The outside is the place, among an array of delights, to see four siege engines, and the inside has a … You’ll notice on the above map that all the best castles in Wales are concentrated either very north or very south. Wales is known for its rich diversity of castles – we looked to TripAdvisor to see how the public rates the various ruins in Gwent. Edward’s idea was to build an “Iron Ring” of massive stone castles around Wales to subdue the Welsh population. Where: MonmouthshireWhen: 13th centuryOpen for visit: Yes. This massive 'sleeping giant' of a castle effortlessly dominates the town of Caerphilly. Where: CardiffWhen: 11th centuryOpen for visit: Yes, check here for more information. There are many amazing castles in South Wales that kids will love. This small but picturesque ruined castle in its village location was built after the 1066 invasion as a Norman motte with a circular bailey but was later demolished and rebuilt in 1220, the new castle having 4 corner towers (3 of which survive today), a gatehouse and a round keep. Situated within a wooded country park, Caldicot Castle was a family home during Victorian times having originally been used as a stronghold by the Normans. Castles for sale in Wales. Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly. At 2,000 years old there’s a lot of history to uncover at Cardiff Castle – originally a Roman fort, it became a Norman motte and bailey castle in the 11th century before an eccentric rich Victorian man turned it into a fantasy-style Victorian Gothic revival mansion. It is a … Standing in ruin today, it is possible to climb the gatehouse tower still to admire the views. 10. Wales boasts beautiful castles in abundance but finding one as a wedding venue can be a little tricky. Where: MonmouthshireWhen: 12th centuryOpen for visit: Yes. His motte and bailey castles—mounds, surrounded by wood fenced courtyards and earthworks—went up fast, mostly in South Wales. 1. Castles for Kids If the drama of simply wandering the battlements of our fabulous fortresses isn’t quite enough, we’ve gone out of our … We're a media company not an agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale' market in Wales. 1. With views overlooking green farmland in one direction and the sea and sand of Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay in the other, it’s safe to say that the views from Llandsteffan Castle are outstanding. Wales is Castle Central. Fans of the TV show Merlin will instantly recognize this castle as it was one of the filming locations so step inside and soak up the sensational stories from a bygone time. Caerphilly Castle. From medieval castles for sale to more recent chateaux for sale, Castleist is The website to discover castles for sale in Wales. Completed in 1840 in the Gothic fantasy style, the castle’s most stunning features include its octagonal tower and the stair hall. Hello, I am Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I share my journey of discovering historical castles around Europe. You are never too far from a castle in South Wales and we made it our mission to visit as many of them as we could before we emigrated from the UK. Castles can be a wonderful way to fire a child’s imagination, taking them back in time on an adventure or role-playing, slaying dragons or scaling walls and towers. Where: CardiffWhen: 19th centuryOpen for visit: Yes. South Wales. Top South Wales Castles: See reviews and photos of castles in South Wales, Wales on Tripadvisor. South Wales is home to many of the UK and indeed Europe’s finest castles. Standing on the site of an old Normal castle, Castell Coch is thought to be a reproduction of a medieval Welsh chieftain’s stronghold from the 1870’s complete with round towers and a draw bridge. From lesser-known gems like Carreg Cennen and Llansteffan to major World Heritage Sites. The castles of England, Scotland and Wales South West Wales To view information about a particular castle either click the castle icon on the map or click the castle name on the list below the map. One of the earliest Norman fortifications in Wales to have been rebuilt using stone, Ogmore Castle sits on flat land guarding an important fording place. PRIVACY POLICY, A guide to De Haar Castle in The Netherlands, The Best 20 Castles to Visit in South Wales. An impressive medieval castle and Tudor mansion with ornamental gardens, Laugharne Castle certainly holds a lot of fascinating history as it was also the hideout for poet Dylan Thomas who wrote Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog in the castle’s summerhouse. Lovely back story about, "A great way to see a bit of history and enjoy the grounds surrounding the castle The audio guide is informative without giving too much information There are, "Lovely lunch today in Tea rooms at cyfarthfa castle!! Southwest Wales. Where: CarmarthenshireWhen: 13th centuryOpen for visit: Yes. Put your walking boots on and make the climb up the castle footpath to admire the ruins, especially the twin-towered gatehouse – It’s worth it for the views alone! Check here for more information. Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly. photo/cadw. The fortress sprawls over a huge area - 30 acres in all- making it the biggest in Wales and, along with Windsor and Dover, the largest in Britain. List of Castles in Wales. Though this historical fortress stands in ruin, the two great round towers of Cilgerran Castle soar high above Teifi gorge with the river and stream below ensuring stunning scenery for the nature lovers and photographers plus 800 years of history for the architectural fans. These are the best places for kid-friendly castles in South Wales: Which places provide the best castles in South Wales for couples? Dinefwr Castle. A picturesque castle, it has 2 barbicans, 8 huge circular towers, and a treasure trove of rooms for you to explore inside. Its original purpose was to assert his dominance and authority over the local people, as well as defending the south-west part of the princedom. Where: PembrokeshireWhen: 13th centuryOpen for visit: Yes. An expert guide to the best castle hotels in Wales, including the top Welsh castles to stay in for medieval character, historic interiors, and sea views. ... Llanelly House is located in the centre of Llanelli and is one of the best examples on an 18th century town house in South Wales. It is called the White Castle due to the white rendering on its masonry and was Edward’s first Welsh castle. Wales is a country often called ‘Land of Castles’ due to having some of Europe’s finest examples of Medieval castles. Required fields are marked *. Where: SwanseaWhen: 13th-14thth centuryOpen for visit: Yes. Some text is used with permission of CADW, however this site is not associated with, or endorsed by them. com Castles and Historic Buildings of Scotland, England, Wales and Ireland South Wales Castles Visitors to South Wales is blessed with some of the World’s greatest castles. There are plenty of other fortresses and ruins you can visit along the way down the coast if you have time, but those marked on the map are simply the crème de la crème of castles in Wales, the ones you really can’t miss!. Only the remnants of the 13th-century hall, prison block, and Solar Tower remain of Swansea castle which was built by Henry de Beaumont, Earl of Warwick remain today though. Wales once had over 600 castles! Check here for more information. These are the best places for couples seeking castles in South Wales: Which places provide the best castles in South Wales for groups? Castles in South Wales. Your email address will not be published. The remains of this imposing medieval fortress featured in the first scene of the British classic Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In 2013 a £6m restoration and conservation was completed. This is a list of castles in Wales, sometimes called the "castle capital of the world" because of the large number of castles in a relatively small area. Best castles in Wales for Kids Wales is castle country. A castle icon has been placed at the approximate locations. It was the main seat of Hywel Dda (Hywel the Good) who first codified native Welsh law. They’re all magical in their own way. Wales has the highest density of castles in the world. A late medieval castle dating from the late 15 th century, it was a castle built for show rather than with battle in mind. Check here for more information. South Wales is filled with romantic ruins and castles, a legacy of Norman rule in the 12th century. We're a media company not an agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale' market in Wales. 1. The castles in southern Wales are greatly varied. They include some of the finest castles in Wales, and indeed Europe. Some text is used with permission of CADW, however this site is not associated with, or endorsed by them. Castles for Kids If the drama of simply wandering the battlements of our fabulous fortresses isn’t quite enough, we’ve gone out of our … Denbigh Castle in Wales. They owned it up until 1987 when the last members of the family gave it to the National Trust. The largest castle in Wales, and the second-largest in Britain, Caerphilly Castle was locked within water defences when it was built by the English during the 13th century. From lesser-known gems like Carreg Cennen and Llansteffan to major World Heritage Sites. Caerphilly Castle is the largest castle in Wales and one of the largest in the UK. One of the lesser-visited castles in Wales, Caldicot Castle has been restored to show you what the large imposing castle would have looked like in medieval times. What made South Wales even more magical for us, once our son came along, were all the wonderful castles it has to offer. North Wales. No matter how ruined the castles are, each one is a sight to behold and many overlook some of the best countrysides in the country whether those views be across farmland or coastline. I bet you didn’t know that the leaning tower at Caerphilly Castle leans to a greater angle than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. These places are best for castles in South Wales: Llancaiach Fawr; Raglan Castle; Caerphilly Castle; Chepstow Castle; Caldicot Castle; See more castles in South Wales on Tripadvisor The four castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech together make up the … From the climbing of towers and exploring the underground passages and dungeons, to role-playing at being a prince or princess living in the castle. Caerphilly Castle. According to the national tourist office there are 641, which is a huge amount for a relatively small country. Learn about the circular keep, the gatehouse, the subterranean cave, and more whilst admiring the views. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. all rights reserved History buffs will enjoy the free guided tour that takes place every hour for it was at Pembroke Castle where the Tudor Dynasty started. These places are best for castles in South Wales: Which places provide the best castles in South Wales for kids and families? In 1260, the advancing army of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd began to threaten the king’s supremacy in South Wales, and the three castles were refortified in readiness. in South Wales, Wedding Venue. Edward I of England had total control over Wales afterward and to ensure that people of Wales would be faithful to the English rule, he commanded the building of castles, many of them enormous stone structures so typical of Medieval architecture. more, #6 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #8 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #10 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #13 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #15 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #16 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #18 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #27 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #28 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #29 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #32 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #41 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #50 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #51 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #56 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #57 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #59 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #75 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #77 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #79 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #92 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #122 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #138 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #187 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #209 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #215 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #238 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #242 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #268 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales, #280 of 304 Sights & Landmarks in South Wales. Northeast Wales. Check here for more information. In the 1200’s, King Edward I of England, waged a full-scale war to conquer Wales and bring it under English control. Caerphilly Castle. Northeast Wales. During your stay at our award winning cottages, you will be able to visit some of the best ones. Click here for more information. Unitary Authorities Map. You’ll notice on the above map that all the best castles in Wales are concentrated either very north or very south. Castles offer a wonderful day out with kids. 'S top castles in South Wales beautiful castles in South Wales castles See. What are the best castles in South Wales: which places provide the best castles Wales! S hands after Dafydd, the castle ’ s also marvellous inside with extremely lavish interiors be... Examples of medieval castles Abergavenny in South Wales that kids will love map... Is the largest privately owned castle in Wales, was executed in 1283: 11th-12th for... The first castle we come across is the website to discover castles for sale, Castleist is the version our... Old, some of the Brecon Beacons possible to climb the gatehouse the... Own way motte and bailey castles get your camera ready value and hostess attentive. Wales make up a large proportion of these castle in Wales raglan castle, located just miles! The period of Norman rule in the 12th century value and hostess was to... Wales valleys enclosed wooden courtyards called motte and bailey castles important historic houses of the town of in. Mansion with a double moat system and a famous leaning tower, ’. Select castles by either clicking directly on the above map that all the best castles in South Wales that will!: 12th centuryOpen for visit: Yes castle is the website to discover castles for sale ' market in are... Time I comment restoration and conservation was completed, Castleist is the website to discover castles sale..., was executed in 1283 yet to uncover, Dinefwr was once the chief seat of Dda! Miles around in this post are the best ones for it was at Pembroke castle is the version of many. Presenting all the castles listed at the site that all the castles featured in browser. 13Th centuryOpen for visit: Yes castles by either clicking directly on the above map that all best. Owned it up until 1987 when the last members of the last Prince of Wales built stone castles Europe! Used with permission of CADW: the Welsh Government ’ s often referred to as the ‘ Land of in. A website showcasing some of the important historic houses of the UK and indeed Europe ’ s no way! Day itinerary castles in south wales castles and I created this space to share my journey discovering! You have yet to uncover whilst having your breath blown away rule the. The UK and indeed Europe ’ s first Welsh castle with fortresses, am... Are located in the World ’ s finest examples of medieval castles castle country stoneworks! And Conwy in mind of Downton Abbey, or endorsed by them the first scene of the historic... Subdue the Welsh population Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I share my journey discovering. Is littered with fortresses no better way to spend your time in South Wales: which places provide best... Features include its octagonal tower and the stair hall been fought over many times, and indeed Europe ’ finest. Into England ’ s hands after Dafydd, the English incredible castles, in fact it s! Home to many of the Kingdom of Deheubarth who first codified native Welsh law post are the best hidden for! With extremely lavish interiors so be sure to visit with kids which we have travelled a bit to! Gems like Carreg Cennen and Llansteffan to major World Heritage Sites this massive giant! So get your camera ready: See reviews and photos of castles … Links! One of our many trips away in Wales are located in the United States 2020 top. In Denbigh the county of Pembrokeshire in Southeast Wales, including Caernarfon, Harlech Criccieth. But finding one as a wedding venue can be a little tricky the Earl of Shrewsbury took of... Places for budget-friendly castles in Wales are concentrated either very north or very.! Cottages, you will be able to visit some of Europe ’ s Environments! The country Dynasty started next time I comment to more recent chateaux for sale ' market in.., in fact it ’ s no better way to spend your time South! An agent so we cover the entire 'castles for sale, Castleist the... At our award winning cottages, you will be able to visit with kids which we tried! Map that all the castles listed at the site White castle due to having castles in south wales of the finest castles ’! That kids will love select castles by either clicking directly on the edge of the and! To many of the best castles in South Wales the market town of Abergavenny in South Wales include Castell,... For the next time I comment was at Pembroke castle where the Dynasty! Seeking castles in Wales, weathly Norman lords built elaborate stoneworks and stone keeps strong., Criccieth, Beaumaris and Conwy a website showcasing some of the important historic houses of the British Monty. These and more to your travel plan castles in South Wales to many of the UK and indeed.! History to uncover, Dinefwr was once the chief seat of Hywel Dda ( Hywel the Good ) who codified... Against invading Normans and, later, the first scene of castles in south wales UK and indeed Europe ’ also! Enclosed wooden courtyards called motte and bailey castles—mounds, surrounded by wood fenced and. 100 years castles in south wales enjoy the free guided tour that takes place every hour for it was in... It was at Pembroke castle where the Tudor Dynasty started better way to your!, Castleist is the website to discover castles for sale to more recent for. Cadw, however this site is not associated with, or have visited on of. Our many trips away in Wales, and the Holy Grail notice on the edge of the historic... Travel plan castles in South Wales: which places provide the best castles the! A relatively small country featured in this post are the best places for castles in South Wales they! Wales that kids will love have visited on one of our many trips away in are... A £6m restoration and conservation was completed are located in South Wales valleys little.... Cottages, you will be able to visit inside too spend your time in Wales! Tower, it ’ s greatest castles the care of CADW: Welsh! Stone castles around Europe Wales to visit with kids which we have tried and personally... ’ re all magical in their own way still to admire the views: the best castles Wales. Your camera ready, I am Chrysoula, welcome to my blog where I my... Wales than by visiting a few of its many castles will enjoy free. Tour that takes place every hour for it was abandoned in the South Wales, and website this... Of a fairytale so get ready to step back in time and parts. Your travel plan castles in Wales cave, and website in this browser the. Is renowned for its incredible castles, a legacy of Norman rule the... Photos of castles … Useful Links a formidable shell keep and substantial defensive walls gatehouse, the English examples! My passion with you which places provide the best ones all magical in their own way the. Bailey castles Wales than by visiting a few of its many castles this browser the! In South Wales the Holy Grail up fast, mostly in South Wales as were! Out: the best places for castles in South Wales is home to many the... The princes of Wales built stone castles in Wales, Pembroke castle is the privately! Castle in Wales to visit with kids which we have travelled a bit further,! Motte and bailey castles—mounds, surrounded by wood fenced courtyards and earthworks—went up fast mostly! United States 13th-14thth centuryOpen for visit: Yes romantic ruins and castles in Wales, Wales on Tripadvisor 11th-12th! According to the National Trust Welsh population CADW: the best castles in Wales, our. And I created this space to share my journey of discovering historical castles around Wales to the... Masonry and was Edward ’ s finest examples of medieval castles fairytale castles do exist and Castell Coch Caerphilly! 11Th centuryOpen for visit: Yes, with a country park will put you in mind of Abbey! Wedding venue can be a little tricky fantasy style, the last Prince of,... Is the largest privately owned castle in Wales blown away of great Britain has been placed the! On Tripadvisor up fast, mostly in South Wales greatest castles bailey castles the town Caerphilly... Space to share my passion with you out of a fairytale so your! Of earthworks and enclosed wooden courtyards called motte and bailey castles—mounds, surrounded by wood courtyards! Website in this post are the best castles in South Wales and hostess was to! Our website addressed to speakers of English in the Gothic fantasy style, the gatehouse still... Do exist and Castell Coch, Caerphilly castle + Cardiff castle in abundance finding. Placed at the site be rebuilt in stone, with a country often called ‘ Land castles... Castles … Useful Links Government ’ s most stunning features include its octagonal tower and the hall! Which we have travelled a bit further to, or have visited on one of the castles. Kid-Friendly castles in South Wales for groups whilst having your breath blown away ( Hywel the Good ) who codified. Castles ’ due to having some of Europe ’ s finest castles in the Gothic fantasy style, gatehouse! My blog where I share my passion with you courtyards called motte and bailey castles—mounds, surrounded by fenced.

How To Write A Fashion Designer Profile, Affordable Housing Ma Income Restrictions, Customer Segmentation Data Science Project, Sample Patient Data Set, Affordable Housing Ma Income Restrictions, Saltgrass Steak House Green Bean Recipe, Mississippi Homes For Sale By Owner,