Chepstow
Cas-gwent
The oldest stone castle in Britain, at the mouth of the Wye.
Photo: Michael Garlick / CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Chepstow guards the mouth of the Wye where it meets the Severn, and its castle — begun in 1067 — is the oldest surviving stone fortification in Britain. It is the southern gateway to the valley, minutes from the old Severn Bridge and the closest Welsh town to Bristol.
Staying near Chepstow
The most accessible Wye Valley base from England, with the castle, racecourse and town on hand and the gorge opening out to the north. Good for a short break with minimal driving.
What's here
Chepstow Castle and the town walls; the racecourse; the start of the Wye Valley Walk and Offa's Dyke Path north to Tintern; and the tidal Severn views from the old bridge.
When to visit
Year-round; autumn for the valley, and race days bring crowds. Very close to Bristol and the M4/M48.
See what's available in Chepstow
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Common questions
Is Chepstow Castle the oldest in Britain?
Chepstow Castle is generally regarded as the oldest surviving stone-built castle in Britain, with construction beginning in 1067, soon after the Norman Conquest. It stands dramatically on cliffs above the River Wye and is open to visitors.
How close is Chepstow to Bristol?
Very close — Chepstow sits just over the Severn from England, roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Bristol via the M48 Severn Bridge. That makes it the most easily reached part of the Wye Valley for visitors coming from the West Country and the M4 corridor.