Top 10 Castles to Visit in England | UK Travel Guide
In this video, we'll show you the Top 10 Castles to Visit in England, United Kingdom.
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CHAPTERS:
0:00 Intro
0:41 #10 Rochester Castle, Kent
1:41 #9 Arundel Castle, West Sussex
2:38 #8 Bodiam Castle, East Sussex
3:54 #7 Alnwick Castle, Northumberland
4:54 #6 Leeds Castle, Broomfield, Kent
5:46 #5 Highclere Castle, Newbury, Hampshire
6:47 #4 Warwick Castle, Warwickshire
7:46 #3 Tower of London, City of London
8:37 #2 Dover Castle, Kent
9:27 #1 Windsor Castle, Berkshire
#Castle #England #UK
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Top Ten Castles In The UK
A run down of the top ten castles in the UK
There's no shortage of history when it comes the the UK. We've compiled a top ten list of some of the best castles in the UK.
With a rich and incredible history, Medieval castles litter the region. The hardest part of this list was narrowing it down to ten!
If you have any to add please comment below and don't forget to subscribe!
10. Warwick Castle, Warwick WARWICKSHIRE
9. Tintagel Castle, Tintagel CORNWALL
8. Nunney Castle Nunney SOMERSET
7. Edinburgh Castle, Castlehill EDINBURGH
6. Bodiam Castle, Robertsbridge EAST SUSSEX
5. Dover Castle, Dover KENT
4. Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon Castle GWYNEDD
3. Arundel Castle, Arundel WEST SUSSEX
2. Alnwick Castle, Alnwick NORTHUMBERLAND
1. Windsor Castle, Windsor BERKSHIRE
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14 Best Small Towns to Live in Wales
What are the best small towns to live in Wales? Some of the most attractive sceneries in the British Isles are situated in the tiny country of Wales. Among these are several stunning mountainous regions and lovely rugged coastlines which are to be explored either on foot or by car. Yet these locations are mostly tucked in small towns in Wales and are among the most interesting to be found anywhere in the UK. These towns are often surrounded by attractive terrains including stretches of rugged coastline or rolling hills. Welsh towns provide plenty of good reasons to want decide to live there having been shaped by local farming practices or an industrial past. In this video, we present to you the 15 best small towns to live in Wales.
14. Usk, Monmouthshire
Usk, a small town and community in Monmouthshire is just 16 kilometers northeast of Newport. The town on the River Usk is spanned by an arched stone bridge at the entrance of the town westward. As a small market town, it has a few industries, prominent among which is Japanware. This makes it an economically viable place to live. The town has built a record of success in Britain in Bloom competitions in recent years. It even won the Large Village award in 2005. It is known as the “Town of Flowers and has a bustling high street and thriving sports clubs.
13. Blaenavon, Torfaen
Blaenavon, a town in Torfaen, is no doubt one of the most beautiful small towns to find accommodation in Wales. The town exudes history everywhere you go. You won’t need a tour guide to tell you that it used to be a giant exporter of iron, coal, and steel in the world. Notable people from Blaenavon include the award-winning mystery writer Dorothy Simpson; film actor E. E. Clive; several famous rugby players such as Mark Taylor, Ken Jones, John Perkins, Chris Huish, and Terry Cobne and Olympic athletes. Some parts of this small location 33 square kilometers in size are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
12. Abergavenny, Monmouthshire
This small town located about 10 kilometers from the border with England Abergavenny in Monmouthshire has a lot of beautiful scenery, locally-made tantalizing food, and appealing ecotourism. Situated at the edge of Brecon Beacons National Park, it is also a market town. For its natural beauty, green rank, and architectural aesthetic, we agree to include it here. Imagine a town famous for its annual food festival! You’ve got enough to take care of not only your appetite no matter how large but also your cravings no matter how strong.
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Places to see in ( Chepstow - UK )
Places to see in ( Chepstow - UK )
Chepstow is a town in Monmouthshire, Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire, England. Chepstow is located on the River Wye, about 2 miles above its confluence with the River Severn, and adjoining the western end of the Severn Bridge. Chepstow is 16 miles (26 km) east of Newport, 18 miles (29 km) north-west of Bristol and 110 miles (180 km) west of London.
Chepstow Castle, situated on a clifftop above the Wye and its bridge, is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. The castle was established by William FitzOsbern immediately after the Norman conquest, and was extended in later centuries before becoming ruined after the Civil War. A Benedictine priory was also established within the walled town, which was the centre of the Marcher lordship of Striguil.
The port of Chepstow became noted in the Middle Ages for its imports of wine, and also became a major centre for the export of timber and bark, from nearby woodland in the Wye valley and Forest of Dean. In the late eighteenth century the town was a focus of early tourism as part of the Wye Tour, and the tourist industry remains important. Other important industries included shipbuilding – one of the First World War National Shipyards was established in the town – and heavy engineering, including the prefabrication of bridges and, now, wind turbine towers. Chepstow is also well known for its racecourse, which has hosted the Welsh National each year since 1949.
Chepstow is served by the M48 motorway, and its accessibility to the cities of Bristol, Newport and Cardiff means it has a large number of commuters. Chepstow is administered as part of Monmouthshire County Council, and is within the Monmouth parliamentary constituency and Wales Assembly constituency. Chepstow is on the western bank of the Wye, while adjoining villages on the eastern bank of the river, Tutshill and Sedbury, are located in England.
Chepstow is located on the west bank of the River Wye, some 3 miles (4.8 km) north of its confluence with the Severn estuary. To the north of the town, the Wye passes through a limestone gorge, and there are limestone cliffs at Chepstow both north and south of the town centre and on the opposite (east) side of the river. The town is overlooked by the inland cliffs at Wyndcliff near St Arvans, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the town, and, from parts of the town, the Severn estuary and its bridges can be seen. The historic centre of Chepstow occupies part of a bend in the River Wye, and slopes up from the river to the town centre and beyond.
The River Wye at Chepstow has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. The river was established as a boundary between England and Wales by Athelstan in 928. However, after the Norman conquest, areas east of the Wye, within the former Saxon royal manor of Tidenham and including Beachley, Tutshill, Sedbury and Tidenham Chase, were included within the lordship of Striguil or Chepstow. In 1536, the river was confirmed as the boundary between Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Since the early 19th century, housing development has continued on the east bank of the river opposite Chepstow
Chepstow Castle overlooks the River Wye, a short distance downhill from the town centre. Much of Chepstow's late-13th-century Port Wall remains intact, although the stretch south of the railway line was demolished when the National Shipyard was constructed in 1916. Chepstow Priory was established in 1067, at the same time as the castle. Its Norman west doorway remains intact. The Old Wye Bridge below the castle was built in 1816, on the site of earlier wooden bridges.
( Chepstow - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Chepstow . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Chepstow - UK
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Places to see in ( Chepstow - UK )
Places to see in ( Chepstow - UK )
Chepstow is a town in Monmouthshire, Wales, adjoining the border with Gloucestershire, England. Chepstow is located on the River Wye, about 2 miles above its confluence with the River Severn, and adjoining the western end of the Severn Bridge. Chepstow is 16 miles (26 km) east of Newport, 18 miles (29 km) north-west of Bristol and 110 miles (180 km) west of London.
Chepstow Castle, situated on a clifftop above the Wye and its bridge, is often cited as the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. The castle was established by William FitzOsbern immediately after the Norman conquest, and was extended in later centuries before becoming ruined after the Civil War. A Benedictine priory was also established within the walled town, which was the centre of the Marcher lordship of Striguil.
The port of Chepstow became noted in the Middle Ages for its imports of wine, and also became a major centre for the export of timber and bark, from nearby woodland in the Wye valley and Forest of Dean. In the late eighteenth century the town was a focus of early tourism as part of the Wye Tour, and the tourist industry remains important. Other important industries included shipbuilding – one of the First World War National Shipyards was established in the town – and heavy engineering, including the prefabrication of bridges and, now, wind turbine towers. Chepstow is also well known for its racecourse, which has hosted the Welsh National each year since 1949.
Chepstow is served by the M48 motorway, and its accessibility to the cities of Bristol, Newport and Cardiff means it has a large number of commuters. Chepstow is administered as part of Monmouthshire County Council, and is within the Monmouth parliamentary constituency and Wales Assembly constituency. Chepstow is on the western bank of the Wye, while adjoining villages on the eastern bank of the river, Tutshill and Sedbury, are located in England.
Chepstow is located on the west bank of the River Wye, some 3 miles (4.8 km) north of its confluence with the Severn estuary. To the north of the town, the Wye passes through a limestone gorge, and there are limestone cliffs at Chepstow both north and south of the town centre and on the opposite (east) side of the river. The town is overlooked by the inland cliffs at Wyndcliff near St Arvans, about 2 miles (3.2 km) north of the town, and, from parts of the town, the Severn estuary and its bridges can be seen. The historic centre of Chepstow occupies part of a bend in the River Wye, and slopes up from the river to the town centre and beyond.
The River Wye at Chepstow has one of the highest tidal ranges in the world. The river was established as a boundary between England and Wales by Athelstan in 928. However, after the Norman conquest, areas east of the Wye, within the former Saxon royal manor of Tidenham and including Beachley, Tutshill, Sedbury and Tidenham Chase, were included within the lordship of Striguil or Chepstow. In 1536, the river was confirmed as the boundary between Monmouthshire and Gloucestershire. Since the early 19th century, housing development has continued on the east bank of the river opposite Chepstow
Chepstow Castle overlooks the River Wye, a short distance downhill from the town centre. Much of Chepstow's late-13th-century Port Wall remains intact, although the stretch south of the railway line was demolished when the National Shipyard was constructed in 1916. Chepstow Priory was established in 1067, at the same time as the castle. Its Norman west doorway remains intact. The Old Wye Bridge below the castle was built in 1816, on the site of earlier wooden bridges.
( Chepstow - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Chepstow . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Chepstow - UK
Join us for more :
Top 10 Castles - South Wales
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South Wales is filled with beauty. A seemingly endless variety of places to explore. And with dozens of Castles you will never be short of the discovery.
00:00 Rhossili
00:38 White Castle
01:09 Margam Castle
01:54 Weobley Castle
02:24 Carreg Cennen Castle
03:10 Chepstow Castle
04:08 Caldicot Castle
04:38 Kidwelly Castle
05:38 Raglan Castle
06:38 Cardiff Castle
08:07 Caerphilly Castle
09:32 Outro
#top10 #castles #wales #history #southwales
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Wales, United Kingdom [Wales Travel Guide 2024]
Welcome to Wales, a breathtaking country filled with enchanting landscapes, historic castles, and vibrant culture. In this YouTube video, we take you on a virtual tour of the best things to do in Wales, showcasing the hidden gems and must-visit attractions that make this destination truly unforgettable.
Immerse yourself in the stunning beauty of Snowdonia National Park, where rugged mountains, glittering lakes, and charming villages await. Discover the ancient ruins of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and delve into the fascinating history of Wales. Explore the capital city, Cardiff, known for its impressive Cardiff Castle and the vibrant waterfront at Cardiff Bay.
Venture along the awe-inspiring Pembrokeshire Coast, a haven for nature enthusiasts, with its breathtaking cliffs, golden beaches, and diverse wildlife. Step into the charming town of St. Davids, Britain's smallest city, and witness its stunning cathedral.
Experience the magic of Brecon Beacons National Park, where picturesque landscapes, mystical waterfalls, and unique flora and fauna create an unforgettable setting. Visit the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its bookshops and annual literary festival.
Embark on a journey through history as you explore the medieval Conwy Castle and the ancient Chepstow Castle. Walk along the serene Llangollen Canal and enjoy a ride on the Llangollen Railway, offering scenic views of the Welsh countryside.
Indulge in the rich Welsh culture by attending an Eisteddfod festival, celebrating music, literature, and art. Taste traditional Welsh cuisine, like Welsh cakes and bara brith, in cozy tea rooms and local pubs.
If you're seeking adventure, try your hand at hiking, mountain biking, or surfing along the stunning Welsh coastline. Discover hidden waterfalls, immerse yourself in the legends of King Arthur at Snowdon, and marvel at the impressive Devil's Bridge.
Join us on this captivating journey through Wales and get ready to be amazed by its breathtaking landscapes, fascinating history, and warm hospitality. Subscribe to our channel for more travel inspiration and let us help you plan your next adventure.
#walestravel #explorewales #walesadventures #visitwales #hiddengems #welshculture #travelinspiration #walesbeautiful
▬Contents of this video▬
00:00 Introduction
00:51 Snowdonia
01:37 Llandudno
02:27 Pembrokeshire Coast
03:19 Conwy
04:02 Cardiff
04:54 Brecon Beacons National Park
05:51 St. David's Cathedral
06:38 Hay-on-Wye
07:19 Caernarfon
08:00 Aberystwyth
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Visiting Chepstow Wales: Tintern Abbey & Chepstow Castle
At the end of our 5 week holiday in Britain we finally got to cross the border into Wales for a brief visit. Our trip was too quick to do all the things we wanted, but we did manage to see the towering Chepstow Castle, visit the historic Tintern Abbey, and wander round the town centre of Chepstow. A unique surprise was the place we stayed… that ended up being a castle hotel! I hope you enjoy this tiny taste of the splendor of Wales. We look forward to returning later this year for a longer stay and many more adventures!
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Chepstow Wales; Tintern Abbey + Chepstow Castle
Chepstow Wales; Tintern Abbey + Chepstow Castle. I'm in Chepstow Wales, first stop medieval Tintern Abbey. Then, I'm onto Chepstow Castles, one of the most amazing castles in Wales.
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Travel Guide: Wales - Top Cultural Attractions
Top ten castles to visit in Wales. castle drawbridges knights medieval. Welsh tour road trip
Top ten Castles to visit in Wales .from 10 to number 1 as we count them down but what castle will be number 1 ?
Chepstow Castle - Over the Wye
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Set upon the limestone cliffs, Chepstow Castle glides above the waters of the River Wye. Boasting such features as the oldest castle door in Europe and the oldest post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. The castle has drawn the eyes of visitors of this picturesque land for centuries. Now it welcomes anyone with restored rooms and beautiful sculptures in a large setting and quiet park.
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----- Short History -----
- Construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern.
- Originally known as Striguil, meaning “river bend” in Welsh. It eventually took the name of the nearby market town, Chepstow in the 14th century.
- William the Conqueror wanted to build Chepstow castle as fast as possible, given its strategic importance in the area. It overlooks the River Wye, which was a major artery of communication inland to Monmouth and Hereford.
- Unlike most other castles of the time it was built with stone to begin with, rather than wood. Some of the stone may have been reused from the Roman ruins at Caerwent.
- In the late 12th century, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke added further fortifications.
- The wood in the doors of the Gatehouse dates to the 1190s and are the oldest castle doors in Europe.
- In 1284, King Edward I, after he conquered Wales, visited Chepstow Castle.
- Around this time Roger Bigod, the current owner and Earl of Norfolk, constructed more buildings, including the Martern’s Tower at the entrance to the Castle.
- From the 14th century its importance declined.
- In 1403, it was garrisoned in response to Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion in Wales. But it never saw any military action.
- In 1508, it passed to Sir Charles Somerset, later the Earl of Worcester. He remodelled the buildings extensively into private accommodation.
- In the 16th century, King Henry VIII abolished the Marcher Lords’ autonomy and Chepstow was incorporated into the new county of Monmouthshire. The castle became more designed as a great house.
- During the English Civil Wars it was on the front line once again.
- It was held by Royalists and besieged twice. But it finally fell to the Parliamentarians in 1648.
- After the war Chepstow Castle was used as an artillery fort and political prison.
- In the late 17th century the garrison was disbanded. The buildings were partially dismantled and left to decay. Parts were used as farmland and a glass factory.
- In the late 18th century the castle featured on the Wye Tour. Pleasure boats along the river would enjoy its romantic condition.
- In 1793, the first guide book to the castle was published.
- By the late 19th century the courtyard began to be used for local events. Steam ships from Bristol would visit it and the Duke of Beaufort would hold pageants there.
- In 1914 Chepstow Castle was bought by businessman William Royse Lysaght, of Tutshill and conservation work began.
- In later years it would be used for the setting of various films and even a Brazilian heavy metal album.
- In 1953, the Lysaght family put the castle into the care of the Ministry of Works.
- In 1984, it has been in the care of Cadw who is responsible for its care and conservation.
- It is open to the public and includes some restorations to promote the history of the castle.
- Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain.
#Castle #Chepstow #Wales
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Chepstow Castle - Town Centre Panorama | Wales | UK - 360°
Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone.
There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners. For more than six centuries Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages.
Building was started in 1067 by Earl William fitz Osbern, close friend of William the Conqueror, making it one of the first Norman strongholds in Wales. In turn William Marshal (Earl of Pembroke), Roger Bigod (Earl of Norfolk) and Charles Somerset (Earl of Worcester) all made their mark before the castle declined after the Civil War.
These magnates and power-brokers were constantly on the move. Chepstow was just one residence in their vast estates – an impressive shell into which they would bring their gold and silver vessels, rich silk and brightly painted furniture.
Write in the comments what you like about Chepstow!
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Chepstow Castle, Wales, United Kingdom from Travel with Iva Jasperson
Chepstow Castle, Wales, United Kingdom from Travel with Iva Jasperson
Hello everyone...
Chepstow Castle (Welsh: Cas-gwent) at Chepstow, Monmouthshire, Wales is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Located above cliffs on the River Wye, construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William fitzOsbern. Originally known as Striguil, it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches, and with its attached lordship took the name of the adjoining market town in about the 14th century.
In the 12th century, the castle was used in the conquest of Gwent, the first independent Welsh kingdom to be conquered by the Normans. It was subsequently held by two of the most powerful Anglo-Norman magnates of medieval England, William Marshal, and Richard de Clare. However, by the 16th century, its military importance had waned and parts of its structure were converted into domestic ranges. Although re-garrisoned during and after the English Civil War, by the 1700s it had fallen into decay. With the later growth of tourism, the castle became a popular visitor destination. The ruins were Grade I listed on 6 December 1950.
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WALES - 10 top-rated attractions
10 top-rated attractions in the beautiful country of Wales.
United Kingdom tourism video (England, Scotland, Wales) | Visit Great Britain travel guide
United Kingdom tourism video (England, Scotland, Wales) | Great Britain travel guide. United Kingdom travel guide; visit Great Britain video; visit England tourism; visit Scotland tourism video; visit Great Britain tourism.
For me, the best time to visit Great Britain was May. Visit England (Bath, York, London), Scotland (Inverness, Edinburgh), Wales (Conwy, Chepstow) in Great Britain with me as your travel tourism guide.
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Beautiful Chepstow Castle -Wales UK
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Part of Tours By Tape : Wales ( United Kingdom )
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Coracles -Wales - Teifi Valley
Tintern Abbey
Chepstow Castle
The castle is high on a cliff above the River Wye, as it guards one of the main river crossings from England into Wales. The strategic position of Chepstow had been appreciated by the Romans - the arch above the main doorway is made from Roman brick brought from a fort that once stood nearby. Chepstow's strategic position allowed defenders to supply the castle via the river during a siege. Historically it was probably the first stone castle to be built anywhere in Britain. There were a number of alterations to the castle over the ages - from the later Normans to the Tudors and through to the Cromwellians.
William fitz Osbern was created earl of Hereford by William the Conqueror, and was given the Welsh Marches to control. By the time he died in 1071 he had built the rectangular keep, which still forms the core of the castle today. At the end of the 12th century, Chepstow passed by marriage to William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke. He set about bringing improving the fortifications, rebuilding the east curtain wall which was the vulnerable side of the castle, with two round towers projecting outwards The arrow-slits in the towers, designed to give cross fire on the ground in front of the curtain, were one of the earliest examples of the then new defensive idea
Because Chepstow was built in stages along the river Wye, the castle not built in the usual concentric layout, instead being constructed in a long, terraced pattern.
By 1245, the Earl of Pembroke's sons had both enlarged Chepstow's defences and improved the internal accommodation. They added a new lower bailey, a twin-towered gatehouse, a strongly defended barbican, plus making. additions to the Great Tower.
Why is Chepstow Castle so BIG?
Chepstow Castle is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain. Situated in Monmouthshire in Wales on cliffs overlooking a bend in the tidal part of the River Wye, it was the southernmost of a chain of castles built in the Welsh Marches. Construction began in 1067 under the instruction of the Norman Lord William FitzOsbern. It was originally called Striguil, which means River Bend.
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Chepstow: Town And Castle
Chepstow may be a small Welsh border town but it is worth a visit. This is the sight of the first Norman castle in Wales.
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