Sunrise and Sunset

Getting up early to see the sunrise or watching the golden hour before sunset can be magical experiences. Here in Monmouthshire the magic is enhanced by the beautiful scenery around you, with dawn reaching out into the Wye Valley or the sun setting over the Bannau Brycheiniog / Brecon Beacons.

To make the most of your trip, here are some of the best places to see the sun rise and sun set in Monmouthshire.

Ysgyryd Fawr / The Skirrid

The Skirrid does double duty here as it is a great place to see both the sun rise and the sun set, but it is especially beautiful in the morning. The mountain looks out over the plains of Monmouthshire towards the east, giving an elevated view across the countryside towards the Wye Valley.

Then in the evening you get to see it setting behind the peak of Monmouthshire's most iconic mountain, the Sugarloaf.

Find out how to get to the Skirrid

Sunset from the Devil's Pulpit, Tintern

When we talk about magical sunset views, this is what we mean. The steep slopes of the Wye Valley mean the sun sets earlier here, and if you time it right you can get the rays shining out over Tintern Abbey. It's seen best from the Devil's Pulpit viewpoint, just over the river from Tintern.

Walk to Devil's Pulpit

The Kymin, Monmouth

The Kymin above Monmouth offers fantastic views over the town, but you can also see westward all the way over Monmouthshire towards the Brecon Beacons. You can almost see it as the eastern counterpart of the Skirrid, and it is similarly perfect for seeing the sunset over the county.

Lookout from the Kymin

Magor Marsh

Sunrise is not just about the beautiful sights, but also the wonder of nature around us. And that's never more evident than at dawn with birdsong all around. Magor Marsh on the Gwent Levels is a hub for bird and wildlife, plus is open 24 hours a day. So get up early and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. 

Visit Magor Marsh

Anywhere in Monmouthshire

The beauty of Monmouthshire is that you are spoilt for choice, so whilst we've put some of our favourite places to see the sunrise of sunset here, it's hard to go wrong wherever you are. You can watch the sunrise over fields of wheat on the Three Castles Walk or at the ancient Harold's Stones at Trellech. You can choose your mountain in the Brecon Beacons to watch the sun rise or set. Or you can head into the countryside and enjoy the dawn chorus.