Kidwelly Castle

Kidwelly
Carmarthenshire
SA17 5BQ

Tel: +44 (0)1554 890 104
Fax: +44 (0)1554 890 104
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

Bookmark and Share


This castle is one of Wales's best kept secrets. Kidwelly, on a steep bluff overlooking the River Gwendraeth, presents a vision of medieval times which is more complete than many of its more celebrated contemporaries. The castle is remarkably well preserved. Its soaring twin towered gatehouse stands almost to its full height, the masthead of a powerful concentric "walls within walls" design.

Kidwelly's impressive initial appearance is not deceptive. Once through the gatehouse there are more massive walls and round towers protecting a central core. The castle was founded by the Normans as an earth and timber stronghold in 1106 to consolidate their gains in south-west Wales. The strategic site easily chose itself. The castle crowns a prominent ridge and would have had access to the sea, thus forming a link in a chain of new strongholds controlling a major coastal route. In its early form it was vulnerable to Welsh attack. In the 13th century it was rebuilt in stone largely as the fortress we see today.

Kidwelly's most arresting feature is undoubtedly its great gatehouse, completed in 1422 as the castle's chief strong point. As well as defending the entrance the gatehouse provided accommodation for the constable of the castle. Kidwelly was improved over the centuries, gradually assuming an increasingly domestic role with the addition of a new hall, kitchen and lodgings in more settled times. Kidwelly gives a complete insight into the evolution of the medieval fortress.

General Information:
  • Parking
  • Toilets
  • Disabled toilet facilities
  • Shop
    • Refreshments nearby
  • Guide dogs only allowed
  • Cycle stands
  • Baby changing facilities
  • Hearing loop



    • More Pictures
     
     

    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April - 31st October:
    Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm.

    1st November - 31st March:
    Monday - Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.
    Last admission 30 mins before closing.
    Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £3.00; reduced rate £2.60.
    Family ticket (2 + all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £8.60.

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
    Child under 5yrs Free.

    Closed 24th to 26th December and 1st January.

    Directions
    Show map of Kidwelly Castle...

    Kidwelly Castle Postcode for SatNav: SA17 5BQ

    Nearby Attractions
    Laugharne Castle (7 Miles)*
    The handsome castle, standing foursquare on the waterfront overlooking the Taf estuary, bears testament to a troubled past when the Normans built a string of coastal strongholds to consolidate their hold over south-west Wales.
    Carmarthenshire County Museum (8 Miles)*
    At Abergwili, near Carmarthen on the A40, this the museum of Carmarthenshire's past.
    National Wetland Centre Wales (9 Miles)*
    Enjoy a wonderful day out watching and learning about some of Wales's most exciting wildlife - and help WWT to protect it at the same time.
    more attractions in Kidwelly and things to do in Kidwelly ...
    more things to do in Carmarthenshire and days out in Carmarthenshire...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Gwenllian Court Hotel (1 Mile)*
    With a beautiful, peaceful location, in fine grounds on the banks of the Gwendraeth River, this Victorian country mansion offers individually designed bedrooms, free parking and fine dining.
    Three Rivers Hotel (3 Miles)*
    Situated on the southern boundary of the Carmarthenshire seaside village of Ferryside, which nestles on the Three Rivers estuary of Carmarthen Bay, the hotel boasts a friendly environment and magnificent views.
    Ashburnham Hotel (4 Miles)*
    Nearly 200 years old, this former inn has its own grounds and overlooks the Ashburnham golf links. With views of Gower Peninsula, it is on the edge of the Millennium coastal paths and cycle tracks.
    more hotels near Kidwelly Castle ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Trepartridge Cottage (4 Miles)*
    Lying just outside Llanelli in rural Carmarthenshire, Trepartridge Cottage offers quality self catering accommodation in quiet surroundings but within easy reach of the M4 and the Carmarthenshire countryside and coastline.
    Millennium Quay Apartment (7 Miles)*
    This holiday home is well situated on the seafront and is a ground floor apartment containing all modern every day appliances, ideal for couples and small families. The accommodation of 2 bedrooms, open plan lounge, dining and kitchen area
    Beachlands View (7 Miles)*
    Luxuriously fitted and styled with every conceivable comfort for your pleasure and convenience; this stunning penthouse has all glass terraces to the lounge and master bedroom, which look out onto the beautiful sandy beach.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
    more self catering near Kidwelly Castle ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Popular Pages

         National Trust | Estate Agents     

     Copyright © 1999-2012 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
    Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Index  Site Map