Chepstow Castle
Overview
The stones of this magnificent clifftop fortress trace 900 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.
How to visit
• purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
• view our opening times and prices below
• check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.
Chepstow Castle Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
Daily 9.30am–5pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
*Please note; the castle will be open from 10am on Monday 15 April 2024
Daily 9.30am–6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 9.30am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£9.50
|
| Family* |
£30.40
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£6.70
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£8.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£10.00
|
| Family* |
£31.90
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students |
£7.00
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.20
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£9.50
|
| Family* |
£30.40
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£6.70
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£8.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.
There is a charging public car park 100 yards below the castle entrance with 4 accessible parking spaces and dedicated coach parking.
Check parking charges here.
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Audio guide available to purchase on arrival in the visitor centre. Free for Cadw members.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
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, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Directions
From Cardiff M4, J23, M48 J2, A466. From London M4, J21 & M48.
Chepstow 1km/0.6mls Cardiff-Gloucester-Birmingham line.
NCN Route No.42 On route.
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 03000 252239
Email
ChepstowCastle@gov.wales
Chepstow Castle
Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01291 624065
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01291 624065
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
