At the Monmouthshire Beacon we have started a Hidden Gem series where we show you places in Monmouthshire and the Wye Valley that might not be hidden but still feel pretty special.

As it is the summer holidays and we have got a bank holiday approaching, here are five hidden gems you can explore with your friends and family to make the most of the beautiful places we live near which might often go unnoticed.

First stop- Symonds Yat rock viewpoint

Symonds Yat viewpoint is in the beautiful Wye Valley, looking over the River Wye.

They have a cafe there so after a walk you can enjoy a cup of coffee or hot drink along with snacks outside in nature.

It is also the home of peregrine falcons so if you take a visit to the lookout point it would be a great option to bring a pair of binoculars to see if you can spot any or other birds of prey.

Second stop - Biblins Bridge

Hidden in the Wye Valley between the England and Wales border is a 1950s footbridge which is a footbridge going over the River Wye. It is surrounded by nature and ancient woodland and breathtaking views of the river.

There are lots of different walks you can do to get to the bridge, or you could have a picnic next to the river or have a bite to eat at one of the local pubs including The Saracens Head and Ye Old Ferrie Inn.

The footbridge is very useful but despite its beauty it still needs to be maintained so only six people are allowed on it at the same time.

The footbridge is 190 feet long and it’s made of oak and steel. If you have a chance to explore Biblins bridge it will feel like you’re walking through a piece of history.

Third stop - Otis and Jean Milburns’ house from Sex Education the series on Netflix

Another destination which is worth the visit is Otis and Jean Milburns’ house from Sex Education the Netflix series located in Symonds Yat.

Despite not being able to freely walk into the house due to it being on private property, there is a public foot path and you can gain a view from on the walking trail. You can also spot it looking over the River Wye.

The walk itself is quite steep but it isn’t too long of a hike.

Symonds Yat is a popular tourist attraction so after visiting the hidden gem you could get some food afterwards or even go canoeing down the River Wye.

Stop four - Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is another lovely family day out, there is a walk from Chepstow, and you can walk through a bridge which is part of the old railway line which takes you through to Tintern on the other side taking around 20 minutes.

Tintern Abbey still remains as one of Wales most iconic landmarks. It was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks, however it was abandoned after Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 1530s which is why it is now a ruin.

Not far from Tintern Abbey is Chepstow Town so if you want to explore there are plenty of shops and cafes available.

Stop five- The Malthouse

The Malthouse, located on St Mary’s Street in Monmouth was created by combining two buildings together by George Porter Tippins who was once a JP and Mayor and he trained to be a maltster who makes malt from barley.

Inside the building, The Malthouse how a new cafe which serves local, fresh produce and unique gifts available to buy.

Inside the building is a clock making workshop and ‘Bits and Bobs’ and an antique shop selling all sorts of pre- loved gifts.

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