- After fifty years tolls have been removed from the Severn bridges which link England and Wales. As we can cross the river Severn for free we decided to revisit a couple of our favourite places in Monmouth, Tintern Abbey and Caerleon Roman camp this Easter. Both are managed by CADW, the organisation which looks after historical sites in Wales. If you enjoy visiting historical sites it is a good idea to take out an annual membership which allows free entry to all the CADW sites. For senior citizens like us it is £28.50 a year. Once in Wales both sites can be accessed easily from the M4 and are well signposted.
Carleon Roman Fort
Our first outing was to Caerleon.
Carleon which is just outside Newport was known as Isca by the Romans and is on the banks of the river Usk. Founded in A.D. 75 as the headquarters of the second Augustan legion. it was one of only three permanent legionary sites in Britain and unlike the other two in Chester and York it has not been built on. This means that archaeologists including the BBC time team have been able to make significant finds.
At one time almost 5,000 Roman soldiers were quartered here. The Roman museum is shut for repairs until the Autumn but Caerleon is still worth visiting. As well as the most complete remains of barracks any where in Europe we were able to see the amphitheatre where soldiers would have trained and gladiators fought. This is the best preserved Amphitheatre in Britain.
For me the most impressive part of the site are the Roman baths. They were more like a modern sports centre with an indoor exercise hall and even changing rooms with underfloor heating. They also had hot and cold swimming pools. The remains are covered and have been enhanced with digital technology and impressive lighting. Children can take part in interactive quizzes.
To find out more click here Cadw Carleon Roman Remains
The amphitheatre and barracks are free to visit but there is a small charge for the Baths. CADW put on special events throughout the year when we visited staff were blowing up duck balloons for an Easter hook a duck game in the Baths.
The Wye
Our second outing was a trip up the Wye valley to Tintern. The Wye river marks the border between Monmouth and Gloucestershire or to put it another way between England and Wales. The deep wooded valley is a favourite destination for tourists and the river itself is popular for canoes and Kayaks. There is also a long distance footpath for walkers.
TIntern Abbey
Our destination was Tintern: the site of a ruined Cistercian abbey. The Cistercians were a monastic order from France. The monks combined prayer with labour on the fields and the order became very rich thanks to the wool trade. The abbey was built in the gothic style between 1361 and 1550. Like many monasteries in Britain it was dissolved by Henry VIIII but the fact that so much of the stonework survives is a tribute to the skill of those early builders.
The site is now cared for by CADW who organise a programme of activities. When we visited a handler was giving a falconry display.
Tintern itself is a small village with several gift shops and restaurants.
To find out more. click here Tintern Abbey
There is a small charge for entry. We parked at the nearby Anchor inn and were able to claim the cost of parking against the cost of an ice cream.
27 responses to “Two CADW sites to visit near Chepstow”
Hi Anne, It is really interesting to see and hear stories from other parts of the world. I would also be very interested in the Roman baths. Your photos are beautiful! 🙂 Erica
Thanks for visiting. I live near Bath so I grew up knowing about Roman baths
It is always interesting to see how other curators present them.
You explore some really beautiful places, the UK is so beautiful
Looks like a great site for sure!
I would love to visit these sites one day. They look great.
There were several Cistercian churches in the area where I grew up, but I have to admit that the Tintern Abbey ruins look incredible.
The river Wye and its surroundings look absolutely tranquil. All the best x
Thanks I can see why it has been designated an area of oustranding natural beauty.
I can see why it has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty.
So beautiful, what an amazing place to explore and learn about
I hardly know Wales at all. These both look very interesting. I’ve been to Tintern Abbey many, many years ago but I don’t think I’ve been to Carleon. Growing up in NE England I became familiar with other Roman sites though. And we have some here too – I don’t think I’d heard of the Antonine Wall till we moved to Glasgow. All focus was on Hadrian!
I studied history at Bangor University in
North Wales so know a thing or two about castles. North East England does have the best walls. Offa’s dyke is not as impressive.
Oh wow the addition of technology to show what it would have been like for swimmers in the bath is so fascinating!
Looks like some great places to explore
Your photos are gorgeous. England is such an interesting place. I think I could quite comfortable living there. TFS
I have ancestors from both England and Wales. It is soooo on my bucket list to get over there and see some of the sites. Ideally, I’d love to take some of my grandkids too and share the experience with them. Thanks for sharing!!
So beautiful and fascinating!!
Looks like an interesting place to visit. Shared x 3 ♥
Thanks Dee
So much history here, it was fascinating to read about the Roman baths and soldiers barracks.
It is unusual in Britain to have a Roman site that has been more or less undisturbed for centuries.
The membership is a great idea to save a few pennies & encourage you to visit more places. I’ve never actually used the crossing over to Wales, I probably should give that a go as there are a few places I wouldn’t mind checking out, including these. I’ve never been to Caerleon and must admit total ignorance as I hadn’t realised there even were Roman baths there. Great day trip suggestions, Anne! 🙂
Caz xx
Great photos! They all seem like interesting places to visit!
Another to add to my list. We got to Scotland but never went South. I will have to go back one day as this looks like such a beautiful part of our world. Thanks for sharing!
Our youngest son lives in Lincoln – so we are fortunate to get to England yearly. Thank you for continuing to add to my Bucket List!
I love Lincoln. I once had a holiday job looking after two children near there when I was a student.
Thanks for visiting. I hope you get to England one day.
If we ever get back over would love to visit.