Tintern Abbey
Visitor Notice
Tintern Abbey will be closed on Saturday 18 July 2020 for a private function.
We apologise for any inconvenience.
Overview
Gothic masterpiece became a Romantic symbol of the sublime
Tintern Abbey is a national icon – still standing in roofless splendour on the banks of the River Wye nearly 500 years since its tragic fall from grace.
It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, who were happy to make do with timber buildings at first. Abbot Henry, a reformed robber, was better known for his habit of crying at the altar than for his architectural ambitions.
A simple stone church and cloisters came later. But then, thanks to the patronage of wealthy Marcher lords, the white-robed monks began to think bigger.
In 1269 they began to build a new abbey church and didn’t stop until they’d created one of the masterpieces of British Gothic architecture. The great west front with its seven-lancet window and the soaring arches of the nave still take the breath away.
So grateful were the monks to their powerful patron Roger Bigod that they were still handing out alms on his behalf in 1535. But by then King Henry VIII’s English Reformation was well underway.
Only a year later Tintern surrendered in the first round of the dissolution of the monasteries – and the great abbey began slowly to turn into a majestic ruin.
Tintern Abbey Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
9.30am – 6pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Tintern Abbey is closed on Saturday 18 July 2020 for a private function.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
10am – 4pm Monday - Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£7.30
|
| Family* |
£21.20
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£4.40
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. |
|
Facilities
Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
There is a larger shared car park near the abbey entrance, charges apply, with approx. 55 spaces. Including 5 dedicated disabled spaces.
There is dedicated coach parking. There is also an overflow car park with 25 spaces, charges apply. Car parking charge refunded on admission.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Areas of the site accessible to people with limited mobility.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
A portable induction loop is available.
Light refreshments are available.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Water refill station available at this site.
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Directions
Postcode NP16 6SE.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 01291 689251
Email
*TinternAbbey@gov.wales
Tintern, NP16 6SE
*Due to technical difficulties, our sites have no computer access. Please ring sites directly or email: cadw@gov.wales
