Bigsweir Bridge
A historic bridge spanning the River Wye, marking the border between England and Wales, offering scenic views and access to walking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Crisp air, beautiful foliage
Bigsweir Bridge
Best Time
Crisp air, beautiful foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic bridge spanning the River Wye, marking the border between England and Wales, offering scenic views and access to walking trails.
"A lovely bridge over the border between England and Wales, perfect for a short walk or chilling out on the riverbank."
🚗 Parking is Limited
Dedicated parking is scarce. Roadside spots fill up fast. Plan for a walk or use public transport with confirmed stop locations.
🚶♀️ Explore Offa's Dyke
The bridge is a great access point for the Offa's Dyke Path. Enjoy scenic hikes along the England-Wales border.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bigsweir Bridge Crossing
River Wye
A historic bridge straddling England and Wales, offering scenic river views and a unique border-crossing experience.
Offa's Dyke Path Access
Adjacent to the bridge
Start or end a section of this famous long-distance trail, connecting with picturesque walks along the River Wye.
River Wye Scenery
Riverbanks
Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the River Wye, a haven for nature lovers and a popular spot for fishing and riverside strolls.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking Pointers
Bus Stop Shuffle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking is Limited
Dedicated parking is scarce. Roadside spots fill up fast. Plan for a walk or use public transport with confirmed stop locations.
🚶♀️ Explore Offa's Dyke
The bridge is a great access point for the Offa's Dyke Path. Enjoy scenic hikes along the England-Wales border.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect for long-exposure photography, especially at dawn or dusk. The bridge and river offer stunning photographic opportunities.
📍 Check Bus Stops
Bus stops can change. Confirm the current location with the driver or local transport info to avoid missing your stop.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking is Limited
Dedicated parking is scarce. Roadside spots fill up fast. Plan for a walk or use public transport with confirmed stop locations.
🚶♀️ Explore Offa's Dyke
The bridge is a great access point for the Offa's Dyke Path. Enjoy scenic hikes along the England-Wales border.
📸 Capture the Views
Perfect for long-exposure photography, especially at dawn or dusk. The bridge and river offer stunning photographic opportunities.
📍 Check Bus Stops
Bus stops can change. Confirm the current location with the driver or local transport info to avoid missing your stop.
🎣 Fishing Opportunities
The River Wye is a popular spot for fishing. Note that fishing from a boat is prohibited.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Bigsweir Bridge a picturesque and functional crossing point, particularly appreciated by hikers and photographers. While its scenic beauty and location on the England-Wales border are highlights, the lack of convenient parking and the environmental concerns regarding the River Wye are noted drawbacks.
"THE BUS STOPPED HAS MOVED!!
Planned to walk here from Chepstow and bus back. The bus nearly drove past us despite my frantic waving. The drive did stop thankfully explaining there isnt a stop here despite what Google says. Its just around the corner in the opposite direction from Monmouth
By the way. The bridge was fine and a welcome sight after a long walk"
Nathan Pedley
"A lovely bridge over the border between England and Wales (not that there are signs to tell you this!) I've marked it 4 stars, not because it isn't beautiful, but there aren't really any good places to park if coming by car. The Wye River is such a gem-- pity that it's being decimated by industrial chicken production waste and sewage. Photo taken from the bridge."
Suzanne Savage
"A very nice and interesting place. There is a small bunker next to the toll building. You can also fish in the area, fishing from a boat is forbidden. Along the shoreline of the river you can reach some interesting places by walking (check maps). There is no parking near the bridge. The car can be parked on the side of the road if, of course, there is still room. Beautiful views all around."
Robert C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Driving to Bigsweir Bridge is possible, but parking is very limited. You might find roadside parking, but it's not guaranteed. Many visitors opt to park further away and walk, especially if they are using the Offa's Dyke Path.
Yes, buses serve the area, but be aware that bus stops can be relocated. The stop for Bigsweir Bridge has moved, so it's crucial to confirm its current location with the bus driver or local transport information to avoid missing your stop.
Absolutely! Bigsweir Bridge is a popular point on the Offa's Dyke Path and other walking routes in the Wye Valley. Many visitors enjoy scenic walks from nearby villages like Redbrook or Brockweir. 
Bigsweir Bridge is unique as it crosses the River Wye, forming the border between England and Wales. You can stand in the middle of the bridge and be in both countries simultaneously, though there aren't always explicit signs.
Facilities directly at the bridge are minimal. There isn't a pub immediately adjacent to the bridge, which some visitors note. However, nearby villages like Tintern or Redbrook offer pubs and amenities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets or entry fees required to visit and walk across Bigsweir Bridge. It's a public thoroughfare and a scenic spot accessible to everyone.
Bigsweir Bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's a public bridge. However, consider daylight hours for the best experience and safety, especially if walking or photographing.
There is no admission fee for the immediate area around Bigsweir Bridge or for walking along the River Wye. Access to the Offa's Dyke Path is also free.
No booking is necessary for visiting Bigsweir Bridge itself. If you plan to stay in nearby accommodation or visit specific attractions in the Wye Valley, advance booking might be recommended.
While the bridge is open, be mindful of the environment. There are concerns about pollution in the River Wye, so visitors are encouraged to be responsible and help keep the area clean.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hours, around sunrise and sunset, offer beautiful light for capturing the bridge and the River Wye. Autumn also provides stunning foliage for photographers.
Bigsweir Bridge is excellent for landscape photography, long exposures (especially with ND filters), and capturing the unique England-Wales border. It can also look like a painting with specific editing techniques.
A tripod is highly recommended for long exposures to capture the water's movement and low-light conditions. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the full scope of the bridge and its surroundings.
The bridge itself offers great perspectives. You can also find good vantage points along the riverbanks on either side, offering different angles of the bridge and the valley.
Drone usage regulations can vary. Always check local bylaws and aviation authority guidelines before flying a drone in the area to ensure compliance and safety.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Opt for shorter, flatter routes along the riverbanks for younger kids. The novelty of crossing a bridge that marks the border between England and Wales can be an engaging point of discussion. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, as amenities directly at the bridge are limited. Consider combining a visit with a stop at a family-friendly pub in a nearby village like Redbrook or Tintern for lunch.
The natural scenery provides a great opportunity for kids to connect with nature, and the relatively calm riverbanks can be a pleasant spot for a picnic. 🚶 Hikers and Walkers
Many visitors use it as a starting or ending point for day hikes, with popular routes leading to Brockweir, Redbrook, or Tintern. +2Be prepared for varied terrain, which can include riverside paths, woodland trails, and some inclines. Wearing sturdy walking shoes is essential.
📸 Photographers
+2 Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light, with golden hour casting a warm glow. +1Bring a tripod for sharp, detailed shots, particularly if you plan to experiment with long exposures to capture the water's movement.
Consider using filters like ND filters to achieve longer shutter speeds. Some photographers also enjoy the challenge of post-processing to create a painterly effect. The bridge's location on the England-Wales border adds a unique element to your photographic narrative. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wye Valley and Offa's Dyke Path
+1 Visitors can embark on various sections of the path, enjoying diverse landscapes and historical significance. Popular routes include walks from Bigsweir Bridge to Brockweir or Tintern, offering a mix of riverside paths and woodland trails. Many travelers highlight the beauty of these walks, with some noting the satisfaction of completing significant mileage. The area is also recognized for its filming locations, notably for the series 'Sex Education,' adding a layer of pop culture interest for some visitors.
The Wye Valley offers a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historical trails, making Bigsweir Bridge a perfect starting or ending point for exploration. Remember to wear appropriate footwear and carry water, as some sections can be challenging. It's worth noting that while the natural beauty is a major draw, there are environmental concerns regarding the River Wye's water quality due to industrial and agricultural runoff.
Responsible tourism and awareness of these issues are encouraged as you explore this picturesque region.Photography Tips for Bigsweir Bridge
Editing plays a role in enhancing the bridge's aesthetic. Some photographers suggest techniques like reducing clarity and using local masks to add haze or adjust temperature to achieve a painterly effect, making the bridge look like a work of art.
The surrounding Wye Valley scenery, with its lush greenery and the river's gentle flow, offers a picturesque backdrop. Consider capturing the bridge from various angles, both from the riverbanks and from the bridge itself, to showcase its scale and integration with the landscape. When planning your photography session, keep an eye on the weather. Overcast days can provide soft, diffused light, while clear days offer opportunities for dramatic skies. The changing seasons also bring different moods, with autumn foliage adding vibrant colors to the scene.
Remember to be respectful of the environment and any local regulations when setting up your equipment.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit