Chepstow Castle

Bridge Street
Chepstow
Monmouthshire
South Wales
NP16 5EY

Tel: +44 (0)1291 624 065
Fax: +44 (0)1291 624 065
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=50

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Chepstow Castle, on its rock above the swirling waters of the River Wye, stands guard over a strategic crossing point into Wales. In a land of castles, Chepstow can rightly claim special status. Started not long after the Battle of Hastings (1066) by Willian fitz Osbern, a companion of Willian the Conqueror, it was a landmark in more ways than one.

Chepstow, built to secure fitz Osbern's new territories in the Welsh borders, was amongst the first of Britain's stone-built strongholds. The mellow walled Chepstow we see today is an intriguing amalgam of different periods. Started during the infancy of castle building, it was improved throughout the centuries right up to the Civil War and beyond. As such, it is one of the few castles in Britain which traces the evolution of medieval military architecture from start to finish. At its core remains the Norman great lower.

In later centuries, towers, walls, gatehouses and barbicans were added, until the long, narrow castle occupied the entire cliff-backed ridge above the Wye. As a final complement to its strength and siting, Chepstow was adapted for cannon and musketry after two sieges in the Civil War, and continued in use until 1690. Chepstow Castle not only brings to life the way in which a castle can develop into a sophisticated fortress, but also reveals a domestic dimension through its 13th century hall and kitchen block.

General Information:
  • Parking and toilets nearby
  • Shop
  • Guide dogs only allowed



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 31st October:
    Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm.

    1st November to 31st March:
    Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.

    Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £3.60; Concession £3.20.
    Family ticket (2+ all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £10.40.

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
    Children under 5yrs Free.

    Directions
    From Cardiff M4 J23, M48 J2, A466.
    From London M4 J21 and M48.
    Show map of Chepstow Castle...

    Chepstow Castle Postcode for SatNav: NP16 5EY

    Nearby Attractions
    Chepstow Museum (< 1 Mile)*
    Chepstow Museum reveals the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important port and market centre. Wine trade, shipbuilding and salmon fishing are among Chepstow's many industries featured in displays with atmospheric settings.
    Tintern Abbey (4 Miles)*
    It's easy to understand why Tintern Abbey was one of the first places in Wales to attract Visitors. Travellers have been flocking to this riverbank in the wooded Wye Valley for hundreds of years to admire Tintern's grace and sublime beauty.
    Caldicot Castle & Country Park (4 Miles)*
    Magnificent Welsh border castle set in fifty-five acres of beautiful parkland. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    The Beaufort Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    Centrally situated within historic Chepstow, The Beaufort Hotel offers a range of single, double and family accommodation, within walking distance of Chepstow Racecourse.
    Castle View Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
    Built about 300 years ago as a private residence originally called Woodfield House, this charming hotel offers an unrivalled view of Chepstow Castle, Situated in the town of Chepstow, on the English/Welsh border by the banks of the River Wye.
    The Chepstow Hotel (1 Mile)*
    Ideally placed for Chepstow Racecourse and the M4/M48 motorways; this 3-star hotels offers quiet, uncomplicated comfort.
    more nearby hotels...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Well Cottage B&B (8 Miles)*
    Our two bedroom cottage accommodates 6 people, with one room having 3 singles and the other room having a double and a single, if required we can supply a z-bed, it is ideal for work colleagues or holiday makers.
    The White House (9 Miles)*
    A large, traditional stone-built cottage in the charming Forest of Dean village of Pillowell. Located on the edge of the forest the cottage is surrounded on 3 sides by gardens, with a pleasent outdoor dining area.
    The Dovecote (10 Miles)*
    The Dovecote is a romantic hide-away in the stunning Wye Valley. It sits on the side of a beautiful valley near the River Wye, and provides an idyllic base for some exceptional walking, cycling, fishing, canoeing.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more nearby self catering...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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