West Wales boasts an impressive collection of castles, from imposing fortresses to romantic ruins, there's a castle for every kind of explorer.
As a Welshman, I've spent countless summers exploring Wales, visiting almost every castle in the country. In this guide, I've curated my favourite castles in West Wales, comprising the counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire, and parts of Ceredigion.
Map
Here's a map of castles in Pembrokeshire and West Wales. Check 'must-visit castles' to filter the ones worth going out of your way for.
Best Castles in Pembrokeshire
1. Pembroke Castle
The biggest and best castle in Pembrokeshire can be found right at the heart of the market town of Pembroke.
Pembroke Castle's history begins around 1093 when Arnulf de Montgomery built a small earth and wood castle on a strategic rocky promontory overlooking Pembroke River.
But most of what you can see today was built later. In the 12th century, the castle was acquired by William Marshall, a man dubbed the 'Greatest Knight' and somewhat of a local treasure (there's a statue of him in the centre of town!). He built the first stone castle here, including the grand cylindrical keep which is still there today.
Pembroke Castle is a unique castle in Wales as it is the only castle to be built over a natural cave, which is called Wogan Cave, where food and other goods would have been stored.
The castle has earned an important place in history as the birthplace of Henry Tudor who would go on to become King Henry VII, founder of the Tudor dynasty and the only Welshman to ever take the English throne. The castle was also famously held under siege for 7 weeks by Oliver Cromwell in 1648
Pembroke Castle was in a state of disrepair until 1928 when local landowner Major-General Sir Ivor Philipps bought the castle and restored it. His daughter handed it over to the Pembroke Castle Trust who continue to own it today.
The castle is excellent to visit, especially for families. There are enough things to do that you can spend at least half a day here. - I spent 3 hours looking around.
There's an extensive museum, castle walls you can walk along, towers to climb, a huge cellar, free guided tours, a cafe and restaurant, and even theatrical performances during summer. You can also take a rowing boat around the lake below the castle with Paddle West. You don't need to enter the castle for this activity.
2. Carew Castle
Carew Castle sits in a stunning setting overlooking a 23-acre millpond in the small village of Carew.
The fortress was built by Gerald de Windsor who made himself constable of the castle on behalf of Henry I. But archaeologists have discovered evidence of an Iron Age settlement that existed here before the castle.
Carew would have originally been built out of earth and wood and then later replaced with stone. What we see today is largely the work of Sir Nicholas de Carew who built the east and west ranges in the 14th century.
During the Civil War, the castle changed hands several times between royalists and parliamentarians, with much of it being slighted. The castle lay in ruins for several centuries until it was leased by the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority in the 20th century and restoration was undertaken.
Today, the castle is a great family attraction with an outdoor play area, dressing-up rooms, and a fun meadow walk around the castle with challenges to become a knight.
Included with your castle ticket entrance is entry to the tidal mill (pictured above) that also sits alongside the millpond. Floodgates allow the millpond to fill during high tide and as the tide recedes, water rushes through sluices beneath the mill, powering two massive undershot water wheels.
The mill is no longer operation, but you can go inside and see the machinery. This includes massive wooden gears, iron shafts, and grinding stones, largely preserved from its 19th-century heyday.
3. Roch Castle
If you're reading this article and it's giving you castle-envy, this next castle might be up your street as you can actually stay here.
Roch Castle is a 12th-century castle in Pembrokeshire where it overlooks St Bride's Bay from atop a rocky outcrop. It was built by Norman knight Adam de Rupe to protect an area of southern Pembrokeshire known as 'Little England' where the language and culture were English, despite being a long way from England.
Unlike most other castles across West Wales, there are no mentions of Roch Castle being involved in battle which explains why it appears to be remarkably preserved.
It passed through many different families during its life, most recently falling into the hands of the Griffiths Roch Foundation who turned it into a luxury bed and breakfast that's been awarded 5-stars by Visit Wales.
The refurbished rooms blend a contemporary design and historical details, for a comfortable and stylish stay.
Unfortunately, you can't visit the castle unless you are a guest. But the rooms are surprisingly well-priced given the historic nature of the building and the level of luxury.
Book Now: Stay at Roch Castle
Also Read: More Castles in Wales To Stay in
4. Manorbier Castle
Manorbier Castle sits on the cliffs overlooking the sandy shores of Manorbier Bay. The original earth and timber castle was built by the Norman knight, Odo de Barri in the 11th century but was later rebuilt in stone by his son.
There was no moat or barbican, instead, the castle made use of its coastal position and steep cliffs for natural protection. This worked, with the castle only being attacked twice in its history. However, the second time would prove detrimental as it was taken and slighted by parliamentary forces in the English Civil War.
In 1670, it was brought by the Philipps who also owned Picton Castle (I'll mention this later). In the 19th century, considerable restoration work was conducted by J.R. Cobb to whom the castle was leased.
The castle remains privately owned but some parts are open to the public. You can explore the gatehouse and the inner keep, climb to the top of the keep for panoramic views, and enjoy refreshments at the castle tea room in the old Guards Room. During the summer months, they run guided tours too.
Private events are often held here (mostly weddings) so check ahead on their Instagram to ensure it's open. You can also stay at Manorbier Castle at the Victorian manor house within the castle walls. It's been converted into a holiday home that can sleep up to 12 people.
5. Llawhaden Castle
Llawhaden Castle is a ruin but remains a breathtaking piece of Welsh history and is well worth the short detour off the A40 in central Pembrokeshire
It was originally constructed as a fortified mansion for the newly appointed Bishop Bernard who was the first Norman bishop of St Davids.
Unlike the other castles in Pembrokeshire, it wasn't just for defensive purposes and was always intended to be a place of residence. This is why it has a unique design that combines military and decorative features.
The Llawhaden you can see today mostly emerged later in the 13th and 14th centuries when Bishop Thomas Bek expanded the site significantly. Bishops continued to live here until Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 16th century after which it was abandoned and became a ruin.
The ruins are managed by CADW and are free to visit. Although a ruin, you can still see the striking gatehouse, the bishop's chambers, and the inner courtyard.
6. Picton Castle
Picton Castle was built in the late 13th century by Flemish knight Roger de Burgh. This part of Pembrokeshire had a large Flemish population at the time because their land in Belgium experienced flooding so King Henry I (whose mother was Flemish) welcomed them and offered them land in Pembrokeshire.
The castle was passed down until it fell into the hands of the Philipps family in the 15th century through marriage. They were the most powerful family in Pembrokeshire and spent a lot of money remodelling the castle - this is why it has an odd mix of architectural styles.
Picton Castle is now managed by the charity, the Picton Castle Trust and is open to the public. You can wander around the incredible gardens and woodland year-round. In the gardens, is the Welsh Owl Garden and zoo where you can see otters, owls, iguanas, and spiders.
The castle itself is open for tours during the peak visitor season. Check their website or Instagram for details.
Best Castles in Carmarthenshire
7. Laugharne Castle
Laugharne Castle is a medieval fortress, overlooking the scenic Taf Estuary. It has its origins in a Norman stronghold, likely built around 1116. Over the first few hundred years of its life, the castle was involved in many English-Welsh conflicts and had to be rebuilt many times. Most of the castle was destroyed in the English Civil War in the 17th century.
After years of neglect and ruin, a Georgian mansion was built on the castle grounds, known as Castle House. One of the most famous tenants of Castle House was the author Richard Hughes. He was friends with Dylan Thomas who lived nearby and the two of them worked in the summerhouse.
Today, the castle is owned by CADW and open to the public. Being quite small, it's one of the cheaper castles in West Wales to visit and is well worth your time.
You can explore the well-preserved ruins, climb to the top of the ancient towers for breathtaking panoramic views and wander among the castle gardens where you'll find the summerhouse.
In one of the towers, there’s an information panel which tells the story of the castle’s history from its beginnings as a Norman stronghold to its revival by the three Guys (literally three men called Guy).
8. Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle is an impressive medieval fortress in the small town of Kidwelly. It was built by the Normans around 1106 as a way of subduing the Welsh. The castle has a unique design which is semi-circular when viewed from above.
Like many Pembrokeshire castles, it witnessed many battles between the Welsh and English, most notably being captured by Rhys ap Gruffydd (later known as Lord Rhys) in 1159 which saw him named as the ruler of the region by the king.
The castle remained important throughout the 13th and 14th centuries with many renovations and improvements to it's defences. Once the fighting ended, the castle continued to be used as an administrative centre but was eventually abanoned.
By the 19th century, Kidwelly Castle fell into a state of disrepair and became a picturesque ruin. It famously appeared in the opening scene for Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
Today, the castle is managed by CADW and is open to the public as a paid attraction. You can walk along the castle walls and climb up the towers for panoramic views across the picturesque River Gwendraeth and the surrounding countryside.
Although it looks small from the outside, the ruins are quite substantial so I ended up spending around 45 minutes exploring the ruins. There's not a lot of information about the castle's history so I recommend reading up ahead of time or buying the full guide from the visitor centre.
9. Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen is another castle ruin in West Wales, near the town of Llandeilo. It is officially the most romantic castle in Wales, as voted for by the readers of Countryfile magazine
The ruin sits about 300ft above the River Cennen and provides stunning views across the Brecon Beacons National Park.
The first stone castle was most likely built in the early-13th century by the Welsh Prince Rhys ap Gruffydd, later known as The Lord Rhys (we'll mention him again later).
After half a century of changing hands, it eventually fell into the hands of John Giffard who was loyal to Edward I of England. He was responsible for remodelling the castle into a grand fortress.
The castle ended up being abandoned in the 16th century after falling into disrepair. But, despite its ruined state, Carreg Cennen Castle is a fascinating place to explore.
The remains of the castle walls, towers, and gatehouse are still impressive, and you can climb to the top of the keep for incredible views of the surrounding valley. There is a tea room, gift shop, and parking area at the bottom of the hill. It's a 20 minute upwards walk to reach the ruins which are managed by CADW (entry fee applies).
Be careful, according to legend, a warrior lies sleeping beneath the castle awaiting the people of Wales to call upon him, this could even be King Arthur himself
10. Llansteffan Castle
My final castle in Carmarthenshire to visit is Llansteffan Castle which sits on a headland overlooking the Tywi Estuary.
The ruins you can see today come from a 12th century stone castle built to control the Welsh. However, archaeological evidence suggests there was a fort here as early as the Iron Age.
Following the English conquest of Wales, the castle changed hands many times, including being captured twice by forces loyal to Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century.
The castle is privately owned, however, it is cared for by CADW and can be visited by the public (no admission charge). You can park your car at the beach or in the centre of the village and follow the trail to up the hill.
Best Castles in Ceredigion
11. Cilgerran Castle
In southern Ceredigion, near the border with Pembrokeshire, you'll find the ruins of an impressive 13th-century Cilgerran Castle.
The fortress would have once protected the Teifi Gorge and changed hands many times between English and Welsh forces. Today, only two towers, the gatehouse, and the curtain wall remain.
The castle is managed by CADW and open to the public. You can wander around the ruin and climb up inside one of the towers.
The castle visitor centre is seasonal, open from Friday to Sunday during the summer months. When the visitor centre is closed, you can still visit the ruins for free.
After visiting the castle, you can head through the woodland to the Teifi River. There’s a scenic riverside path that runs all the way up to the Welsh Wildlife Centre. The walk takes just under an hour each way.
Other Castles in West Wales
12. Tenby Castle
Tenby Castle would have once been a formidable defensive outpost protecting the walled coastal town. However, very little remains of the castle today except for a small tower on top of Castle Hill.
The castle itself isn't particularly worth going out of your way for, however, Castle Hill is a beautiful spot to enjoy coastal views and to capture photos of Tenby's colourful houses.
The nearby Tenby Museum and Gallery (likely built on top of the old Great Hall) has some interesting information about the castle and how it would have looked during its prime years.
13. Cardigan Castle
Cardigan Castle stands proudly in the centre of Cardigan overlooking the River Teifi.
The most impressive part of the castle is the castle walls which are best viewed from the outside where they stand mightily overlooking the Teifi River that runs through the town.
Inside the castle walls, you won't find a keep or indeed any buildings that resemble a castle. That's because it was badly damaged during the English Civil War and for many centuries only used as a prison.
In the 19th century, a manor house was built inside the walls, known as Castle Green House. This remains there to this day and now houses an exhibition about the castle's history and the National Eisteddfod which has strong links with the castle.
After a long campaign by townspeople in Cardigan, the castle was finally purchased by the town council and is now open to visitors. However, I didn't think it was worth the entrance fee to go inside as there was very little to see. The castle is best when admired from the outside or from the castle restaurant, 1176.
14. Newcastle Emlyn Castle
Newcastle Emlyn Castle is a small but picturesque castle ruin in Carmarthenshire. The castle was in the old administrative district of Emlyn. This is why the town that formed around the castle became known as New Castle Emlyn.
It was built by the Welsh lord Maredudd ap Rhys in the 13th century on the banks of the River Teifi.
It was unique in that it had a triangular-shaped inner ward with the twin-towered gatehouse at the wider end being the dominant feature. these towers would have contained the porter's lodge and a prison or dungeon beneath it.
Parts of this gatehouse remain today along with remnants of the walls. The inner ward would have also contained a great hall and a chapel, although these are long gone.
The ruins are free to visit although aren't very substantial so I wouldn't recommend going too much out of your way.
15. Narberth Castle
According to written documents, the earliest mention of Narberth Castle was in 1116. However, Welsh mythology suggests it is much older. The Mabinogion (a collection of Welsh myths) says it was once the palace of Pwyll, the legendary Prince of Dyfed
The stone ruins you can see at Narberth Castle today come from the 13th century. They were built by the Norman Andrew Perrot and never fell into Welsh hands, even throughout the Glyndŵr Rising.
The castle was fortified by Sir Edmund Mortimer, but when he died childless it reverted to the crown. This made it a target during the English Civil War when it was destroyed by parliamentarians.
The ruins are open to the public and free to visit. However, only two towers, the cellar and the pantry remain so it's a very small ruin.
16. Carmarthen Castle
Carmarthen Castle was built in the early 1100s by Walter, Sheriff of Gloucester, on a strategic location overlooking the River Twyi.
The castle was destroyed and rebuilt many times over its life, and was notably seized by Owain Glyndŵr during his rebellion in 1405. It's also famous as the place where King Henry VII's father died in 1456.
Most of the castle was dismantled in the 17th century under the order of Oliver Cromwell. In the following century, the old inner bailey was used to build the County Gaol and a police station which would hold prisoners as they were transported to the courthouse.
The goal was eventually demolished and replaced with the large county hall which still stands on top of the castle ruins today.
You can still find some of the old towers, a gatehouse, and parts of the castle walls as you wander around the town. I don't think it's worth going out of your way to visit Carmarthen Castle, but if you pass by, make sure you stop to read the information panels which provide some interesting facts.
Published: 26 August 2022 · Last updated: 18 January 2024