Chepstow and surrounding areas
CHEPSTOW makes a great centre for exploration. Within a short driving distance of the town, at the lower reaches of the picturesque Wye Valley, you can find the world famous Tintern Abbey. Here you can visit the majestic ruins of an architectural masterpiece; founded in 1131 but later subject to King Henry VIII’s English Reformation. Whilst in Tintern, why not visit the Silver Circle Distillery (craft spirits), Parva Vineyard and Kingsmead Brewery for tastings, or stop at the Old Station railway museum, for tea and cake and where you can walk, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. A little further on are the pretty villages of Brockweir, Llandogo and Redbrook before you arrive at Monmouth, with its iconic Monnow Bridge and the castle that was the birthplace of Henry V.
Towards the city of Newport are many places of interest, including medieval Caldicot Castle and the Roman town of Venta Silurum at Caerwent, where you will find well preserved ruins. Travel a bit further and you will find the remains of Roman baths and an amphitheatre at Caerleon, alongside the National Roman Legion Museum. Off the beaten track are picturesque hamlets and the species-rich wetlands and mudflats of the Gwent Levels. On the edge of Newport is the International Convention Centre (ICC), hosting events and exhibitions and the Celtic Manor with its leisure and golf facilities. It was home to the Ryder Cup in 2010.
Newport is the home of top-flight rugby with Gwent Dragons and has one of only ten operating transporter bridges worldwide. Here you can visit the Medieval Ship Project, a fifteenth century merchant vessel unearthed in the heart of Newport in 2002.
To the east of Chepstow, the road runs along the Severn Estuary to the once-busy harbour town of Lydney, or you can branch off into the magical Royal Forest of Dean and discover ancient iron workings, a king’s hunting lodge and maybe catch sight of a deer or wild boar. Here you can also take a trip on a steam train at the award-winning Dean Forest Railway.
For those who like the bright lights of the city, Chepstow makes a great base to visit Cardiff, the capital of Wales. Bristol and Bath are also within easy reach across the Severn Bridge into England.
