Chepstow Castle
Visitor Notice
On Thursday 6 November, the castle will open at the slightly later time of 11.30am.
Thank you.
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
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st March - 30th June | 9.30am–5pm |
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| 1st July - 31st August | 9.30am–6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | 9.30am–5pm |
| 1st November - 28th February | 10am–4pm |
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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 | X (Twitter) @cadwwales |
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Prices
| Category | Price | |
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| Members - Join now |
Free
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| Adult |
£10.00
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| Family* |
£32.00
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| Disabled person and companion |
Free
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| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£7.00
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| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.00
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Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *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 individual admission (not available online). |
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Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bikes access
Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.
Pay and Display car park
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 welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 3 — Moderate
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Audio tour
Audio guide available to purchase on arrival in the visitor centre. Free for Cadw members.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Wi-Fi
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
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!
Health & Safety
The car park closest to the castle is a charging public car park 100 yards below the castle entrance with 4 accessible parking spaces and dedicated coach parking, be aware of moving vehicles.
The monument is situated on a raised riverbank and therefore the main path comprises of a steep slope.
There are several steps leading to internal upper areas within the monument and towards wall walks outside.
You may find some roosting gulls when in season, it is wise to keep your distance as they are protective over their eggs/young.
Be mindful that some birds have found their way inside the monument and may fly around looking for an exit; please be mindful upon spiral staircases.
The wall walk towards the very rear of the site is particularly high, narrow and comprises of a dead end, give other visitors space when turning around.
Areas inside the monument may be dark within certain weather conditions and slippery when wet.
Some historic steps are uneven and there may be variations on step height. Care and attention must be given when navigating through the towers and giving space to others approaching.
There are some areas that have been protected with guardrails for your safety, please keep to the designated paths and do not climb over any protective barriers.
As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.
Climbing may result in serious injury.
There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.
Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.
Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety
Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Falls from height
Falling masonry
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Steep and uneven steps
Nesting birds
Low light
Directions
Address
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.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email ChepstowCastle@gov.wales
Postcode NP16 5EY
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For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
