Whilst this Welsh town lies within Monmouthshire, there’s more than plenty to do within its borders! Whether you prefer the calmer side to holidays or have some adventure-seeking teenagers on vacation with you, you’re sure to find something for the whole family to do in Chepstow.
For any thrill-seekers travelling with you, the National Diving & Activity Centre is a must. From one of the UK’s longest, tallest and fastest zip slides that reach speeds of up to 40 miles an hour, to flyboards that allow you to hover above the water, there’s something for everyone – whether you prefer your thrills to be up high or down on the water! And if you happen to be visiting during the spookier seasons, keep an eye out for Fear-Fest Evil, which takes place at the Diving Centre. Visit then if you dare…
For a calmer day out, take a look at Dewstone Gardens and Grottoes. Built at the turn of the century, the gardens were eventually buried around 1940/50, but with excavation and restoration, they are now open to the public. Wander through the landscaped paths and admire the waterfalls, tunnels and grottoes, or pay a visit to the coffee shop to gorgeously gaze at the views over a slice of cake!
Spread over about four acres, the sculptures of Wye Valley Sculpture Garden reflect the landscape they stay in, from wooded areas to the orchard on-site. Designed by Gemma Kate Wood, much work is fashioned from wood as not to harm the environment. No wonder the garden won a Sustainable Venue award in 2018! Keep your phone fully charged for the QR trail to find out more about each piece and be sure to stop off at the Sculpture barn for homemade refreshments after the twenty-minute drive from Chepstow.
For history buffs, the castles of Chepstow are a must-visit. Chepstow Castle, with a past that spans roughly six hundred years, is a great place to start. Walk through the oldest castle doors in Europe (built in the 1190s!) and explore the role that the castle played during the reign of Richard the Lionheart, King John and King Henry II. Check their “what’s on” page before you visit to see what you could add to your visit – from learning about medieval medicine to falconry.
Within a 55-acre Country Park lies Caldicot Castle, where visitors can travel through time; from the Normans to the Middle Ages and its role in the Victorian era as a family home. Just keep an eye out for those pesky ghosts if you decide to visit the castle dungeon! At roughly a twenty-minute drive outside of Chepstow, it’s a good opportunity to explore other places away from the town.
And of course, don’t forget to support some local businesses before you leave!
Craft Renaissance is perfect for any artistic visitors and includes a gallery featuring newcomers and established creators, as well as a shop stocking gifts and unique artwork – worth the roughly thirty-minute drive from Chepstow!
Looking for a gift for a bibliophile friend or family member? Look no further than Chepstow books. Having been open for over twenty-five years now, you’re sure to be in safe hands – it’s no surprise they’ve previously been voted top independent bookshop in Wales and the Midlands Region!
Browse our full range of lodges with hot tubs in Wales here.
For the more luxurious side to shopping, head to J’adore, where you’ll find candles, diffusers and wax melts all handmade in their workshop. Their range of jewellery, scarves and art is definitely worth a look – and their online shop makes it even easier to order a piece of Chepstow straight to your home.
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