St Mary’s Church, Chepstow

You'll spot the tower of St Mary's long before you reach it - a sturdy Norman structure that's been keeping watch over Chepstow since the 12th century. The church sits right in the heart of the town, which makes it an easy stop if you're exploring the castle or wandering along the high street.

Inside, it's a proper working church with the kind of medieval bones you'd expect - some genuinely good stonework and a few interesting monuments dotted about. The tower itself has that satisfying weight to it, built when churches needed to last. It's free to pop in during visiting hours, though these can be a bit hit-and-miss depending on services.

Historically minded visitors will get the most from it. Kids tend to lose interest after ten minutes unless they're already into medieval architecture. You're looking at maybe twenty minutes to have a proper look around without rushing.

Where it really makes sense is as part of a half-day sweep through Chepstow itself. The castle's the main draw, obviously, and St Mary's is just there alongside it - you could easily combine both in an afternoon. If you're staying at Penhein Glamping a few miles out, this is a straightforward pop into town. The walk up from the riverside is pleasant enough, and you get a sense of the old streets as they would have been. Worth a visit if you're already in the area, though I wouldn't say it's a reason to make a special journey.