Introduction
The mid-18th-century park drops off steeply to the east to the River Wye, which winds around the bottom of the wooded cliffs. A walk was created along the top of the precipice with features and viewpoints, which became one of the most famous contemporary Picturesque walks and an essential part of the Wye Tour. Parts of the park are now on the Wye Valley Walk.
- Visitor Access, Directions & Contacts
- Features & Designations
Designations
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
- Reference: Wye Valley
CADW Register of Landscapes Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales
- Reference: PGW (Gt) 40
- Grade: I
Scheduled Ancient Monument
- Reference: Pierce Wood Camps
Site of Special Scientific Interest
- Reference: Bleckcliff-Wyndcliffe; Pierce, Alcove and Piercefield Woods
Style
Picturesque
Features
- House (featured building)
- Description: Piercefield is now a ruin.
- Icehouse
- Grotto
- Description: A stone grotto which was a feature on the picturesque walk and originally lined with spars and other minerals.
- Vantage Point
- Description: 'The Alcove' (a seat and railings) and 'The Platform' (a stone platform and railings) are viewpoints on the walk.
- Tunnel
- Description: The 'Giant's Cave', a tunnel through the rock on the cliff walk.
- Key Information
Type
Park
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
Recreational
Survival
Extant
Open to the public
Yes
- References
References
- Cadw and ICOMOS UK, 'Piercefield Park and The Wyndcliff' in {Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Gwent} (Cardiff: Cadw, 1994), pp. 120-2 Register of Landscapes, Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales: Gwent
-
Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, 'Piercefield Park, Garden, Chepstow',
Contributors
Michael Statham