The Green Gathering

By road, Chepstow Racecourse is easily reached via the A466 from the M48 motorway. From the M4, take the M48 Severn Bridge (junction 2, Chepstow) and follow brown racecourse signs to the venue. The bridge is now toll-free, simplifying travel between England and Wales. Allow plenty of travel time on busy weekends, and consider car-sharing to ease traffic and parking. On-site parking is available (usually for a fee), but can be limited, so arriving early is recommended.

By train and bus, Chepstow has good connections. Chepstow station is about a 20-minute walk from the racecourse and sits on the main line between Cardiff and Bristol, with frequent direct trains from Cardiff, Newport and beyond. (London connections typically go via Newport.) On event days, a shuttle bus often runs from Chepstow station (via the town’s bus station) to the racecourse entrance. Otherwise, local Stagecoach buses and taxis from town will bring you the rest of the way. Always check schedules in advance if you have an evening train to catch.

By air, the nearest major airports are Bristol (about 45 minutes’ drive) and Cardiff (around an hour). From Bristol Airport, you can take a bus to Bristol Temple Meads and then a train via Newport. From Cardiff, take a bus to Cardiff Central then train via Newport. Other airports (Birmingham, Manchester) are further afield with rail links via Birmingham or Bristol. In all cases, once you reach Chepstow town centre, local buses or taxis will transfer you the short distance to the racecourse. Cyclists can use the pedestrian/cycle path on the old Severn Bridge to reach Chepstow by bike, and bike parking is usually provided on site.

For accommodation, many attendees camp at the festival (check if a camping pass is included with your ticket). If you prefer hotels or B&Bs, Chepstow town offers several within a few miles of the course (in town, by the river or in nearby villages). Monmouth and Newport have additional options. Book early, as local lodging can fill up quickly on a summer weekend. If you do stay overnight, allow extra travel time each morning: local taxis and shuttle buses generally run between town and the racecourse on event mornings.