The 10 Best Castles in South Wales, Wales

Beautifully ornate pleasure palace built by the Victorian architect William Burges.

This superbly restored gentry manor house is no ordinary heritage attraction. History here is tangible. The costumed servants of the house are living and working in 1645 and allow you to share and engage in their world. Fires crackle, candles flicker and the sounds and smells of domestic life make your visit a memorable experience of the past. It takes a moment to attune your ear to the unfamiliar speech within the Manor itself, but within seconds of your warm welcome you become immersed in the time of the Civil Wars and the cares and concerns of ordinary people living in extraordinary times.

The beautiful fabled home of a very wealthy man. While resting on ancient foundations, Castell Coch (Red Castle) is relatively modern, the by-product of a vivid Victorian imagination, assisted by untold wealth. The Middle Ages fascinated the Victorians as much as the Victorians fascinate us today. High Gothic was the order of the day. The ‘eccentric genius’ William Burges was given free rein by his paymaster, John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3rd marquess of Bute, to create a rural retreat to complement the opulence of his main residence, Cardiff Castle. He didn’t hold back. Dazzling ceilings, over-the-top furnishings and furniture were liberally applied. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

Oystermouth Castle sits majestically on the hill in Mumbles with stunning views overlooking Swansea Bay. Come and explore parts of the castle that have been hidden away for centuries, and learn about the castle's exciting history. Features include ancient graffiti art from the 14th century, private staircases leading from vaults to previous banqueting halls and a 30 foot high glass bridge. Events are held throughout the year, so come along and make a visit to one of Wales' finest castles. See website for more details on events. The Friends of Oystermouth Castle are responsible for the daily operation of the Castle. 2019 Opening Times: 11am-5pm Tuesday - Sunday, 2 April - 29 September and weekends during October (closed during winter months). Last admission 4.30pm. Dogs allowed in the Castle on leads.

The Home of Welsh Castle Life: Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Castle’s exciting past. Caldicot Castle’s impressive structure is surrounded by an idyllic 55 acre Country Park. You will be able to travel through time and discover the home of Welsh castle life, from medieval times to the twentieth century. The castle was developed as a fortress by Royal hands in the Middle Ages and restored as a Victorian family home. The river Nedern winds its way through the park and the wildlife pond is home to a variety of wildfowl.

The fortress sprawls over a huge area making it the largest castle in Wales. Like the famous cheese, the castle has long been synonymous with Caerphilly. It dominates. Hogs the limelight. Think slumbering giant awaiting a call to arms. It's also a great backdrop for TV and film. It secured a starring role recently in the popular BBC TV series Merlin. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

Beautifully preserved Chepstow Castle stretches out along a limestone cliff above the River Wye like a history lesson in stone. There’s no better place in Britain to see how castles gradually evolved to cope with ever more destructive weaponry – and the grandiose ambitions of their owners. For more than six centuries Chepstow was home to some of the wealthiest and most powerful men of the medieval and Tudor ages. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.

White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Originally constructed from wood and earth, a series of renovations transformed it into the significant defensive structure we see today. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.