Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Castle
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
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. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for unexpected closures, opening times, events, and site facilities.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Top ways to experience Chepstow Castle and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
65 within 5 kms
Attractions
42 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- BillyF83 contributionsWhat a gemReally enjoyed our trip which was made extra special by the wonderful audio tour. The castle has a beautiful ambience and the history is really brought to life through the tour. Excellent value for money. Highly recommend and will definitely return.Visited September 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- Andy C56 contributionsGreat historic castle, not fully accessible if not fully mobileBrilliant castle with large amounts still accessible. The audio guides are very clear with signage for kids around the site. No toilets onsite however there are some at the carpark below the castle. Small gift shop onsite. Some tricky original stairs so not suitable if not 100% on your feet. Not fully accessible due to being a listed castle limiting how this cpild be achieved and having narrow walkways and spiral staircases. Allow 2hrs?Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 November 2023
- Pedwar732Neath, United Kingdom36 contributionsGood for an hour or twoGreat activities for the children. The castle is a great building to view but the audio guide is not the best. Liked the way they have information laid out for children. Small shop with a lot to offer for its size. No toilets but there are some in the car park. The male toilets were closed but the cafe next door had the key to the disable toilet for use.Visited November 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 November 2023
- BraindamagedbaronNewark-on-Trent, United Kingdom1,503 contributionsFabulous venue and gorgeous townWent to Castell Roc Festival and couldn't rate the venue highly enough. Absolutely stunning setting in fabulous surroundings. Chepstow itself is a fabulous town and retreating to the castle for the event was a joy. Atack, Scarlet Rebels, Gun and Massive Wagons blew the non existent roof off the place. We had a ball!Visited August 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 14 March 2024
- Gareth WBarry, United Kingdom315 contributionsFantastic CastleThis is the first time I have visited this castle. It is perched on the top of a hill overlooking the River Wye. The castle is the earliest Norman Castle in Wales and seems to go on for ever. My visit was enhanced by use of the audio guide, which is free. The climb to the top of the castle is very steep though well woth it.Visited March 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 21 March 2024
- FlackadderCirencester, United Kingdom351 contributionsWorth a visit.This is a castle that is bigger than it first appears. The views of it and from it are good, possibly impressive. Unless you use the audio devices you may not get any great idea what was likely to be happening in the different halls. The price seemed quite fair.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 April 2024
- Chris T35 contributionsStunning medievel castle.This must be one of Wales best kept secrets. The oldest remaining castle in the UK and it is stunning. The sheer engineering of the castle astonishes me and you can 'feel' the history as you walk around. Built right on the cliff edge over the river, the views are amazing. You will need sound shoes as there are lots of narrow spiral stone staircases to navigate. Only suitable for people fit enough to climb them safely. also bare in mind that almost none of the castle roof are in tact, so not a trip for a rainy day. We spent a couple of hours walking around this magnificent structure. Well worth the entry fee.Visited April 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 27 April 2024
- Paul TCardiff, United Kingdom333 contributionsA great castle in a great location.An excellent day out. The castle is in a great location with lovely views over the river. It has a ton of history going back over a thousand years with lots to walk round and explore, with useful information boards with key facts about the castle and key people in its history.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 18 May 2024
- 5childrenandmeBradley Stoke, United Kingdom105 contributionsLovely day outFantastic step back in time, beautifully preserved castle with fun activities for children. Loved the trail, so many things to see and do We also walked through Chepstow town, and along by the river, a fab little day out!Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 28 July 2024
- Manny Minpin64 contributionsLovely viewsWe really enjoyed our visit to Chepstow castle. There was lots to see and explore. The views down to the river are beautiful. The car park was full when we arrived but we were able to park in Drill hill car park which was a quick walk (and much cheaper).Visited July 2024Travelled with familyWritten 4 August 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
1,214 reviews
Excellent
696
Very good
434
Average
74
Poor
6
Terrible
4
helenandpaul13
Worcester, UK1,684 contributions
Jan 2022
I've driven past this place many times but never had the opportunity to visit until this week. It looks impressive in the pictures so I thought there would be a lot here to see and do. However, I was disappointed.
The castle is situated in the centre of the town by the river and you access it by driving through the one way system until you reach a car park just below the castle entrance. You have to pay a couple of pounds to park and the toilets are at the car park too. My wife and I walked up the slope to the castle and paid the £5.70 entrance fee for each of us. We were also provided with a small leaflet guide with the entrance fee.
The castle is effectively a large ruin. We were able to roam around and some of the ruins were labelled to signify the great hall and some of the rooms and turrets. But other areas were not labelled at all and there was insufficient information about the castle's history to impress us. Even at a slow pace we walked round the whole place in less than an hour. The ruins at the top of the hill were closed off for development but seeing them would have only added about another ten minutes to the time.
There were no guided tours, maybe it was because it's winter and there weren't many there, but overall I expected much more. What was once a very impressive building has little going for it and having visited many Welsh castles in the past, this was something of a real let down.
In summary, if you are preparing to visit the castle, you won't need a day to fit everything in. Even sat a snail's pace, you can see everything in lets than two hours; and that's if everything's open. The ruins could do with better labelling and the use of guided tour would benefit any visitors, especially in the summer months.
The castle is situated in the centre of the town by the river and you access it by driving through the one way system until you reach a car park just below the castle entrance. You have to pay a couple of pounds to park and the toilets are at the car park too. My wife and I walked up the slope to the castle and paid the £5.70 entrance fee for each of us. We were also provided with a small leaflet guide with the entrance fee.
The castle is effectively a large ruin. We were able to roam around and some of the ruins were labelled to signify the great hall and some of the rooms and turrets. But other areas were not labelled at all and there was insufficient information about the castle's history to impress us. Even at a slow pace we walked round the whole place in less than an hour. The ruins at the top of the hill were closed off for development but seeing them would have only added about another ten minutes to the time.
There were no guided tours, maybe it was because it's winter and there weren't many there, but overall I expected much more. What was once a very impressive building has little going for it and having visited many Welsh castles in the past, this was something of a real let down.
In summary, if you are preparing to visit the castle, you won't need a day to fit everything in. Even sat a snail's pace, you can see everything in lets than two hours; and that's if everything's open. The ruins could do with better labelling and the use of guided tour would benefit any visitors, especially in the summer months.
Written 27 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Iweinvanaalst
Lille, Belgium599 contributions
Sept 2022
The great tower of Chepstow castle is erected by William Fitzosbern around 1071.
From 1190 onward William Marshall builds the gatehouse, the curtain wall with its towers and the Marshall tower. Between 1219 and 1245 his sons remodel the great tower and ad the upper barbican.
Between 1271 and 1304 Roger Bigod erects a new suite of private apartments on the cliff side of the lower court. Martin’s tower is constructed as an accommodation for royal guests. The great tower is once again remodeled and completed by a gallery.
In 1660 Charles II has the curtain wall of middle and upper bailey lowered and thickened. The curtain wall of the lower bailey is rebuilt. Several towers are filled in with earth. Cannon platforms are constructed atop the gatehouse and the corner tower of the middle bailey.
In 1685 the garrison is disbanded and parts of the castle are demolished.
*
Visitors can discover Chepstow castle with the help of a highly recommended guided tour by enthusiastic and knowledgeable re-enactor Neil, lasting about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Scale models illustrating the various stages of development of the stronghold are on display in the lower court. Information panels with excellent reconstruction drawings are located throughout the fortress.
An outstanding guidebook can be purchased at the ticket office.
*
The great tower of Chepstow castle is reputedly the first norman built structure of its kind in Britain. The stronghold also houses the oldest castle doors in the country.
The apartments of Roger Bigod with their ingenious layout have been remarkably well preserved. They boast interesting details such as a service hatch in the kitchen, latrines for the staff and a small private garden.
Martin’s tower impresses with its private chapel and its portcullises, allowing the tower to be isolated from the rest of the fortress.
The great tower still inspires awe with elaborate thirteenth century windows and traces of painted decoration.
The defenses of Chepstow castle are well preserved, especially the upper barbican. The curtain wall can be scaled.
From 1190 onward William Marshall builds the gatehouse, the curtain wall with its towers and the Marshall tower. Between 1219 and 1245 his sons remodel the great tower and ad the upper barbican.
Between 1271 and 1304 Roger Bigod erects a new suite of private apartments on the cliff side of the lower court. Martin’s tower is constructed as an accommodation for royal guests. The great tower is once again remodeled and completed by a gallery.
In 1660 Charles II has the curtain wall of middle and upper bailey lowered and thickened. The curtain wall of the lower bailey is rebuilt. Several towers are filled in with earth. Cannon platforms are constructed atop the gatehouse and the corner tower of the middle bailey.
In 1685 the garrison is disbanded and parts of the castle are demolished.
*
Visitors can discover Chepstow castle with the help of a highly recommended guided tour by enthusiastic and knowledgeable re-enactor Neil, lasting about one hour and fifteen minutes.
Scale models illustrating the various stages of development of the stronghold are on display in the lower court. Information panels with excellent reconstruction drawings are located throughout the fortress.
An outstanding guidebook can be purchased at the ticket office.
*
The great tower of Chepstow castle is reputedly the first norman built structure of its kind in Britain. The stronghold also houses the oldest castle doors in the country.
The apartments of Roger Bigod with their ingenious layout have been remarkably well preserved. They boast interesting details such as a service hatch in the kitchen, latrines for the staff and a small private garden.
Martin’s tower impresses with its private chapel and its portcullises, allowing the tower to be isolated from the rest of the fortress.
The great tower still inspires awe with elaborate thirteenth century windows and traces of painted decoration.
The defenses of Chepstow castle are well preserved, especially the upper barbican. The curtain wall can be scaled.
Written 9 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MarcusHurley
Calne, UK10,790 contributions
June 2021
We have visited Chepstow many times before but this time we didn't have the kids so we could look around at our own pace. It is a large castle but very well laid out for visits with lots of information boards describing the different areas. I'd recommend a quick walk around the land walls, taking the path to your left as you walk towards the castle from the car park - it only takes 10 minutes but gives a good idea of the castles defences. There are some great features to see - remains of ornate rooms, cliffside defensive walls and old castle gates.
Written 26 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CarolineP
32 contributions
Aug 2020
A wonderfully restored castle that is well worth a visit. The castle retains much of its magnificent structure and there is plenty to explore. There is a lot of special medieval architecture and design to see (which I won't spoil) making it an amazing place to visit.
The views from the castle over the river Wye are beautiful and there are plenty of walks around the castle and just beyond if you want to extend your visit.
There is a carpark just in front of the castle - include spaces for electric vehicles as there are chargers in the car park. There are public toilets next to the car park as well as the Tourist Information Office if you are looking for assistance.
The staff at the castle are all very helpful. We visited during the Covid 19 pandemic when pre booking is essential and there were plenty of hand sanitising stations throughout the castle and one way entry and exits where necessary.
A lovely day out.
The views from the castle over the river Wye are beautiful and there are plenty of walks around the castle and just beyond if you want to extend your visit.
There is a carpark just in front of the castle - include spaces for electric vehicles as there are chargers in the car park. There are public toilets next to the car park as well as the Tourist Information Office if you are looking for assistance.
The staff at the castle are all very helpful. We visited during the Covid 19 pandemic when pre booking is essential and there were plenty of hand sanitising stations throughout the castle and one way entry and exits where necessary.
A lovely day out.
Written 26 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
Oxford, UK47 contributions
Sept 2021 • Couples
Enjoyed our visit. Unfortunately part of the castle was not accessible due to on going repair work. This was more than compensated for by a live demonstration of medieval weapons - note to Castle management, make sure you ask the reenactment groip back, they were excellent!
Written 14 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelling Pixie
Adelaide, Australia1,002 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Weather was terrible so we got soaked and raced around pretty quick (thankfully given a reduced rate due to the weather and early closure). Castle has some great spots however not much information or boards were hard to read. Being in Wales we were hoping for some dragons to engage the kids but nothing there. Was a good stop on our road trip but only need an hour or two,
Written 11 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
EuroHampshire
Southampton, UK147 contributions
May 2021
Chepstow Castle is amazing! Although ruined, it is far more complete than other ruined medieval castles I have visited in the past. Due to Covid restrictions, my wife and I had prebooked and, on arrival, the entry process was very quick and efficient aided by extremely friendly staff. Our preordered guide book was also waiting for us to college. Although we spent about three hours at the castle, I could personally have spent the entire day within the castle walls soaking up the atmosphere as well as the views over the nearby River Wye. The oldest castle doors in Europe were particularly interesting, although these are now on display in another part of the castle. I cannot say enough about how fantastic Chepstow Castle is and to walk in the footsteps of my direct ancestor, William Marshal, who lived at the castle in the 1190s is an experience I hope to repeat in the not too distant future.
Written 6 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lukius-Maximus
Cherhill, UK79 contributions
June 2021 • Family
Visited during the restoration works so a fair chunk of the attraction closed, however reduced entry prices.
Very beautiful castle with gorgeous views. Was quiet so the kids loved running around and exploring.
Loads of history and the signs are informative. Have visited before and will visit again. Well worth the trip over the bridge.
Very beautiful castle with gorgeous views. Was quiet so the kids loved running around and exploring.
Loads of history and the signs are informative. Have visited before and will visit again. Well worth the trip over the bridge.
Written 16 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chrissieb94
Dorset, UK3,192 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Part of Chepstow Castle was closed for repairs when we visited so the price was reduced. However, we still enjoyed our visit with amazing views over the town, River Wye and even the Severn Bridge! The original 800 year old doors were incredible. There was lots to see, with models showing various stages of the castle’s construction. Thoroughly enjoyed our visit!
Written 12 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
peterggreen2018
46 contributions
Jan 2020
Its all to easy when drining into Wales on the M4 or M48 to keep on driving and miss visiting Chepstow. Its a nice little town with lots to do, but the main attraction has to be the Castle. To anybody living in the south of England (the London area) its the nearest proper castle in Wales. The entrance fee in good and theres lots to see, the castle covers over 800 years of history.
Theres a small gift shop but sadly no cafe in the castle but there is a visitors centre and the town is only a few minuits walk. Parking is charged for.
On the down side some of the stairways are uneven and dark. I would say that a torch is a must, and do buy a guide book, there are far to few notices giving you info about what is what and where youare in the castle.
So the question is? would I go again? Yes, I'm planning to go back in the summer.
Theres a small gift shop but sadly no cafe in the castle but there is a visitors centre and the town is only a few minuits walk. Parking is charged for.
On the down side some of the stairways are uneven and dark. I would say that a torch is a must, and do buy a guide book, there are far to few notices giving you info about what is what and where youare in the castle.
So the question is? would I go again? Yes, I'm planning to go back in the summer.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the walnut tree still alive
Written 17 October 2019
Are dogs allowed here please? Not too clear on website
Written 11 August 2017
Yes, dogs are allowed on a lead.
Written 28 August 2017
Good Afternoon, Please can you tell me if there are places to have a picnic? Also is there ample parking?
Thanking you in anticipation for your help.
Written 16 June 2017
A Tripadvisor member
1 contribution
We parked in the town and walked. The castle is surrounded by grass but I woudn't recommend picnicing there .
Written 1 July 2017
Opening times 19th april &ticket prices
Written 18 April 2017
We open at 9:30am, last admission is 4:30pm for a 5:00pm close. Prices are £6.50 for adults, £4.20 for over 60s, students, and children 5-15, £19.30 for a family ticket of up to 2 adults and 3 children. Children under 5 are free.
Written 18 April 2017
Opening times19th april & ticket prices
Written 18 April 2017
Not worth answering that question really is it? You could just of easily spent 30 seconds checking the info on the Chepstow Castle website rather than wasting your time and anyone elses on here. Der!
Written 6 May 2017
Good afternoon JonoJonesy, before I start I feel slightly miffed that I missed Bad Manners as they are one of my favourite bands from the 80's. (We also missed Goldie looking chain last night Grrrrr....)
I'm going there tonight to see Bellowhead and was wondering if you could give us any tips or tricks? (where best to stand etc plus the price of a pint and so forth).
Many thanks
Written 27 August 2015
Hi. Myself and my daughters are coming to the castle for the Blue concert on the bank holiday weekend and I'm wondering what the seating arrangements will be? Can you please tell me if there is any seating organised or whether we need to bring our own or picnic blankets? Also can we bring our own food on site please,
Many thanks in advance for any help you can be
Written 18 August 2015
Hi there, Chepstow castle is just the venue for the concert so it would be best to contact the event organisers, Hannah's music. Their number is 01291 627122. They will be able to provide you with full details about seating and refreshment arrangements. I hope this helps.
Written 18 August 2015
Hi
we are attending the Bellowhead concert at the castle next week and hope to travel on with our campervan the next day to South Wales.
A couple of questions
Is there somewhere safe near he castle to park our campervan?
We see that the castle is dog friendly - would we be able to bring our dog into the concert keeping him on his lead and sitting near the back?
Would appreciate your reply on these matters
Deb Bate
Written 17 August 2015
The concerts at Chepstow castle are not run by Cadw, the venue is hired out by the event organisers, Hannah's Music, you would have to contact them directly to see if you can bring a dog in. Their number is 01291 627122. There are several car parks in Chepstow that are maintained by the council including one directly in front of the castle but, again, you would have to check with the council to see if they allow overnight parking. They can be contacted via the tourist information centre on 01291 623772. I hope this helps.
Written 17 August 2015
I am wondering if there is a left luggage station of any sort near Chepstow castle?
Many thanks,
Stefanie
Written 27 January 2015
There is luggage storage available at the Chepstow tourist information centre in front of the castle. Please check with them about availability and opening times.
Written 27 January 2015
Showing results 1-10 of 10
Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing