Castles in Wales Gazetteer (P-R)

Browse this list of castles to visit in Wales by Region (click here for a regional map) or alphabetically (start on this page).

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W

Pembroke, Dyfed Location map Pembroke Castle A Norman castle built by William Marshall, the pre-eminent English knight of the Middle Ages, around 1300. The great keep is still standing to a height of 80 feet. Pembroke Castle is the reputed birthplace of Henry VII. Pembroke, Dyfed, Wales, SA71 4LA Location: on A477 Website: Pembroke Castle Email: pembrokecastle@talk21.com Phone: 01646 681510 Fax: 01646 622260 OS map reference: SM982 015 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Penmark, Glamorgan Penmark Castle The castle once belonging to the Umfravilles family. One part of a 13th century stone curtain wall survives along with a semi-circular tower. Penmark, Glamorgan, Wales Location: off A4226 at Penmark, behind parish church OS map reference: ST059 689 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Parkmill, Glamorgan Pennard Castle The castle belonged to the lords of Gower. Original ringwork and wooden palisades were replaced by stone defenses. A Norman stone hall, tower, gatehouse, and curtain wall survive as ruins. Parkmill, Glamorgan, Wales Location: reached by footpath ½ mile S Parkmill on A4118, on Gower peninsula overlooking Oxwich Bay OS map reference: SS530 881 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bangor, Gywnedd Location map Penrhyn Castle Romantic (fake) castle built between 1820-1840. The Norman Gothic theme is carried to the interior, which takes a bit of getting used to. Marvellous plasterwork, some of it painted to resemble wood and stone. Bangor, Gywnedd, Wales, LL57 4HN Location: 1 m E Bangor, off A5 Website: Penrhyn Castle Email: penrhyncastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01248 353084 Fax: 01248 371281 National Trust OS map reference: SH606 720 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Penrice, Glamorgan Penrice Castle Overgrown earthworks, overgrown keep, gatehouse, and walls. Penrice, Glamorgan, Wales Location: on the Gower peninsula off A4118, on private land, viewed from footpath OS map reference: SS492 879 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Picton, Dyfed Location map Picton Castle This Edwardian castle had four round towers. A four-storey block was added c1800. Further additions and restorations make it a modern residence with Georgian interiors. Picton, Dyfed, Wales, SA62 4AS Location: 3 ½ miles SE Haverfordwest, on minor road off A487 Website: Picton Castle Email: pct@pictoncastle.freeserve.co.uk Phone: 01437 751 326 Fax: 01437 751 326 OS map reference: SN011 132 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Welshpool, Powys Location map Powis Castle This is a stately home and gardens with 700 years of continuous occupation, building, and rebuilding. It was known as Pool Castle in medieval times. The square tower is thought to be a late Norman keep. A 1668 gateway leads to altered Tudor lodgings and an Edwardian gatehouse. The house is full of memorabilia of India in the time of Clive (his son married a daughter of the house). In the grounds are steeply terraced gardens planted in the early 18th century. Clipped yews and old roses prosper, as well as tender and unusual plants. There are fruit trees on the terraces and an orangery. The views are superb. Welshpool, Powys, Wales, SY21 8RF Location: 1 m S Welshpool, off A483 Website: Powis Castle Email: powiscastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01938 551929 Fax: 01938 554336 National Trust OS map reference: SJ216 062 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Prestatyn, Clwyd Prestatyn Castle Remains of a motte with surrounding ditch and bailey, built c1160, later destroyed by Owain Gwynedd. Prestatyn, Clwyd, Wales Location: off A548 OS map reference: SJ070 820 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Raglan, Gwent Location map Raglan Castle Traditional home of the Somersets, Earls of Worcester, Raglan was one of the very last castles built in Britain, begun in 1435 by William ap Thomas. It is part castle, part palace, with far more attention to comfort than early castles. However, it was certainly built for defense as well, for it took one of the longest sieges of the Civil War to subdue it. Cromwell's engineers did their best to destroy the massive Great Tower, but failed. Look for the ornate window and huge fireplace in the hall. Raglan, Gwent, Wales, NP5 2BT Location: off A40 eastbound Website: Raglan Castle Phone: 01291 690228 Cadw OS map reference: SO411 080 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Rhuddlan, Clwyd Location map Rhuddlan Castle Rhuddlan is famous for being the place where Edward I issued the document, in 1284, that set up the government of Wales under his rule. He held a parliament in the town, and a plaque is on the wall of the Old Parliament House commemorating the event. Castle Gate, Castle Street, Rhuddlan, Clwyd, Wales, LL18 5AD Location: Rhuddlan via A525 or A547 Website: Rhuddlan Castle Phone: 01745 590777 Cadw OS map reference: SJ050 800 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ruthin, Clwyd Location map Ruthin Castle This was a late 13th century castle, built on a red sandstone ridge during Edward I's campaigns against the Welsh. It has suffered much rebuilding and is now a hotel. Castle Street, Ruthin, Clwyd, Wales, LL15 2NU Location: in town centre of Ruthin, off A494 Website: Ruthin Castle Email: reception@ruthincastle.co.uk Phone: 01824 702664 Fax: 01824 705978 OS map reference: SJ120 583 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering