Chepstow Hotels
Mini guide to Chepstow
Nestled in the magnificent Wye Valley in the easternmost Welsh county of Monmouthshire,
Chepstow proudly asserts its claim as the premier 'gateway to Wales.' The town
is filled with important historic architecture and is an excellent base for
exploring the heritage and scenic splendour of southeast Wales.
Chepstow's spectacular castle is the town's main attraction, dating from the
11th century. Strategically located in the heart of the old town centre, the
castle was Britain's first stone fortress, underlying the importance the town
played in guarding the route between England and Wales. The fortress consists
of three main enclosures; the Lower, Middle and Upper Wards. The Lower Ward
is the largest of the three enclosures and contains the Great Hall, housing
an extensive exhibition on the history of the castle. Twelfth-century defences
separate the Lower Ward from the Middle Ward, which is dominated by the still
imposing ruins of the Great Tower. Beyond this is the far narrower Upper Ward,
which leads up to the Barbican watchtower from where there are superb views
looking down the cliff to the river estuary.
Surrounding the castle is a distinct medieval street plan hemmed in by the
13th century Port Wall, which encases a tight loop of the River Wye. Opposite
the castle is the Chepstow Museum, which features a wide range of exhibits dedicated
to the impressive history of the town and Wye River.
The town has a wide variety of accommodation, a few quality restaurants and
an excellent selection of lively pubs. Many of the more upmarket facilities
are located on the picturesque banks of the river.
Heading 6 miles north along the River Wye you will discover the inspirational
ruins of the Cistercian Tintern Abbey, while just another 10 miles upstream
lies the charming ancient town of Monmouth. The upper Wye Valley is filled with
tranquil woodlands and lovely hills that offer great opportunities for outdoor
recreation. West of Chepstow lies Newport and the remains of an extensive Roman
settlement at Caerleon. Further west are the world-famous Valleys, the revitalized
seaport cities of Cardiff and Swansea, and the magical beauty of the Glamorgan,
Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire coasts.
Unlike the rest of Wales, transport connections in the south are fast and frequent,
making this region by far the easiest Welsh stop for those on a limited itinerary.
The M4 Motorway provides quick access to either Cardiff or London. Chepstow's
train station is 5 minutes walk to the south of the High Street and has regular
connections to Cardiff and London. The bus station is behind the shops on the
other side of the western Town Gate, catering to both local and long-distance
destinations.
http://www.monmouthshire.gov.uk
Selection of hotels in this region:
Marriott St Pierre Hotel & Country Club Golf Package | | Marriott St. Pierre Hotel & Country Club | |
Click below for a
full list of hotels and online booking
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