Where the River Wye marks the border between England and Wales, the old market town of Chepstow stands guard beneath Britain's oldest surviving stone castle. Set within 400 acres of Piercefield Park - an 18th-century landscape laid out on the wooded cliffs above the river - Chepstow Racecourse is a proud Welsh racecourse, and the home of the Welsh Grand National. Just over the Severn Bridge from Bristol and Bath, and minutes from the castle and the Wye Valley beyond, it's the perfect base for a weekend of racing, ruins and the great Welsh outdoors.
Chepstow is Wales's leading racecourse of the country's three tracks. Its undulating, left-handed circuit - close to two miles round, with a long five-furlong run-in - tests stamina above all, which is why the Welsh Grand National is rated a true trial for the spring's biggest prizes at Cheltenham and Aintree. There's Flat racing through the summer and jumps through the winter, plus a packed calendar of live music themed nights, and entertainment. Bringing the parkland alive right through the year, not just on race day.
Walks and Woodland To Explore
There's a reason people make a weekend of it here. Chepstow sits at the mouth of the Wye Valley, on the England/Wales border, with castles, abbeys and forest trails in every direction. Along with Bristol and Bath both an easy hop over the bridge. Check out a few of our favourites below:
Explore Chepstow Castle. Britain's oldest surviving stone castle, begun in 1067, perched right above the Wye. An easy town-centre stop .
Tintern Abbey - the romantic ruined abbey that inspired Wordsworth and Turner, six miles up the valley. Pair it with a riverside pub lunch.
Walk or cycle the Wye Valley. One of Britain's best-loved landscapes, from the Offa's Dyke Path to the Devil's Pulpit and river views around Symonds Yat.
Get lost in Puzzlewood, the ancient, woodland that's inspired any number of fantasy films and TV shows. Magic for families and photographers.
Head into the Forest of Dean - mountain biking, woodland pubs and adventure centres, just across the border.
Plenty of choice, from country-house comfort to a town-centre coaching inn:
Delta Hotels St. Pierre Country Club: the upscale favourite just minutes from the course, with spa, golf and ample parking.
The Two Rivers (by Marston's Inns): a reliable modern choice close to the venue, with easy parking.
The Beaufort Hotel: a historic coaching inn in the heart of town, walkable to Chepstow's restaurants, bars and taxis.
Celtic Manor Resort: for a bigger stay, the famous golf-and-spa resort is about 20 minutes west near Newport.
Transport Options
We're on the A466 just north of Chepstow, signposted from the Severn Bridge and the M48.
By Car — Free parking on site. From the M4, take the M48 and come off at Junction 2 (Chepstow), then follow the signs — you're only minutes from the bridge.
By Train — Chepstow station is about 1.5 miles away: a 15–20 minute walk, or hop on the event-day shuttle bus that runs from the station via the town's bus station up to the course.
By Taxi — There's a rank outside the station, but it isn't staffed, so it's best to pre-book. Local firms include First Call (01291 630999), Abbey Taxis (01291 625847) and SED Taxis (01291 621621).
