With its well-preserved fortress and commanding countryside views, Kidwelly Castle has secured a special place in my heart as one of the finest castles in West Wales.
From the moment you set eyes on the castle, you’ll be amazed at its grandeur, and heading inside only amplifies this feeling. I recently visited Kidwelly Castle for myself and, in this article, I’ll share some essential visitor information and top tips to help plan your own trip.
A Brief Background of Kidwelly Castle
Kidwelly Castle, an impressive medieval fortress situated on the banks of the River Gwendraeth, boasts a rich history dating back to the early 12th century.
Initially constructed by the Normans as a defence against attacks from Welsh princes, the castle changed hands multiple times during the twelfth century, with notable captures by Lord Rhys and Llywelyn the Great.
The castle's design is unique in that it has a semi-circular design when viewed from above. On the landward side, there is a curved outer curtain wall whereas the side near the river is straight creating the design. A strategically positioned tower safeguards against attacks from the river. Inside, the square inner bailey is protected by four round towers.
Despite enduring a failed siege by the forces of Owain Glyndŵr in 1403, Kidwelly Castle remains relatively well-preserved and is best known for its appearance in the first scene of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (watch it here).
Is Kidwelly Castle Worth Visiting?
Yes, Kidwelly Castle is well worth visiting because, despite being a ruin that’s more than 900 years old, it has been well preserved and played a significant role in the history of this area of Wales. Adding to the castle’s charm is its picturesque surroundings next to the River Gwendraeth.
Whilst you can enjoy the castle from the outside, paying for a ticket will allow you to explore the inside of the ruins, wander along the castle walls, and climb to the top of the tower.
How Long To Spend at Kidwelly Castle?
We spent about 1 hour exploring the castle and grounds which was more than enough. If possible, allow a little extra to visit The Gatehouse Coffee Bar which is just a 2-minute walk from the castle’s entrance.
The coffee is great and they serve a range of snacks and light bites, plus the décor is stylish for this part of Wales - very instagrammable.
Things To Do at Kidwelly Castle
1. Explore the castle ruins
Discover the castle's strategic features, such as the imposing gatehouse and the four round towers that once defended the inner bailey.
There are some information panels dotted around the castle, but I recommend that you read up in advance or purchase the guidebook for a better understanding of what you are looking at. The below floor plan will also help and it outlines when the different parts were built.
As you explore the outer keep, notice the ‘later hall’ which was a later addition to the castle. Envision the grand feasts, gatherings, and important discussions that once took place here.
2. Enjoy views of the River Gwendraeth from the tower
Ascend to the heights of the castle tower and treat yourself to breathtaking views of the picturesque River Gwendraeth.
From the top of the tower, you can get a better understanding of the castle’s structure which is unique in that it’s semi-circular as you would have noticed in the floor plan above. You can also head down the narrow passage into the deep dungeons.
3. Pay tribute to Princess Gwendoline
Princess Gwendoline is one of the heroes of Kidwelly Castle. Despite being of authentic Welsh royalty, Gwenllian did not live the life of a princess we might know. She raised her sons whilst hiding in the surrounding forests while her husband built an army and plotted raids.
However, in 1136, the current occupant of Kidwelly Castle, Lord Maurice de Londres, gathered forces for a counter-attack.
With her husband being away at the time, Gwenllian took up arms herself and lead their army into battle, the only woman to lead a Welsh army during Medieval times. Things did not go to plan and she was captured and beheaded. However, her heroic sacrifice inspired a popular uprising that eventually swept the Normans out of West Wales - read the full story here.
Keep an eye out for the monument which stands in her memory outside the castle near the gatehouse (shown below). It serves as a tribute to her bravery and beauty, encapsulating her remarkable story.
Kidwelly Castle Visitor Information
Entry Fees
Here are the entry fees for Kidwelly Castle:
| CADW Members | Free |
| Adults | £6.80 |
| Children (5-17) | £4.80 |
| Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) | £22.10 |
| Seniors | £6.30 |
If you have an English Heritage or Historic Scotland membership, you will receive a 50% discount in your first year and entry is free after your first renewal.
Is Kidwelly Castle National Trust? No, Kidwelly Castle is not a National Trust property so you will not receive free entry with your membership card. It is managed by CADW.
Opening Hours
Kidwelly Castle's opening hours vary by season:
| March – June | 9.30am – 5pm |
| July – August | 9.30am – 6pm |
| September – October | 9.30am – 5pm |
| November - February | 10am – 4pm |
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
How To Get To Kidwelly Castle
By Car: To reach Kidwelly Castle by car, follow the A484 towards Kidwelly. The castle is the town’s main attraction and is well-signposted. I was staying in Llanelli when I visited the castle which was about 20 minutes drive.
Is There Parking at Kidwelly Castle?
Yes, there is a small free car park right in front of Kidwelly Castle. Here are the details for the car park:
- Postcode: SA17 5BQ
- What3Words: ///student.clasping.enabling
- Google Maps: See pin here
The car park was near-empty when I visited in May. However, if it is full, there is a larger car park called Glan-yr-Afon which is also free and only about 3 minute's walk from the castle.
By Public Transport: The fastest way to reach Kidwelly Castle via public transport is using the train. There is a train station in Kidwelly with direct trains from Carmarthen and Swansea. The train station is a 15-minute walk from the castle.
Alternatively, the X11/X12 bus routes from Swansea to Carmarthen stop in Kidwelly. This is slower but cheaper and the bus stop is much closer to the castle than the train station, only about 2 minutes walk away.
Common Questions
Is Kidwelly Castle Dog-Friendly?
Yes, Kidwelly Castle is dog-friendly, however, dogs are only allowed on the lower levels so you’ll have to take it in turns to visit the tower and wander along the walls. If you are visiting alone with your pup, this may be difficult and could ruin the experience as these were some of my favourite parts.
Is Kidwelly Castle Suitable for Prams or Wheelchairs?
No, although CADW highlight that Kidwelly Castle has an accessible entrance and visitor centre, in reality, it would be difficult to take a pram or wheelchair around the ruins themselves and the upper floors to the tower or castle walls which are some of the highlights are certainly inaccessible.
Can You Take a Tour of Kidwelly Castle?
No, unfortunately, there are no guided or self-guided tours of Kidwelly Castle. There are some information panels but this is one thing it is short of compared to other castles in Wales.
If you are particularly interested in finding out more about the castle, there is a book you can purchase from reception which does a deep delve into the castle's history, architecture, and the characters who lived there.
Other Things To Do Near Kidwelly Castle
The town of Kidwelly itself doesn’t have many other attractions that I would recommend visiting. Instead, here are some of my other favourite things to do nearby:
Pembrey Country Park – Just a 15-minute drive from the castle, Pembrey Country Park is one of my top recommended things to do in West Wales. When the weather is dry, you can spend an entire day here with beaches and walks alongside family activities such as mini-golf, tobogganing, and a dry ski slope.
The National Botanic Gardens of Wales – Around 25 minutes from Kidwelly Castle are the National Botanic Gardens of Wales where you’ll find a huge tropical glass house and more than 8,000 plants from all over the world.
Visit Llanelli – Don’t bother visiting Carmarthen, instead, head to the smaller town of Llanelli where there is a lovely beach area called the Millennium Coastal Park and Llanelli Wetlands with flamingos and geese, and ducks.
Published: 5 June 2023 · Last updated: 11 October 2023