Wye Valley AONB

The river Wye flows through the protected landscape of the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the border of Wales and England, with the serene Tintern Abbey at its centre. Birthplace of British tourism in the 18th century, even Wordsworth waxed lyrical about it. This border has shaped the land - with castles, towers, abbeys, market towns and industrial heritage dotting the landscape - and the way people experience it, with its unique blend of Welsh and English cultures. Although the stunning landscape of the lower Wye Valley may feel a million miles away, it's only twenty minutes from nearby towns in Monmouth and Chepstow and offers a wide range of activities, including sightseeing, canoeing, walking, cycling and wild swimming.

Look out for the delicious produce from Wye Valley Producers (a collaboration of multiple award-winning food and drink producers recently featured on BBC's Countryfile), while you’re in the area.