Tintern Abbey Cottage

Dogfriendly Magazine Review

Read our comprehensive review of this listing printed in our bi-monthly magazine.

Tintern Abbey Cottage
Review by Claire Thomas

Before even having arrived at Tintern Abbey Cottage both Buster and I had already been given some really good insights about the local area. Something which is often useful when planning your adventures with your furry family members, especially when it’s a new, unexplored area. Prior to your stay at Tintern Abbey Cottage, you receive an extremely comprehensive online guide, covering not only the cottage, which includes all up-to-date Covid regulations, and everything regarding your stay, but also details lots of helpful information about the local area, things to do, walks, places to visit and eateries all of which are doggie friendly. Clear and easy to navigate, the online guide is a really helpful tool. Everything about it feels professional and detailing almost everything you could imagine regarding your stay and the local areas, owners Fiona and Malcolm are clearly very knowledgeable, and passionate about providing a great stay for all, while still providing that personal touch.

Booking a stay at Tintern Abbey Cottage is simple, with the use of their online availability checker you are able to easily and quickly check dates, book, and read up about your potential visit to Tintern. On route, around 20 minutes away from our arrival, Buster and I stopped off for a lovely peaceful forest walk at Fedw Woods. There are countless places to park up and head out for a walk, including the many Woodland Trust car parks.  With Tintern being located in the Wye Valley there is no shortage of great walking options all around the area – you’re spoilt for choice. Heading into Tintern village, and just before checking in we also stopped in at The Filling Station Cafe. As well as an array of lovely cakes, coffee, and ice-creams, Buster was most pleased to sample one of the doggie ice-creams available. I opted for a flat white and the most delicious Chelsea bun. A lovely family run business and a great welcome to the village.

Upon arriving at our cottage Buster opted for doing a quick perimeter check and exploring around the outside of the cottage first. Once you’ve shut the back carpark area gates, which has ample parking space, the whole of the back garden is secure for dogs, with a side gate to access the front garden. The front garden is less secure but does have amazing views directly across to Tintern Abbey. The cottage sits looking directly opposite the abbey so you’re spoilt for views. It really does make the place feel quite special. We headed in. Beautifully laid out, with a relaxed country cottage style, it was clean, tidy and smelt lovely.

Everything felt warm and inviting, which was especially satisfying given the weather had been pretty miserable all day. The added personal touches for Buster really made it feel special. He was most pleased. Bowls, blankets, towels, spare leads, doggie treats. It was clear that accommodating Buster and making furry friends feel at home was a priority. I was as pleased as him to find fresh milk in the fridge to have a cup of tea along with a delicious welcome treat. It was a really lovely way to settle in. All the floors are slate and sofas leather, so super easy to keep clean. There’s even a wood burner in the lounge area, which you are able to use on those chillier evenings, while enjoying taking in your 

Our first evening’s meal was at The Wild Hare, just a short walk down the road. Fully doggie friendly throughout, Buster was made very welcome, and it was nice to feel like there was no separate area for dogs. There were quite a few dogs hanging out with their humans enjoying dinner. To be honest think Buster mostly enjoyed watching all the food coming out of the kitchen in the hopes it was for him.

Back to the cottage for a peaceful night’s sleep in one of the three bedrooms. I opted for the main upstairs room, as I couldn’t get enough of the view of Tintern Abbey and the giant bed was extremely comfy. All the bedrooms are lovely, though, with one being downstairs, including an en-suite. All are decorated in the same style. I slept really well, as did Buster.

The next morning we visited Tintern Abbey. Arriving at 10am, their opening time, like all places in the village, is totally doggie friendly. All the staff were extremely welcoming and loved Buster. Buster and I enjoyed a really insightful tour around the amazing historical site with the curator. While walking around you can’t help but notice the lovely cottage sat there on the hill side, literally a stone’s throw away.

Mid morning we then took a walk up through the village following the river Wye for around half an hour or so and visited the Old Valley Station for a coffee and snack for both myself and Buster. We made the most of the sun and sat outside, but again their site is all dog friendly and all were very welcoming to Buster. After heading back to the cottage and enjoying a bit of a rest and a soak in the spa bath, it was then time for dinner. The cottage is fully equipped with all you could possibly think of needing should you wish to cook or create a culinary masterpiece, but other than my making some eggs for breakfasts and enjoying lots of tea and coffee I opted for eating out both nights during our stay.

That evening we strolled down to the Anchor Inn located just next to Tintern Abbey and the river Wye.  Again, nothing was thought of about Buster being my ‘plus 1’ the restaurant is totally dog friendly and all were very accommodating. We strolled back up, saying ‘Hello’ to the very friendly cows who were hanging out, grazing in the field between the Abbey and the cottage.

The overriding factor about our stay at the cottage is that it showcases one of the many treasures that doggie friendly Tintern holds. It feels like the cottage is very much part of the local area. The best part is that everywhere is very focused on the dogs. Everywhere in Tintern is all about our furry family members. Whether it’s a bowl outside or treats, to doggie ice-cream, wherever Buster and I went furry friends have been considered, integrated and catered for. Something of a rarity still when visiting one area.

The views and location are simply stunning, and Tintern Abbey Cottage reflects the area’s feeling of calm and peace. It’s just what you need when coming away for a relaxing break. The cottage has all the added comforts and luxuries you would hope for humans, and most importantly Buster had a lovely time, which, let’s face it, makes our doggie holidays all the more enjoyable.

Tintern Abbey Cottage, review by Claire Thomas and appears in DogFriendly magazine issue 67. For more information on the DogFriendly magazine visit  https://www.dogfriendly.co.uk/magazine