Caldicot Castle

Early norman enclosure castle with Motte and small keep remarkably intact. Well hidden but well worth a visit if in the area.

Said to be one of Wales’ best kept secrets, the castle at Caldicot sits on an ancient, attractive and strategically important site. Restored to much of its original outstanding condition, it is an attractive and interesting place to visit.
The castle contains all the elements of the typical medieval fortress, and has been lovingly cared for by its present owners, who have opened it to the public. Founded by the Normans, developed in royal hands as a stronghold in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home, this castle has a romantic and colourful history.
It was originally built on a site that had long been recognized for its strategic value. In fact the Romans already actively made use of the area in the early centuries AD, when Caldicot stood on the Via Julia roadway to Caerwent, the Roman town of Venta Silurum (ruins visible) just to the north. Caldicot’s placement near the Bristol Channel allowed observation of the comings and goings of ship traffic and eased transport of supplies to the site. Its useful location was recognized by the Normans as early as 1086, and they built a motte with two baileys and a deep surrounding ditch to control this portion of south Wales.
It is a surprisingly pleasant find in the Welsh countryside, so close to the modernized, industrial sector of Wales, yet so isolated from it. The castle is now owned and operated by the local authority, and is open to the public.
The great gatehouse is now home to popular medieval banquets, a lavish and appropriate setting for such whimsical entertainment. Indeed some of the official website makes it almost sound like Disneyland in my opinion, but there are indeed some aspects that also make it fun for those with children so don’t let that put you off visiting when in the neighbourhood of Newport/​Chepstow. For the full history, go here:

If you want to stay over (within walking distance), try here: www​.qype​.co​.uk/​p​l​a​c​e/754 362-​The-​Lychgate-​Caldicot

Only a short car ride from Chepstow or Newport this is an ideal day out for any family with children of all ages.
Plenty of space (over 50 acres), yet you get a feeling that everything is close at hand. The castle is open and you can enjoy an audio tour at your own pace, so if something catches your eye you can spend that extra time there.
Any-​one for chess? Play on a giant out-​door board with 2ft tall figures. Like knights and heraldry? See the armor worn by your forefathers; could you see yourself in combat wearing this kind of battledress? Pity the poor horses that carried armies in those times!
There are gentle paths for strolling, with several picnic tables spread about the grounds, and unusually, there are barbecue hearths for a really splendid family meal. All the lawns and paths by the castle are level which makes it ideal for those with any mobility problems. Tours are availble for those with impaired hearing.
A visit to the shop will end the peferct day; something for everyone & of all ages.
Altogether a lovely day out, just a little off the beaten track, but more than worth the time you spend there.

great place to go for a walk the childrens play area is good to, very interesting inside the caslte to.

Caldicot Castle is a good place to walk the dogs its quite clean and safe. you can walk all the way around it. on bonfire night they have a great display.