South Wales - From Chepstow to Swansea Attractions

Situated at Caerwent (4mi/6km west of Chepstow) is Wales' best-preserved Roman site. The excavated tribal capital Venta Silurum gives an excellent impression of Roman town planning, since parts of the walls, amphitheater, baths, shops and town gates have survived from that time. The parish church contains a mosaic and the tomb of a Roman officer.

All that remains of the former Caldicot Castle (2.5mi/4km southwest of Caerwent), built in the reign of Edward I, is the massive Norman round tower, now housing a museum.

The present Caldicot Castle was restored as a family home by a wealthy Victorian. Visitors can explore its medieval walls and towers, as well as stroll through peaceful gardens and woodland. Picnic area, barbecues.

From Chepstow there is an attractive trip northwards up the Wye Valley. After approximately 3mi/5km turn left into a side road and follow this to its end; from here it is a fifteen minute climb to the top of Wyndcliff (800ft/244m), with its panoramic views. The charming landscape here is well known for its variety of fauna.

The Garden of Wales is set in the former 18th C regency park of Middleton Hall. The Middleton Estate had once been meticulously maintained but was left to almost obliteration until restoration began.

Prehistoric traces have been found on the Llan-melin, a wooded hill, which was probably the main town of Siluria before the founding of Venta Silurum (2.5mi/4km northwest of Caerwent).