Llanvaches Castle

The earthworks that survive here are Roman, not medieval - a rare thing when you're trudging through Welsh castles. What you're looking at are the remains of a fort from around AD 75, built when the legions were pushing north through Monmouthshire. It's honestly quite subtle. You won't find dramatic stone walls or keep towers. Instead, there are low banks and ditches - the kind of thing that takes a bit of imagination to picture as a military stronghold, but once you're here, the layout starts to make sense.

The site sits just outside Chepstow, tucked away enough that you won't stumble across it by accident. Walkers and Roman history enthusiasts get the most from it - there's a decent amount of reading to do about its strategic position, and the earthworks require you to walk the perimeter to really understand the fort's shape. Families might find it a short detour rather than a main event, unless the kids are already deep into their Roman Britain phase.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of. It's free to access and takes maybe twenty minutes to look around properly. If you're staying at Penhein Glamping nearby - which is rated brilliantly - this makes an easy morning walk before heading into Chepstow proper. Worth combining with Chepstow Castle itself if you're in the mood for proper castle walls. The earthworks alone feel a bit exposed and windswept, mind you. Pick a dry day.