The name ‘Chepstow’ comes from Old English and means ‘market place’. At one time the town was the most important port in all South Wales. Situated in the  valley of the River Wye, it is dominated by its dramatic castle. This was built in 1067 by the Norman, William Fitzosbern, and was one of the first stone-built castles in Britain, seeing many clashes between the Welsh and the English in this border country.

The Wye valley contains some beautiful scenery. Nearby lie the ruins of the Cistercian abbey of Tintern, which is one of the greatest monastic ruins of Wales. It was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the first in Wales, and was founded on 9 May 1131 by Walter de Clare, lord of Chepstow. It was immortalized in poetry by William Wordsworth.

Chepstow Racecourse is one of Britain's premier horse-racing venues.

See some of these sights in the Photo Gallery.