Chepstow Tourist Information Castle Racecourse Wye

Chepstow Castle & Chepstow Races

Chepstow is actually derived from the two old English words which actually mean 'market town' - 'Chepe' and 'Stowe', and it's been both an important port and market centre in the Wye Valley. Located on the edge of the mouth of the River Severn you'd hardly be surprised to discover that Chepstow's long history revolved around industries such as shipbuilding and salmon fishing. As a location for tourism, Chepstow certainly benefitted off the back of the Georgian tourism boom of the 18th century (too dangerous during that period to travel through Europe with the French Revolution).

Chepstow Castle, a strategically placed sprawling grey stone castle perched on the river edge dates from the Norman period. Castle exhibits are excellent here (see Chepstow Castle/Wales Castles weblinks right for details). Chepstow Castle is one of the most dramatic castles in Wales, it sits right on the edge of the Severn! Building work began on it in 1069, and it's imposing style hints at the Norman intent to emphasise their conquest and to keep the Welsh under control. Note the Great Hall and Marten's Tower. Parking for visitors to Chepstow Castle is available just off Bridge Street below the Castle. Chepstow Castle was besieged during the Civil War and has been used as a prison during various period. See the exhibits on-site for more information.

Interesting historic features in Chepstow include it's old town walls and back streets, note the 15th century gatehouse. Take the Chepstow town trail, or other trails in and around this Wye Valley market town (trail weblink right). Admission is free to the superb little local history focussed Chepstow Museum on Bridge Street (tel: 01291 625981). When the Chepstow Museum was built in 1796 it started life as an Apothecary, and later during the First World War it was a hospital. Excellent on social history, you often get the stories of ordinary folk through the years at smaller museums like Chepstow - well worth a look, the museum reflects on the importance of bridges to the town and more. Checkout the excellent Farmers' Market held in Chepstow on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at Cormeilles Square and Chepstow Senior Citizens Centre.

Chepstow Tourist Information, Bridge Street, Chepstow. Tel: 01291 623772. Open daily April to October 10am to 5.30pm, and from November to March 10am to 3.30pm.

• Chepstow Hotels
• Chepstow Accommodation
• Chepstow B&B

Chepstow Racecourse

Typical of the attractive market towns, a mix of English and Welsh, across the Wye Valley, Chepstow is Wales' capital of horse racing. Chepstow Race first opened in 1926, an in 1948 it became the home of the Welsh Gran National after the closure of nearby Caerleon. Today this prestigious Welsh racecourse hosts a mix of Jump and Flat race meets throughout the year (see Chepstow Racecourse weblink right for details). Tickets prices are very reasonable (more so that football these days), and car parking is on-site and free. There's also a choice of restaurants and bars to suit all budgets. Buy tickets online via the Chepstow Racecourse website!

Chepstow Racecourse, Chepstow, Monmouthshire, NP16 6BE. Tel. 01291 622260.

• Accommodation in Chepstow
• Chepstow Bed and Breakfast

Chepstow Festival & the River Severn Ferry

Best to book your accommodation in Chepstow well in advance if you're planning to come in July to hook in with the Chepstow Arts and Community Festival! (see Chepstow Festival Website right).

A seriously good festival in a superb historic market town location, Chepstow's Festival includes a mix of arts, music, community events, drama and comedy spread across numerous venues including Chepstow Castle where theatre events are held. Historic guided walks around the town are also offered, as well as craft markets and art exhibitions usually with work by local artists. Check the Festival website right for details.

• Chepstow Accommodation
• Hotels in Chepstow
• Chepstow B&B