Chepstow

Chepstow is a town and community in Monmouthshire, Wales, located at the confluence of the River Wye and the River Severn, just inside the border with England. The Wye Valley forms a scenic corridor that links the town with the Forest of Dean to the east, and the Severn Bridge nearby carries the M48 motorway, connecting Chepstow with England.

The town’s principal landmark is Chepstow Castle, a Norman fortress begun in the late 11th century by William FitzOsbern. Perched on a limestone cliff above the Wye, the castle dominates the town and remains a major tourist site. Chepstow developed as a market town around the castle, and it received a market charter in the medieval period, helping it to grow as a regional centre.

Today Chepstow retains a market-town character with a mix of services, small shops, and tourism. It is home to Chepstow Racecourse, which hosts regular meetings and is a notable local attraction. The town also serves as a base for exploring the Wye Valley and surrounding countryside. The population is around 12,000, and the local economy reflects its role as a gateway to the valley, balancing heritage heritage with light industry and services.