Laugharne Castle is an enchanting historic landmark in the idyllic town of Laugharne in West Wales. The town is dominated by the ruins of the medieval fortress, perched on the banks of the River Tâf and steeped in a rich tapestry of history and literary heritage.
I recently did a tour of castles in West Wales and Laugharne was my final stop. In this guide, I’m going to tell you whether I think it's worth visiting and give you some essential travel tips for a hassle-free trip.
Plus, at the end, I’ll tell you about my favourite attractions nearby so that you can make the most of your day.
A Brief Background of Laugharne Castle
Laugharne Castle is a fortress in the village of Laugharne in West Wales. Although the castle is a ruin, it’s a fascinating historical site that encompasses centuries of Welsh and English history.
Originally established in 1116, the castle was rebuilt as a formidable Norman stronghold and played a significant role in the conflicts between the Normans and the Welsh as they battled for control over the region.
After the conflicts ended, the castle almost fell to ruin but was transformed into a magnificent Tudor mansion by Sir John Perrot. Unfortunately, Sir John fell out of favour and was accused of treason. He died in the Tower of London while waiting for his punishment.
The castle was damaged significantly when Laugharne became caught up in the English Civil War. After this, the castle was never lived in again and the new ‘Castle House’ was built next to it which is the pink house on your left as you enter.
In the 20th century, the author Richard Hughes leased Castle House which gave him access to the castle grounds where he wrote his second novel in the summerhouse.
It also holds a special place in the literary world as the beloved retreat of renowned poet Dylan Thomas, who lived in Laugharne and found inspiration in the castle’s surroundings.
Is Laugharne Castle Worth Visiting?
Yes, Laugharne Castle is worth visiting as it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Laugharne and has a historical significance in the area. The highlight of the castle is climbing to the top of the medieval stone towers to enjoy the views that come with the castle’s enchanting setting on the estuary of the River Tâf.
If you’re visiting Laugharne, chances are that you’re interested in learning about Dylan Thomas, the village’s most famous past resident. The castle is another of the town’s landmarks that has links to the writer as you can visit the summerhouse where he wrote ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog’.
Other things to do in Laugharne that have links to the writer include the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and the Dylan Thomas birthday walk.
How To Get To Laugharne Castle
By Car: To visit Laugharne Castle by car, follow the A4066 to Laugharne. This road runs right through the centre of Laugharne so you'll easily see the castle as you approach the middle of the small town.
The entrance to the castle is near the Town Hall with the clock. As of 2023, the Google Maps pin does not direct you right to the entrance. Use this pin instead to reach the entrance or find details for the car park below.
Is There Parking at Laugharne Castle?
Yes, there is a small car park directly opposite the castle. However, this can get full even on a quiet day so the best place to park is Green Banks pay and display car park. However, keep in mind that the machine only takes coins right now.
The car park is right next to a ford over the river can be prone to flooding. According to some locals, the tide can sweep into the car park at night. I didn’t stay to find out but be careful.
Here are the details for the car park:
- Postcode: SA33 4SY
- What3Words: ///mourner.computers.ever
- Google Maps: See pin here
By Public Transport: Laugharne Castle is difficult to reach using public transport as it does not have a nearby train station.
The best way to reach Laugharne by public transport is using the bus. Service 222 runs regularly from Carmarthen to Laugharne and stops outside Brown's Hotel which is a 1-minute walk from the castle entrance. Carmarthen has onward connections by bus and rail to most other major destinations in the area.
Visitor Information
Entry Fees
Laugharne Castle is free for those with a CADW Membership or a valid Explorer Pass. Here are the admission prices for everyone else:
| Adult | £5.00 |
| Juniors (5-17) and Students | £3.60 |
| Senior Citizens | £4.80 |
| Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) | £16.30 |
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 Laugharne Castle National Trust? No, Laugharne 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
Laugharne Castle is only open to visitors during the peak visitor season.
| April to October | Thursday to Monday, 10am-5pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday |
| November to March | Closed |
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing time.
Common Questions
How Long Does it Take to Visit Laugharne Castle?
It took 40 minutes to fully explore the castle which included climbing the tower and seeing the summerhouse and gardens.
Is Laugharne Castle Dog-Friendly?
Yes, you are welcome to bring dogs into Laugharne Castle provided they are kept on a lead. However, they are not allowed up the tower so you will have to take it in turns.
Is Laugharne Castle Suitable for Prams or Wheelchairs?
Yes, most of Laugharne Castle is accessible for prams and wheelchairs except for the castle tower. Whilst it’s a shame to not climb the tower, it is still worth visiting even without access to this.
Keep in mind that the path from the nearest car park to the entrance is steep so it would be advisable to arrange drop off outside the entrance if possible.
Is There a Café at Laugharne Castle?
No, there is no café at Laugharne Castle. However, if you head to the Dylan Thomas Boathouse, there is a lovely café downstairs offering views across the estuary. You don’t need to buy a ticket to use the café.
Are There Toilets at Laugharne Castle?
No, there are no toilets at Laugharne Castle, however, there is a public toilet back on the main road down the hill, just a few minutes walk. These toilets require a 20p coin.
Can You Take a Tour of Laugharne Castle?
No, there are no guided or self-guided tours of Laugharne Castle. There is some information in the tower about the background of the castle, but little else other than this.
If you are interested in learning more, there is a book about Laugharne Castle available in the gift shop which tells you more about its history, design, and important people in its history.
Things To Do at Laugharne Castle
1. Explore the castle ruins
The main thing to do at the castle is to explore the ruins themselves. Most of what remains is the remnants of the inner ward of the castle.
Over time and through various rebuilds, parts have been added and removed. This floor plan is very useful to have with you so that you know exactly where you are and when it was built. I recommend you save it to your device.
One of the floors leading up to the tower has a large three-sided information panel that sheds some light on the castle’s past. I recommend that you stop and take time to read these panels as I found them to be very informative.
2. Climb to the top of the castle tower
The castle would have had several towers at the height of its glory, however, only one remains intact today. Climbing this was the highlight of my visit to the castle so I highly recommend that you don’t skip it.
At the top, you’ll enjoy commanding views across the estuary and the countryside beyond.
3. See inside the summer house that inspired Dylan Thomas
Step into the summerhouse where two renowned writers, Richard Hughes and Dylan Thomas, found inspiration. At the time Richard Hughes leased nearby Castle House so had access to the castle grounds. He used the summerhouse as a place to write and overcome writer's block.
He also invited his close friend, Dylan Thomas, who also lived in Laugharne, to stay and use the summerhouse for writing. In the summer house, Hughes wrote his second novel, ‘In Hazard’, and Dylan compiled his short stories in ‘Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog’.
The summerhouse has been set up with a desk and typewriter so you can envision them working. There’s also a fake radio (shown below) which you can turn on and hear a conversation between the two.
4. Admire the beauty of the formal gardens
During the 19th century, the outer ward of Laugharne Castle was converted into a formal garden which it remains today. The gardens have been well maintained and include a manicured labyrinth, shrubbery, and flowers which you can walk around.
Events at Laugharne Castle
CADW run occasional events at Laugharne Castle including falconry and workshops. Sometimes there are readings of Dylan Thomas's works too, especially around Dylan Thomas Day.
Although the events are usually free, you will still need to purchase an admission ticket for that day.
Find out about upcoming events here.
Published: 5 June 2023 · Last updated: 7 September 2023