Chepstow Castle
Overview
The stones of this magnificent clifftop fortress trace 600 years of history
Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye 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 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.
These 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.
Chepstow Castle Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
9.30am – 6pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
10am – 4pm Monday - Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£7.30
|
| Family* |
£21.20
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£4.40
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. |
|
Facilities
Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.
Sloped access from public car park with 4 dedicated disabled spaces available in council car park directly in front of the castle.
Dedicated coach parking.
Sloped access from public car park with 4 dedicated disabled spaces available in council car park directly in front of the castle.
Areas of the site accessible to people with limited mobility.
Digital trails available on the Cadw app.
Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Directions
Postcode NP16 5EY
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 01291 624065
Email
[email protected]
Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY
