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Chepstow Castle

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About

Chepstow Castle is a must-visit as the oldest post-Roman stone castle in the UK (with the oldest castle doors in Europe!). It is a beautifully preserved masterpiece of medieval engineering, perched high above the Wye Valley like a history lesson in stone.

There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners. For more than six centuries Chepstow Castle was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages.

Building was started in 1067 by Earl William fitz Osbern, close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War.

Magnates and power-brokers were constantly on the move. Chepstow was just one residence in their vast estates – an impressive shell into which they would bring their gold and silver vessels, rich silk and brightly painted furniture.

Nowadays Chepstow Castle is managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government, and has many fantastic events throughout the year, from re-enactments and falconry displays, to live music and theatre.

Book Tickets

Guide Prices

Member - Free

Adult - £8.70
Senior - £8.10
Juniors / Students - £6.10
Family - £28.20

All children under 5 receive free entry

Events

25th Mar 2024 - 1st Apr 2024

CodebreakerEaster CodebreakerBecome an Easter Codebreaker and help the Lord of Chepstow Castle find the combination code for his Easter Egg safe.
more info

6th Apr 2024 - 7th Apr 2024

DoctorLet’s Discover…Medieval MedicineCome along and meet Chepstow Castle’s medieval doctor - who will be curing all for the day!
more info

13th Apr 2024 - 13th Apr 2024

ExploringWildlife at Chepstow CastleJoin Gwent Wildlife Trust for a day of fun wildlife activities at Chepstow Castle.
more info

20th Apr 2024 - 21st Apr 2024

6th July 2024 - 7th July 2024

FalconMedieval Falconry at Chepstow CastleGet up close and personal with a variety of birds of prey this weekend at Chepstow Castle!
more info

4th May 2024 - 6th May 2024

ArcheryMedieval Mayhem with BowloreExperience the sights and sounds of medieval life this bank holiday weekend, as historical re-enactment group Bowlore takes over Chepstow Castle!
more info

18th May 2024 - 19th May 2024

MusicMinstrel Songs and TalesGet into the medieval spirit and enjoy a weekend of troubadours and music at Chepstow Castle.
more info

25th May 2024 - 26th May 2024

CraftsSand Art: Medieval ShieldsCreate your own medieval shield using sand at Chepstow Castle​​​​​​​.
more info

1st June 2024 - 2nd June 2024

CraftsCrown Making at Chepstow CastleDecorate your own crown to take home and become the King or Queen of Chepstow Castle.
more info

8th June 2024 - 9th June 2024

Medieval FoodLet’s Discover ... Medieval FoodDiscover what the medieval residents of Chepstow castle would have eaten, especially around feast days.
more info

22nd June 2024 - 23rd June 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover…Whose Poo?Visit Chepstow Castle and learn about the dietary habits of the people who lived and worked in the castle, plus dissect a fake poo!
more info

13th July 2024 - 13th July 2024

MusicMedieval Music DayHead to Chepstow Castle and listen to medieval music, played on the authetic instruments.
more info

20th July 2024 - 21st July 2024

Jester SchoolJuggling Jim's Jester SchoolVisit Chepstow Castle this weekend and see if you have what it takes to be a medieval jester!
more info

24th July 2024 - 24th July 2024

31st July 2024 - 31st July 2024

7th Aug 2024 - 7th Aug 2024

14th Aug 2024 - 14th Aug 2024

21st Aug 2024 - 21st Aug 2024

28th Aug 2024 - 28th Aug 2024

Arts & CraftsMake and Take at Chepstow CastleGet crafty at Chepstow Castle during the summer holidays!
more info

27th July 2024 - 27th July 2024

Duke's Theatre As You Like ItAs You Like It at Chepstow CastleEnjoy live outdoor theatre at Chepstow Castle with the Duke Theatre Company's performance of As You Like It.
more info

27th July 2024 - 28th July 2024

MusicSteps back in TimePut on your dancing shoes and visit Chepstow Castle this weekend, as we learn about the evolution of dance, from the medieval farandole to the French court dances of the 17th century.
more info

30th July 2024 - 30th July 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover ...WillowLearn all about the ancient craft of willow weaving at Chepstow Castle.
more info

3rd Aug 2024 - 4th Aug 2024

Chepstow CastleChepstow Under Siege 1645Civil War living history encampment at Chepstow Castle. Try on armour, handle weapons and take part in drills.
more info

6th Aug 2024 - 6th Aug 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover ...Medieval GamesDiscover and play medieval board and dice games at Chepstow Castle. 
more info

8th Aug 2024 - 26th Aug 2024

Castell RocCastell Roc Music FestivalCastell Roc is an annual festival held within Chepstow Castle. Enjoy 12 different performances over 18 days in August.
more info

13th Aug 2024 - 13th Aug 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover…Chain MailVisit Chepstow Castle and have a go at making a patch of maille (chain mail) to take home with you.
more info

20th Aug 2024 - 20th Aug 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover…The Printed WordLearn all about how to set type and print the old fashioned way with printer Francesca Kay.
more info

23rd Aug 2024 - 23rd Aug 2024

Chepstow CastleLet’s Discover… Medieval WeaponsCome and be entertained by our resident knight, and get a close-up look at medieval weaponry! 
more info

27th Aug 2024 - 27th Aug 2024

Medieval HerbsLet’s Discover… Herbs and HeritageLearn all about herbs and their uses during the Middle Ages with resident expert Mistress Elizabeth.
more info

Related

Tintern AbbeyTintern Abbey (Cadw), TinternCistercian abbey, founded in 1131 in the beautiful Wye valley village of Tintern. Remarkably complete abbey church rebuilt in the later thirteenth and early fourteenth centuries, with extensive remains of cloister and associated monastic buildings.

Raglan CastleRaglan Castle (Cadw), RaglanRaglan Castle is an impressive fifteenth-century castle built by Sir William ap Thomas and his son William Herbert, remodelled by William Somerset, third earl of Worcester, 1549-89. Finest late Medieval fortress in Britain. On-site exhibitions.

Chepstow CastleGroup Visits at Chepstow Castle, ChepstowChepstow Castle has a great deal to offer groups of all sizes.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Disabled access
  • Disabled toilets
  • Facilities for hearing impaired

Catering

  • Picnic site

Children

  • Children welcome

Property Facilities

  • Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
  • Gift shop
  • Public toilets
  • Smoking not allowed

Site Features

  • Regional Tourist Board Member

Target Markets

  • Accepts groups

Map & Directions

Road Directions

M4 Eastbound Junction 23 or Westbound Junction 21 and take the M48; at Junction 2 take the A466 & A48 for Chepstow.Accessible by Public Transport: Chepstow station is 1 mile away.

Chepstow Castle (Cadw)

Type:Castle

Chepstow Castle, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 5EY
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Call direct on:

Tel03000 252239

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)

* Daily 9.30am–5pm

What's Nearby

  1. Chepstow Museum reveals the rich and varied past of this ancient town, once an important…

    0.12 miles away
  2. St Mary's Priory has been a centre for prayer and worship for over 950 years. St Mary's…

    0.2 miles away
  3. Chepstow Bridge is the World's largest iron arch road bridge from the first 50 years…

    0.21 miles away
  4. Chepstow Racecourse has it all - beautiful countryside, a friendly charming atmosphere,…

    0.72 miles away
  1. Piercefield woods are the gateway to the Lower Wye Valley, stretching for over 3km along…

    0.94 miles away
  2. Woodland in Thornwell on the southeast edge of Chepstow. With dramatic views on top of…

    1.26 miles away
  3. Medieval parish church of potential ninth century Celtic origin, named after the 9th…

    1.83 miles away
  4. Anthony and Sarah Clay are thrilled to welcome garden visitors.

    Wyndcliffe Court House…

    2.05 miles away
  5. Wyndcliff Wood is a superb example of a lower Wye Valley gorge woodland with ancient…

    2.13 miles away
  6. A modern house built on the site of a former sawmills for the Itton Court Estate. Garden…

    3.46 miles away
  7. The ruins of St. Mary's Church are on the hill above the former Abbey Hotel and…

    3.64 miles away
  8. Located deep in the heart of Monmouthshire, Veddw House Garden has been created through…

    3.71 miles away
  9. Cistercian abbey, founded in 1131 in the beautiful Wye valley village of Tintern.…

    3.71 miles away
  10. Set amidst breathtaking scenery and situated on the banks of the River Wye in the…

    3.8 miles away
  11. Built in 1876 to provide a rail link to the Lower Wireworks site, the Wireworks Bridge is…

    3.85 miles away
  12. Black Rock Picnic Site is a picturesque picnic site on the banks of the river Severn…

    3.95 miles away
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