Tintern Abbey - Chepstow, Wales

Tintern Abbey (Abaty Tyndyrn) was founded in 1131 by Lord Walter de Clare from nearby Chepstow, Wales. The Abbey sits on highway A466 approximately four miles north of Chepstow. This route is a scenic road that travels alongside the River Wye, crossing between Mounmouthshire, Wales and Gloucestershire, England as you travel the road. The Abbey has a few shops and plenty of paid public parking at the rear of the historic site.

The exterior walls of this historic structure which contain elements that date back nearly a thousand years remain surprisingly intact. Interior wales and support columns also remain, in spite of the absence of a roof and floors made of manicured grass. The Abbey exhibits structural architecture layered over five centuries of construction between 1131 and the 1500s. Much of the building visible above ground was built during the thirteenth century or later. This includes the focal point of the structure, the great church, which was completed in 1301.

Because Tintern Abbey is located away from the heart of Wales, it has managed to survive the centuries. The Abbey was surrendered in the sixteenth century and later rediscovered beneath decades of ivy. It has become the focal point of visitors that include artists like J M W Turner and the poets William Wordsworth, Alfred Lord Tennyson and Allen Ginsberg.

Getting There

If you are using GPS, you can simply plug in postal code NP16 6SQ to take you directly to the Abbey. However, it is not hard to find. It sits right off the road on A466 north of Chepstow, Wales. Parking is available at the rear of the Abbey for L3 (approximately five dollars).

Admission Times

1 November 2017 - 28 February 2018
Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm
Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

1 March - 30 June 2018
Daily 9:30am - 5:00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

1 July - 31 August 2018
Daily 9.30am – 6.00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

1 September - 31 October 2018
Daily 9.30am – 5.00pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Admission costs

Adult - £6.50
Family - £19.50
Senior citizens, students and children under 16 - £4.20
Disabled and companion - Free
Family rate admits 2 adults and children under 16.
Children under 5 are free.

Amenities Available

Bicycle racks, baby changing station, disabled access, gift shop, guidebooks, car charging stations, public restrooms. The Anchor restaurant is located across from the parking area. Gift shops are located along the road that leads back to the parking area on the right side of the road.

Tintern Abbey is a remarkably well maintained structure considering the years of disuse that lasted for centuries. While this Abbey is not tied to any famous or important figures of the medieval period, it remains fascinating. The age and condition of the buildings, given the years of neglect are incredible. The large structure has walls that have managed to weather the elements, presenting a picturesque scene for those inclined toward photography. The building is connected with more modern poets and artists, to include serving as a backdrop for music videos in our present age. The cost of admission is far less than you will find at many other historic locations, so take advantage. Even if you choose not to pay admission, you can still enjoy the exterior of the historic Abbey from the parking areas. Plan to allow around two hours to visit the Abbey and shops, a bit more if you plan to stroll along the River Wye.

The first two photos are mine. The other photos are taken from the Abbey website. My photos may be reproduced with prior permission.