Staying at Ruthlin
How to book, what to expect and the questions guests ask most.
Please call, email or WhatsApp with booking enquiries or questions about staying.
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You are welcome to walk in the grounds, discover the beach and enjoy the river. Sarah and James are happy to let you know where the good swimming spots are and where it is safe to enter and leave the water. You may see the family coming and going during your stay but other than that Ruthlin is entirely yours.
If you are booking because of a special occasion please let us know because we will do our best to accommodate bespoke requests.
We are sorry that Ruthlin is not suitable for wheelchair access. If you have specific access needs, please talk to us before booking so we can be honest about whether Ruthlin will be suitable and safe.
We are unable to accommodate dogs, other than registered assistance dogs by prior arrangement.
At a glance
£200
per night
£220 on Friday and Saturday
Two nights
minimum stay
Single nights available between Sunday and Thursday
Two
guests
Adults only, no pets
4pm — 10am
arrive — leave
Private parking
Bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and the everyday essentials are included.
A 20% deposit secures the dates.
Availability
The next four months at a glance. Shaded nights are taken; the rest are free. Our calendar follows the Airbnb diary so if you would like to book directly please check availability first. You can email, call or WhatsApp, or book via Airbnb.
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
January 2027
AvailableBooked
Getting here
Ruthlin is a mile upstream of Skenfrith, six miles from Monmouth and fifteen from Hereford. By car it is roughly:
55 min
from Cardiff
1 hour
from Bristol
1¾ hours
from Birmingham
2¾ hours
from London
The postcode is NP7 8UL. The nearest stations are Abergavenny and Hereford, with Newport a little further — we are happy to collect guests from any of the three, so do let us know your train. The last stretch of lane is narrow, so call if you would rather have directions than a satnav.
Enquire about a stay
Tell us when you would like to come and we will reply ourselves, usually the same day. If you would rather talk, the telephone number is above.
Wonderful and beautiful. Thank you so much for looking after me. Such a lovely night in this brilliant place.
Sheldon, UK
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your stay at Ruthlin.
Before You Book
Who is Ruthlin for?
Ruthlin is a private retreat designed for couples or friends looking for peace and privacy.
Is Ruthlin suitable for children?
Ruthlin is designed exclusively for two adults and is not suitable for children. The accommodation, grounds and river setting mean that we are unable to accommodate babies or children.
Are dogs or other pets allowed?
We love animals, but Ruthlin is not suitable for dogs or other guest pets. However you will discover an abundance of wildlife on your doorstep.
How many people can stay?
Ruthlin accommodates a maximum of two adults. We deliberately keep things small, private and peaceful.
Is Ruthlin completely private?
Yes. Ruthlin is a self-contained retreat with its own private outdoor space. The main house sits elsewhere on the property, so while we are nearby should you need us, your time at Ruthlin is entirely your own.
How long can we stay?
Our minimum stay is two nights, and single nights are available between Sunday and Thursday.
How much does Ruthlin cost?
Ruthlin is £200 per night from Sunday to Thursday, and £220 per night on Friday and Saturday. We are happy to discuss reduced rates for longer stays. Your booking includes the accommodation, bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and the essentials you need for a comfortable stay.
How do I book?
Ruthlin is open for bookings through our website or on Airbnb.
What is your payment policy?
A 20% non-refundable deposit is required to secure your booking, with the remaining balance due 30 days before arrival. Full booking terms will be provided at the time of booking.
What is your cancellation policy?
The 20% booking deposit is non-refundable. Our full cancellation terms will be provided with your booking confirmation.
Arriving at Ruthlin
When can I check in?
Check-in is from 4pm. If you would like to arrive a little earlier, please ask. We will always do our best to accommodate you when we can.
What time do we need to leave?
Check-out is by 10am. Late check-out may sometimes be possible, depending on the next arrival, so do ask.
How do we get into Ruthlin?
A Guest Information Pack and detailed directions will be emailed to you before your stay.
Is there parking?
Yes. Private parking is provided at Ruthlin. We will give you clear instructions before arrival so that you know exactly where to park.
What if we arrive late?
If you expect to arrive particularly late, please let us know.
Your Stay
What is provided?
We like to make arriving at Ruthlin feel effortless. Bed linen, towels, Wi-Fi and cleaning essentials are provided, together with the kitchen equipment and everyday essentials you need for your stay.
Do I need to bring towels?
No. Towels are provided.
Is Wi-Fi available?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available.
Is there heating?
Yes. Ruthlin is warm and comfortable throughout the year, with heating provided for cooler days and evenings.
Is there a television?
There is no television.
Is there a washing machine?
There is no washing machine.
Is there a hairdryer?
Yes, which can be found in the bathroom drawer.
Is there an iron?
Yes, which can be found in the floor-to-ceiling kitchen cupboard.
The Kitchen
Is Ruthlin self-catering?
Yes. Ruthlin has a beautifully appointed kitchen designed for everything from a continental breakfast to the Sunday roast.
What kitchen equipment is provided?
The kitchen has everything you would expect for self-catering, including cookware, crockery, cutlery, glasses and utensils.
Do I need to bring tea, coffee and basic provisions?
We provide a selection of essentials to get you started, so you can settle in before deciding whether you actually want to venture out again.
Outside
Can we use the grounds?
Yes. Ruthlin sits within approximately nine acres of mostly meadowland, alongside the River Monnow. There are quiet corners to discover, places to sit, paths to wander and plenty of opportunities simply to do absolutely nothing.
Can we swim in the River Monnow?
The river is part of the magic of Ruthlin, but it is a natural, changing environment rather than a swimming pool. River conditions vary with weather and water levels, so guests should always use their own judgement and take appropriate care.
Can we walk directly from Ruthlin?
Yes. The surrounding countryside is wonderfully suited to walking, with the River Monnow and the Welsh Marches providing a beautiful backdrop. We are happy to suggest some of our favourite walks during your stay.
Is there a fire pit?
Yes. You are very welcome to use the fire pit if conditions are suitable.
Can we eat outside?
Absolutely. There is a picnic bench beside the river, with the Monnow providing a rather lovely backdrop for breakfast, lunch or a glass of wine.
Wildlife
What wildlife might we see?
This is one of the great pleasures of living at Ruthlin. Deer, badgers, kingfishers, pheasants, foxes and an extraordinary variety of birds and butterflies are all regular visitors. If you’re particularly lucky, you may even spot Frank.
Exploring the Area
Where is Ruthlin?
Ruthlin is hidden beside the River Monnow in the Welsh Marches, close to the medieval village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire. The village, with its ruined castle and historic church, is approximately a mile away. Monmouth is around six miles from Ruthlin.
What is there to do nearby?
You can walk, explore castles and churches, discover country pubs and restaurants, visit Monmouth and the surrounding Wye Valley, or simply stay put.
Are there pubs and restaurants nearby?
We are happy to point you towards our favourite places to eat, whether you are looking for a proper country pub, a special dinner or somewhere for a leisurely lunch.
Where is the nearest supermarket?
In Monmouth you’ll find a Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Lidl, as well as independent food shops.
Is there mobile phone reception?
We can’t vouch for every mobile provider, so our recommendation is to join the Wi-Fi, unless, of course, you were hoping to hide.
Making Your Stay Special
Can you arrange something special for an anniversary or birthday?
We would love to help. If you are celebrating something, let us know before you arrive and we can discuss ways to make your stay feel particularly special.
Can you arrange flowers?
Yes.
Can we arrange a special dinner?
Yes. We can help create a beautiful setting for an intimate dinner at Ruthlin, including a table beside the river.
Can we host a larger dinner?
Subject to prior arrangement, we can help create an al fresco setting for a special meal. The setting does rather lend itself to long lunches, candlelight and the occasional decision to ignore the weather.
The Practical Things
What happens if something goes wrong during our stay?
We live nearby and are available should you need us. We want you to feel completely independent, but never stranded.
What happens if something gets broken?
Please don’t worry. Accidents happen. Simply let us know as soon as possible so that we can deal with it promptly.
Do we have to clean before we leave?
We simply ask that you leave Ruthlin reasonably tidy and follow the check-out instructions provided.
What should we do with rubbish and recycling?
Full instructions will be provided in the house.
What happens if we leave something behind?
Let us know as soon as you realise and we will do our best to reunite you with it.
A Few Things Worth Knowing
Is Ruthlin suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Ruthlin is not suitable for wheelchair users. The property is built into a hillside and includes changes in level, steps and uneven outdoor terrain.
If you have any mobility concerns, please contact us before booking and we will be happy to talk through the accommodation and grounds with you.
What happens if the weather is bad?
Ruthlin was made for slow mornings, long lunches, books, cosy evenings and watching the weather move across the valley.
What happens if the river rises?
The level of the River Monnow can change following periods of heavy rain. We keep a close eye on conditions and have procedures in place should river levels become unusually high. If there is anything you need to know during your stay, we will contact you directly. Your safety always comes first.
What should we bring?
Bring suitable clothes for the season and comfortable shoes for exploring. You may as well chuck the wellies in because it has been known to rain in Wales.
Can we bring food with us?
Of course. Ruthlin is fully self-catering so you are very welcome to bring whatever you would like for your stay.
We provide a selection of larder essentials.