You are here: Things To Do > Attractions > Castles & Ruins
From the iconic Tintern Abbey to the majestic Chepstow Castle, in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley we have a wealth of historical sites to visit.
Did you know that we have more castles per square mile than anywhere in the UK? Quite an incredible fact really considering how many castles the UK has. Some castles are proud homes, some are masterpieces and some are ruined or even mere piles of rubble... some still have drawbridges and towers you can climb and some are also completely free to explore.
We have Chepstow Castle, possibly the oldest castle in the UK and the magical Usk Castle, the impressive Raglan Castle, Goodrich Castle one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles towering over the River Wye and St Briavels Castle which is now a YHA, Skenfrith Castle, Monmouth Castle, Abergavenny Castle, White Castle, Grosmont Castle, Caldicot Castle set in 55 acres of country park... and more besides. So many castles and ruins... so little time!
Number of results: 11
Tintern
When we talk about British architectural icons, they don’t come much more iconic than Tintern Abbey: a Gothic masterpiece and Romantic symbol of the sublime.
Usk
Raglan’s majesty and grandiose is still evident for all to see. Just ask the thousands of visitors who pass through its doors year after year – among them, countless Cadw members, whose contributions support the protection and preservation of this awe-inspiring monument.
Chepstow
With over 600 years' history weaved into its walls, that notion of rediscovery is no more evident than at Chepstow Castle. Beautifully preserved and stretching out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye, Chepstow Castle’s beauty is matched only by its historical significance.
Grosmont
Grosmont Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Grosmont, Monmouthshire, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes White Castle and Skenfrith – built to control the border. The fortification was established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066. It experienced an active life including being besieged in the Glyndŵr Rising rebellion of 1405.
Ross-on-Wye
Standing in scenic countryside above the River Wye, Goodrich Castle is one of the finest and best preserved of all English medieval castles. Boasting a remarkable history and unforgettable views from the battlements, it promises a great day out for all the family.
Coleford
Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects that uncover, reveal, share and celebrate our heritage.
Abergavenny
White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. Castell Gwyn in Welsh it is also known historically as Llantilio Castle. It is near the village of Llantilio Crossenny.
Chepstow
Historic path along cliffs overlooking the River Wye popular during the Wye Tour. Part of the Wye Valley Walk north of Chepstow and leading to the Eagle's Nest Viewpoint.
Coleford
Whitecliff Ironworks is an important and unique heritage site in the Forest of Dean. It was the second coke-fired blast furnace of three built in the Forest of Dean and the industrial remains today remind us of the association of producing iron using coke.
Skenfrith
Skenfrith Castle is a ruined castle in the village of Skenfrith in Monmouthshire, Wales, one of a trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and White Castle – built to control the border. The castle’s well-preserved walls surround a circular keep. Built on an earthen mound, this sturdy structure was a last line of defence should the castle fall under attack.
Coleford
A site not to be missed by anyone interested in industrial archelogy - in the 19th century some of the most important developments of the iron and steel industry took place here. Woodland walks surround with two information boards and a cycle path runs nearby between Coleford and Parkend.
©Visit Dean Wye 2024. All Rights Reserved.
*Visit Dean Wye is the trading name of Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Tourism Limited.