Laugharne Castle

King Street
Laugharne
Carmarthenshire
SA33 4SA

Tel: +44 (0)1994 427 906
Fax: +44 (0)1994 427 906
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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Laugharne, the sleepy sea town on Carmarthen Bay immortalised by its most celebrated inhabitant, Dylan Thomas, was not always the tranquil backwater it is today. Its 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.

Laugharne was probably founded in the early 12th century as an earth and timber fortification, though as it now stands the castle dates mainly from the 13th century. Laungharne's story concerns comfort as well as conflict for, unlike some of its neighbours, this fortress was later adapted to provide stylish living accommodation. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Laugharne was the home of the de Brian family. Much of their stone castle survives, including two large towers and a gatehouse.

The transformation of the castle into a fine mansion was the work of Sir John Perrot, who was granted Laugharne by Elizabeth I in 1584. The castle saw service during the Civil War, after which it declined into a romantic ruin and became the subject of a dramatic watercolour by J.M.W. Turner. Its extensive restorations include a delightful Georgian and Victorian garden. Dylan Thomas's oblique description of a castle as "brown as owls" may have been inspired by the time he spent writing in its gazebo, a garden summerhouse built over the base of a medieval tower. Richard Hughes, author of A High Wind in Jamaica, also wrote here.

General Information:
  • Parking nearby
  • Shop
  • Guide dogs only allowed



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 31st October:
    Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm.

    Closed at all other times.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £3.00; Concession £2.60.
    Family ticket (2 adults and all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £8.60.

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

    Directions
    A4066 from St Clears.
    Show map of Laugharne Castle...

    Laugharne Castle Postcode for SatNav: SA33 4SA

    Nearby Attractions
    Kidwelly Castle (7 Miles)*
    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.
    Carmarthenshire County Museum (10 Miles)*
    At Abergwili, near Carmarthen on the A40, this the museum of Carmarthenshire's past.
    Folly Farm (11 Miles)*
    Folly Farm is one of Wales' largest family attractions. Daily entertainment ensures a fun-packed day for the whole family.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Three Rivers Hotel (4 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.
    Gwenllian Court Hotel (7 Miles)*
    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.
    Boars Head Hotel (9 Miles)*
    The Boar's Head Hotel is a famous Coaching Inn, steeped in history and dating back to the early 17th Century. Today with the Wales Tourist Board 3*, it offers en-suite facilities in all bedrooms.
    more hotels near Laugharne Castle ...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Swallow Cottage (< 1 Mile)*
    Swallow Cottage is an attractive two-storey barn conversion completed in June 2003, which is well equipped and furnished to a high standard. This Welsh holiday cottage is situated within a very quiet conservation area.
    King Gaddle Cottage (< 1 Mile)*
    A lovely stone cottage adjacent to the owner's former farmhouse, the origins of which date back to the 12th century. The beautiful accommodation includes a magnificent stone inglenook fireplace with a log burning stove.
    The Old Cow Barn (1 Mile)*
    The Old Cow Barn is part of Llansadurnen Farm, situated in the rural hilltop village of Llansadurnen. The Ancient Township of Laugharne is close by.
    Your property could be here
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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