What is there to do in Chepstow?

Chepstow Castle, one of the oldest Norman castles in Wales, is down by the river, and the riverbank is lovely for a stroll. Nearby you can visit Tintern Abbey, Caldicot Castle and Caerwent Roman Town, or go walking in the Wye Valley and the local woods.

Is Vauxhall Cottage within walking distance of Chepstow town centre?

Yes. It is a short walk downhill to the shops, pubs, restaurants and the castle, and the riverbank is about 15 minutes away on foot.

Is there a train station in Chepstow?

Yes. Chepstow railway station is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the cottage. The ticket office is open normal office hours.

Can I get to Bristol, Cardiff or Newport without a car?

Yes. Cardiff, Newport and Gloucester are an easy train ride from Chepstow railway station, a 15 to 20-minute walk from the cottage. For Bristol you can take the train and change at Severn Tunnel Junction, or take the direct bus from the bus station, about 3 minutes on foot from the cottage. The bus station also has buses to Monmouth, and National Express coaches to London, Heathrow, Cardiff and Swansea.

Where can I get groceries nearby?

Marks and Spencer's Food Hall is a short walk down the hill, there is a Tesco near the railway station, and a good-sized Spar towards the racecourse that is open late.

Where is a good place to eat near the cottage?

The Two Rivers pub is a few minutes on foot, and the town has Italian and Indian restaurants, pubs by the river and a takeaway street at the top of town. Just beyond Chepstow, we like The Globe in Alvington and The Fountain Inn at Trellech Grange.

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Chepstow · Wye Valley · Monmouthshire

Things to do in Chepstow

You have come to the right place for a bit of history, walking and some of the most beautiful countryside in the UK. Here are our favourites, from the castle at the bottom of the hill to the Wye Valley up the road. Looking for walks? See our Wye Valley walks from Chepstow, or our family-friendly 4-day itinerary.

The lane down to Vauxhall Cottage with Chepstow town and the Severn Estuary beyond

In Chepstow

Chepstow Castle. One of the oldest Norman castles in Wales, begun in 1067 down by the river. There are plays and medieval re-enactments during the summer.
The riverbank. A lovely place to stroll, with bands on the bandstand on summer Sundays.
Tourist Information Centre. By the castle car park, open 10am to 5pm every day from June to October, and less often at other times. A good place to find out about events and exhibitions.
The town. Chain shops through the main arch by the George, with smaller independent shops and coffee shops further down the hill.

A short drive away

Tintern and the Abbey

Up the Wye Valley past the racecourse, Tintern is a must-see, with its ruined abbey set in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. There are several pubs for lunch or dinner, and a lovely little coffee shop, The Filling Station.

Caldicot Castle

A charming castle in a country park, with a playground, which makes it a good stop with small children.

Caerwent Roman Town

Once the centre of Silurian life, with impressive remains including walls still standing up to 5 metres high, excavated houses, a market place and a Romano-British temple.

The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean

Walks, woods and wonderful views, with our favourite walks from short strolls to long days out.

Active days out

In the Forest of Dean you can ride a steam train or explore Clearwell Caves. You can cycle through the Tintern Tunnel in the Wye Valley, or head for Symonds Yat.

Further afield

Monmouth, Abergavenny, Bath, Bristol, Cardiff, Gloucester and Cheltenham are all easy visits, and the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park makes a good day trip.

Guided days out

Chepstow, the Wye Valley and Monmouthshire

Chepstow ghost walk. A 90-minute guided walk through Chepstow's haunted streets after dark, with tales of hauntings and strange encounters and a chance to try EMF meters and dowsing rods. It meets on Bridge Street and is easy to reach on foot from the cottage. Bring a torch. See the ghost walk on GetYourGuide.
Distillery tour with gin tasting. A one-hour tour of the Silver Circle Distillery, home of Wye Valley Gin, at Upper Meend Farm near Monmouth. See how the gin is made, taste different products and locally foraged botanicals, and finish with a signature gin and tonic. You will need a car or taxi, and designated drivers get a gin miniature to take home. See the distillery tour on GetYourGuide.
White Castle Vineyard tour. A two-hour guided tour with the owners of White Castle Vineyard, near Abergavenny. Walk through the vines, hear how Welsh grapes are grown and turned into wine, and taste four still wines at the Cellar Door, with soft drinks available for anyone who prefers them. It is outdoors on uneven ground. You will need a car or taxi. See the vineyard tour on GetYourGuide.
Kayaking. A guided 3-mile paddle along the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal from Goytre Wharf, near Abergavenny, with woodland and mountain views. It takes about 4 hours, beginners and families are welcome, and all the equipment is provided. You will need a car to reach Goytre Wharf. See kayaking on GetYourGuide.

Cardiff and Barry Island

Cardiff is an easy, direct train from Chepstow. For trips within Wales you do not need to buy a ticket: tap in and out at the station with the same contactless debit card or phone, which is usually cheaper than buying a ticket. See the Transport for Wales Pay As You Go guide for details.

Cardiff city highlights walking tour. A two-hour guided walk through the city centre, taking in the arcades, street art, City Hall and the stadium, and ending at Cardiff Castle. It meets outside Cardiff Library. Leave the car at the cottage and take the train. See the Cardiff walking tour on GetYourGuide.
Cardiff Welsh food tour. A small-group guided food walk around Cardiff, limited to 10 people, with seven tastings of Welsh food and drink, from Welsh cakes and local cheeses to laverbread and ale. Lunch is covered, and most dietary needs can be catered for. It starts at Cardiff Castle and is not suitable for children under 12. Leave the car at the cottage and take the train. See the Cardiff food tour on GetYourGuide.
Gavin and Stacey tour. A 3.5-hour tour of the show's filming locations, with photo stops, a look inside Stacey's home and a visit to Nessa's arcade, ending on Barry Island seafront. It starts near Barry Island railway station, so you can take the train from Chepstow via Cardiff, or drive. See the Gavin and Stacey tour on GetYourGuide.

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Eating and drinking

There are fish and chips, Indian and Chinese takeaways within a few minutes' walk at the top of town, and Stone Rock for pizza, which also delivers. The Two Rivers pub, a few minutes' walk away on the main road, is good for easy family meals or breakfast.

In town, there are Italian restaurants, Indian restaurants, and The George by the town arch. Down by the river you will find The Boat, a pub serving good food. The Queen's Head on Moor Street is a micropub with an ever-changing range of real ales, and a short walk from the cottage.

Beyond Chepstow, we recommend The Globe in nearby Alvington, The Fountain Inn at Trellech Grange, and The Lion in Trellech.

Getting around

Train: Chepstow railway station is a 15 to 20-minute walk, with direct trains to Newport, Cardiff, Cheltenham and Gloucester, and connections to Bristol (change at Severn Tunnel Junction), Bath and London. The ticket office is open normal office hours. For journeys within Wales, such as Cardiff, you can tap in and out with a contactless card or phone instead of buying a ticket.
Bus and coach: about 3 minutes' walk to the station on Mounton Road, with a direct bus to Bristol, buses to Monmouth, and National Express to London, Heathrow, Cardiff and Swansea.
Shopping: Marks and Spencer's Food Hall is a short walk down the hill, Tesco is near the railway station, and there is a Spar towards the racecourse that is open late.
By road: the cottage is on the right side of town for the Severn Bridge and the M48, M4 and M5. Go up the hill and left for the motorway, or right for the racecourse and Monmouth.

Visiting Chepstow: your questions

What is there to do in Chepstow?: Chepstow Castle, one of the oldest Norman castles in Wales, is down by the river, and the riverbank is lovely for a stroll. Nearby you can visit Tintern Abbey, Caldicot Castle and Caerwent Roman Town, or go walking in the Wye Valley and the local woods.
Is Vauxhall Cottage within walking distance of Chepstow town centre?: Yes. It is a short walk downhill to the shops, pubs, restaurants and the castle, and the riverbank is about 15 minutes away on foot.
Is there a train station in Chepstow?: Yes. Chepstow railway station is a 15 to 20-minute walk from the cottage. The ticket office is open normal office hours.
Can I get to Bristol, Cardiff or Newport without a car?: Yes. Cardiff, Newport and Gloucester are an easy train ride from Chepstow railway station, a 15 to 20-minute walk from the cottage. For Bristol you can take the train and change at Severn Tunnel Junction, or take the direct bus from the bus station, about 3 minutes on foot from the cottage. The bus station also has buses to Monmouth, and National Express coaches to London, Heathrow, Cardiff and Swansea.
Where can I get groceries nearby?: Marks and Spencer's Food Hall is a short walk down the hill, there is a Tesco near the railway station, and a good-sized Spar towards the racecourse that is open late.
Where is a good place to eat near the cottage?: The Two Rivers pub is a few minutes on foot, and the town has Italian and Indian restaurants, pubs by the river and a takeaway street at the top of town. Just beyond Chepstow, we like The Globe in Alvington and The Fountain Inn at Trellech Grange.

Stay in Chepstow

Vauxhall Cottage sleeps 7 and is a short walk from the town. Book direct for our best price, with just a £100 deposit to secure your dates.

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