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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.

More about Chepstow Castle


Opening times

Daily 9.30am–5pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

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
£8.70
Family*
£28.20
Disabled person and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students
£6.10
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£8.10

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry

Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online)


Facilities

Access guide icon Bikes access icon Pay and Display car park icon Dogs welcome icon Gift shop icon Audio tour icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Portable hearing icon Venue hire icon School visits icon Guidebook icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Chepstow Castle — Access Guide

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 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 detailing the history of the site.

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

Road
From Cardiff M4, J23, M48 J2, A466. From London M4, J21 & M48.
Rail
Chepstow 1km/0.6mls Cardiff-Gloucester-Birmingham line.
Bike
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

Address
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.