Tretower Court and Castle

Tretower
Crickhowell
Powys
NP8 1RF

Tel: +44 (0)1874 730 279
Fax: +44 (0)1874 730 279
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=136


A visit to Tretower Court and Castle reveals two historic sites for the price of one. In open country against the backdrop of the Brecon Beacons stands a stark, round tower, clearly a military fortification of great antiquity. Its companion piece is a handsome stone manor house which must have served as a very desirable domestic residence in its time. Tretower Castle goes back to Norman times.

The great 13th century stone keep surmounts a small mound, this being the remains of Tretower's original earthwork castle built around 1100 to control a strategic route through the Black Mountains. The transition from war to peace is recorded in stone at Tretower. By the early 15th century, the castle had probably been partially abandoned in favour of a new building in the east.

In the 1450s, Roger Vaughan began the transformation of this into the glorious house we now see before us, a fine example (rare in Wales) of a substantial late medieval country residence. The galleried courtyard is entered through a stone gatehouse, an arrangement reminiscent of the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge.

The gracious life style enjoyed by the favoured few in the Middle Ages is evoked with great authenticity within the carefully restored court. The woodworking is exceptional (and exceptionally well preserved) especially in the gallery with its sliding wooden shutters, and in the hall with its panelled timber partitions. Outside, there is a recreated medieval garden. Tretower Court was the long-standing home of the Vaughan family, one of whom was Henry Vaughan, the celebrated 17th century metaphysical poet.

General Information:

  • Free parking
  • Disabled toilets
  • Shop
  • Audio tour included in price
  • Guide dogs only allowed
  •  

    Opening Times
    (2006 times)
    1st to 31st March Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm

    1st April to 30th September Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am - 5.00pm


    Admission Charges
    (2006 prices)
    Adult £2.90; Concession £2.50; Family ticket(2 + 3 under 16yrs) £8.30.

    Directions
    Signposted in Tretower Village, off A179. 5km/3mls N. West of Crickhowell.
    Show map of Tretower Court and Castle...

    Nearby Attractions
    Bryn Bach Country Park (8 Miles)*
    The Park is set in 340 acres of mixed grass and woodland and has a 36-acre lake as its focal point. It offers something for all.
    Abergavenny Museum & Castle (8 Miles)*
    Abergavenny Museum presents the story of this historic market town from Prehistoric and Roman times right through to the present day.
    Blaenavon Ironworks (8 Miles)*
    South Wales's industrial history is recalled at this revealing site, one of Europe's best-preserved 18th century ironworks.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Travelodge (Travel Lodge) Monmouth (18 Miles)*
    Located on the A40, close to Monmouth, this Travelodge provides contemporary quality accommodation and an ideal base for exploring the Welsh countryside.
    Parkway Hotel (18 Miles)*
    This privately owned hotel is situated in beautiful South Wales, close to the cities of Cardiff and Bristol and the stunning scenery of the Wye Valley and Brecon Beacons.
    The Celtic Manor Resort (19 Miles)*
    Set in 1400 acres of parkland in the Usk valley is The Celtic Manor Resort, offering 5 star accommodation and a host of facilities to help you relax and unwind.
    more nearby hotels...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Pregge Mill (2 Miles)*
    Pregge Mill is a spacious and beautifully restored Welsh cottage with hard wood double-glazing. It is situated on the edge of Crickhowell overlooking the town. It affords superb views of the Brecon Beacons.
    The Lea (11 Miles)*
    This attractive, newly refurbished house offers cosy, comfortable holiday accommodation all year round. We are situated in the charming village of Llanigon, nestled in the foot hills of the Black Mountains in the heart of Kilvert Country.
    Alltybrain Farm cottages (12 Miles)*
    Alltybrain Farm is situated 4 miles from the town of Brecon near The Brecon Beacons. Whatever time of year you wish to take a holiday at Alltybrain Farm there is always a stunning view of the Welsh countryside to be enjoyed!
    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 nearby self catering...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Popular Pages

    Tourist Information Centres | Estate Agents

    Holiday Cottages in England | Holiday Cottages in Scotland

    Alton Towers Hotels | Blackpool Hotels | Travel Lodge | Cardiff Hotels

    Brighton Hotels | Marriot Hotels | Newcastle Hotels | Bournemouth Hotels

     Copyright © 1999-2008 Excelsior Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved.
    Press Room  Terms of Use  Privacy  Link to Us  Self-Catering Advertising  Index  Site Map