Castles in Wales Gazetteer (S-Z)

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

Skenfrith, Gwent Skenfrith Castle The remains - a defensive ditch and walls of the keep - of the original castle, on which the 13th stone one was built, were discovered during excavations. What we see now was built by Hubert de Burgh, who had ambitions to be an important marcher lord. The most noticeable feature of the castle is the circular keep, where the living quarters were located, in the middle of the rectangular ward. Remains include signs of a fireplace, windows, corbels, and a garderobe. Only basement levels of other living quarters survive. Skenfrith, Gwent, Wales Location: on B4521 at Skenfrith on the Welsh side of the Monnow River Website: Skenfrith Castle Cadw OS map reference: SO458 202 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

St Clears, Dyfed St Clears Castle 11th century Norman castle with only the remains of a large earthwork, ditch, and square bailey surviving. St Clears, Dyfed, Wales Location: ½ m S St Clears, on A4066 OS map reference: SN27 916 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llantwit Major, Glamorgan Location map St Donat's Castle Sited on a clifftop with an inner and outer ward and dry moat, the small original tower, square gatehouse, 15th century hall, 16th century north and west ranges, and other building remains span a number of centuries. A modern stately home is erected within the remains with a tower and dining hall. Llantwit Major, Glamorgan, Wales, CF61 1WF Location: Minor road off B4265, W Llantwit Major. Now run as an arts centre with a full schedule of events. Website: St Donat's Castle Email: admin@stdonats.com Phone: 01446 799 100 OS map reference: SS952 686 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanblethian, Glamorgan St Quintin's Castle Little survives of this 14th century castle except parts of the wall to the gatehouse, tower and square keep, and an Edwardian gatehouse. Llanblethian, Cowbridge, Glamorgan, Wales Location: 1 m SW Cowbridge, off A48 Website: St Quintin's Castle Cadw OS map reference: SS987 741 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Swansea, Glamorgan Swansea Castle Built in the late 13th/early 14th centuries by the de Braose lords of Gower, William II and William III; their descendant, John Mowbray, added to it. In the late 18th century it became, for a while, a debtor's prison. The ruins of the castle are sited in a large plaza. Swansea, Glamorgan, Wales Location: city centre, open site, exterior only Website: Swansea Castle Cadw OS map reference: SS659 932 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tenby, Dyfed Location map Tenby Castle 13th century castle walls remain along with a ruined gate and a tower. The town's defensive walls are well preserved. Castle Hill, Tenby, Dyfed, Wales, SA70 7BP Location: in Tenby (A478/B4585) on a rocky headland Website: Tenby Castle Email: tenbymuseum@hotmail.com Phone: 01834 842809 Fax: 01834 842809 OS map reference: SN131 008 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bala, Gwynedd Tomen y Bala Remains of a 30 foot high motte and bailey dating to the late 11th or early 12th century. Bala, Gwynedd, Wales Location: on B4391 OS map reference: SH929 360 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Trawsfynydd, Gywnedd Tomen-y-Mur A conical motte on the site of a former Roman fort is all that surivives of the castle that is part of a Welsh legend. There are outstanding views over surrounding countryside. Trawsfynydd, Gywnedd, Wales Location: minor road off A470, 3 m N Trawsfynydd OS map reference: SH705 386 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ruthin, Clwyd Tomen-y-Rhodwydd A motte and bailey earthwork, rampart, and ditch survive of a castle built in 1149 by Owain Gwynedd. Ruthin, Clwyd, Wales Location: minor road off A470, 3 m N Trawsfynydd OS map reference: SJ132 562 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tretower, Powys Location map Tretower 15th century medieval mansion with fine timberwork and walled courtyard. Ruined castle with 13th century round keep and late medieval garden share the grounds. Tretower, Powys, Wales, NP8 2RF Location: 5 m NW Crickhowell, off A479 Website: Tretower Phone: 01874 730 279 Cadw OS map reference: SO186 211 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Usk, Gwent Location map Usk Castle This castle was built by the Norman lord William Marshall on the site of an earthwork defence. 12th century square stone keep, round tower and parts of curtain wall survive. The 14th century gatehouse is part of a 17th century private home. Usk, Gwent, Wales, NP5 1SD Location: on B4598 Website: Usk Castle Email: info@uskcastle.co.uk Phone: 01291 672 563 OS map reference: SO376 010 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanrhidian, Glamorgan Location map Weobley Castle This castle was erected by the powerful de la Bere family in the early 14th century. More fortified manor than castle, Weobley was expanded in the 15th century and provided with a tall, arched entry. Visitors can ascend to the solar. Llanrhidian, Glamorgan, Wales, SA3 1HB Location: B4271 or B4295 to Llanrhidian village, then minor road 2 m NW Website: Weobley Castle Phone: 01792 390 012 Cadw OS map reference: SS476 927 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llantilio Crossenny, Gwent White Castle Pear-shaped and secluded, 12th century White Castle, originally named Llantilio Castle, was a moated castle. Thought to be the work of Henry II, but remodelling occurred in the latter part of the 13th century. The outer bailey defenses are largely intact. The north side curtain wall connects the six round towers, two of which form a gatehouse. There is a large walled inner ward with towers. A wooden bridge leads over the waterfilled moat. Llantilio Crossenny, Gwent, Wales Location: 8 m E Abergavenny, 1 m Llantilio Crossenny, B4233 Website: White Castle Phone: 01600 780 380 Cadw OS map reference: SO378 166 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Wiston, Dyfed Wiston Castle The ruined motte and bailey castle's remains consist of a circular ditch, stone wall, and arched entrance. Wiston, Haverfordwest, Dyfed, Wales Location: 5 m NE Haverfordwest, minor roads off A40 Website: Wiston Castle Cadw OS map reference: SN024 181 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering