Chepstow Castle
Monmouthshire, Wales
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Andy Dingley, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Andy Dingley, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Cadw Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Chepstow, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Britain's oldest surviving post-Roman stone castle, above the Wye
Pinpoint
Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1st March - 30th June | 9.30am-5pm |
| 1st July - 31st August | 9.30am-6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | 9.30am-5pm |
| 1st November - 28th February | 10am-4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
The oldest datable stone castle in Britain, begun within a year of the Norman conquest and expanded over five centuries on a limestone ridge above the River Wye. The scale surprises people - reviewers regularly say the grounds are bigger than expected - and the audio tour included with tickets is well liked for filling in the history as you go.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Great Tower, among the earliest stretches of Norman stonework anywhere in Britain - reviewers call it out as remarkable for surviving in any form this long.
Before you go
The audio tour is free with admission and worth taking; the stone steps get slippery when wet, and there's a buggy-friendly path if that's a concern, with parking right at the castle.
What visitors say
Chepstow Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 4,340 Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise Chepstow Castle for its size and the number of features packed in, with the audio tour and information panels helping bring the history to life, and the river and town views getting repeated mentions.
A couple of reviewers note some of the internal stairs are very steep and can be slippery when wet, but this doesn't stop it being recommended as a worthwhile, well-preserved visit.
“Parking right at the castle. Smooth buggy friendly path. A few step stairs to view inside castle towers. Great views from the castle walls. Quaint little town for shopping or lunch”- Paul Osborne, visitor review
Within reach of Bristol (14 miles), Cardiff (24 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what Cadw says
Moderate terrain difficulty noted. Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels.
Taken from Cadw’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
William fitz Osbern · 1067
William fitz Osbern, a Norman lord favoured by the Conqueror, began Chepstow in 1067 as one of England's first Welsh strongholds. It evolved over six centuries under successive magnates who modified it to counter new military technology.
Drawn from Cadw's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking right at the castle.” - Paul Osborne
- How long to allow
- “We spent about 1 hour and 30 minutes in the castle looking around and it was very entertaining!!!” - TurnerHoffmann
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Just fyi when wet theres a few slippery surfaces especially castle steps, definitely worth the visit, we enjoyed even in the rain.” - K
Common questions about Chepstow Castle
Where is Chepstow Castle?
Chepstow Castle is in Monmouthshire, Wales, at Bridge St, Chepstow NP16 5EY.
Do you need a ticket to visit Chepstow Castle?
Yes - Chepstow Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Cadw. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Chepstow Castle?
The Great Tower, among the earliest stretches of Norman stonework anywhere in Britain - reviewers call it out as remarkable for surviving in any form this long.
Is Chepstow Castle a ruin or still intact?
Chepstow Castle is a partial ruin - Britain's oldest surviving post-Roman stone castle, above the Wye.
