are several view points from Upper Wyndcliffe near Chepstow, to Cuckoo Wood north of Llandogo, which offer spectacular views across the lower Valley with the Bristol Channel and the old Severn Bridge in the background.

The River Wye travels through the following towns and villages:-

Tour and Travel Guide for The Wye Valley