travel
March 18, 2026
On the trail of the Romantics in the Welsh borders
The ruins of Tintern Abbey have inspired artists and poets. Now, the restoration of a historic inn has given visitors a perfect base for exploring this corner of Monmouthshire
TL;DR
- Tintern Abbey has inspired artists like JMW Turner and writers like Wordsworth.
- William Gilpin's 'Observations on the River Wye' popularized the 'picturesque' and led to the Wye Tour.
- The Royal George, a renovated coaching inn, draws inspiration from local history and craft.
- The inn's name and structure relate to the HMS Royal George shipwreck and salvaged timbers.
- The refurbishment incorporates vintage furniture, local textiles from Melin Tregwynt, and metalwork by Mark Lumley.
- The Royal George is popular with locals and visitors, offering good food with locally sourced ingredients.
- The Angidy trail reveals Tintern's industrial history, including its past as a major iron wire producer.
- Baileys Home is a large homeware store offering a mix of antiques, vintage, and handmade furniture.
- Accommodation at the Royal George starts from £135 per night.
Continue reading the original article