Tintern Abbey, Cistercian monastery ruins in Monmouthshire, Wales.
The abbey walls rise against the River Wye with exposed stone arches, vaulted windows, and detailed Gothic architectural elements throughout the structure.
Walter de Clare established Tintern Abbey in 1131, making it Wales's first Cistercian foundation and the second in Britain before its dissolution in 1536.
William Wordsworth composed his renowned poem about the abbey in 1798, sparking interest among artists and writers during the 18th century tourist movement.
The site maintains regular visiting hours throughout the year, with current admission rates of £8.55 for adults and £6.03 for students and juniors.
The monastic buildings and cloisters stand on the northern side of the church, contrary to traditional monastery layouts where they typically appear on the south.
Location: Monmouthshire
Inception: May 9, 1131
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Elevation above the sea: 10.4 m
Address: Tintern Abbey, Tintern NP16 6SE, UK
Opening Hours: July-August: Monday-Sunday 09:30-18:00; September-June: Monday-Sunday 09:30-17:00
Phone: +441291689251
Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/tintern-abbey
GPS coordinates: 51.69710,-2.67722
Latest update: May 28, 2025 14:46
Wales features a region with three national parks, including Brecon Beacons and the Pembrokeshire coast park, as well as fortresses like Conwy and Caernarfon castles built by Edward I in the 13th century, and religious buildings such as St. David's Cathedral. The coastline alternates between red sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and islands like Anglesey, while the inland reveals mountains, lakes, and valleys such as the Elan Valley with its historic dams. Welsh towns preserve their architectural heritage, with Cardiff as the capital. The Gower Peninsula offers limestone cliffs and sea caves, Tintern Abbey has been a Cistercian monastery since 1131, and Powis Castle features terraced gardens. Former mining regions and botanical sites reflect the country's industrial and cultural evolution.
Wye Valley
1.1 km
Tintern Quarry
2.4 km
Royal George Hotel
349 m
Shorn Cliff and Caswell Woods
917 m
Sylvan House Barn
2.3 km
St Anne's House
129 m
Lippets Grove
758 m
Church of St Michael
730 m
Church of St Mary
1.8 km
Former Church of St Mary
272 m
Moravian Chapel
1.2 km
The Brockweir Inn
1.3 km
Brockweir Bridge
1.3 km
Phoenix House
1.3 km
The Anchor
126 m
Old Tramway Bridge (Formerly Wireworks Bridge)
384 m
Milestone At Grid Reference St 559001
2.6 km
Crown Lodge
388 m
Retaining Wall/Dam of Holding Pond at the Old Wire Works
721 m
Beaufort Pond Dam
2.4 km
Malt House
1.3 km
Manor House and adjoining house
1.3 km
Glen Wye
1.3 km
Offa's Dyke: section in Danehill Wood, 300m west of East Vaga
2.6 km
Offa's Dyke: section in Shorncliff Wood including the Devil's Pulpit, 790m south west of Sheepcot
1.2 km
Signal Box at Tintern Station
761 m
Furnace Dam
1.7 km
Our Lady of Tintern
41 mReviews
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