Llansteffan Castle | Carmarthen | Wales | United Kingdom

Llansteffan Castle

Sightseeing attraction | Carmarthen | Wales | United Kingdom

Historical castle ruins in Wales

Llansteffan Castle is a historic castle ruin near Carmarthen, Wales, perched on a strategically significant hill overlooking the mouth of the River Tywi. The history of this fortress dates back to the Iron Age, when the area around 600 BC was used as a fortified promontory. The remains of these early fortifications are still visible today to the west of the castle.

Architecture of Llansteffan Castle

Historical Overview
The first known castle at this site was built around 1112 by the Normans, just a few decades after their conquest of Britain. This early fortress was likely made of wood and earth. In the 12th century, the castle passed through marriage into the possession of the influential Camville family, who held it for over 200 years. During this time, the castle was repeatedly captured by Welsh rulers, including Lord Rhys and Llywelyn the Great.

Visiting Llansteffan Castle

In the late 12th century, the transition to a stone fortress began. The castle was continuously expanded and strengthened to meet the changing power dynamics and military requirements. Despite these efforts, it fell into Welsh hands again in 1257 before being returned to the Camville family in the 1270s.

History of Llansteffan Castle

During the Welsh uprising under Owain Glyndŵr in the early 15th century, the castle was once again captured. In 1403, King Henry V awarded the castle to Sir John de Penres as a reward for its recapture from the Welsh. Over the following years, the castle changed hands frequently, with new owners often not residing on site and investing little in maintenance.

Medieval castles in Wales

Architecture and Current State
The present-day ruins of Llansteffan Castle bear witness to its eventful history. Particularly impressive is the massive two-winged gatehouse, built around 1280, which still offers an imposing sight. The rugged stone walls of the castle enclose the area of the original Iron Age fort and provide a breathtaking view over the mouth of the Tywi and Carmarthen Bay.

Although the castle is now a ruin, it offers visitors an impressive glimpse into its former significance and strength. The remains of the walls, towers, and courtyards invite exploration of the history of this fascinating place and appreciation of the strategic importance of its location.
Llansteffan Castle Carmarthen

Contact details

Web

Phone
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Address
Llansteffan
SA33 5LW Carmarthen

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday10:00 - 16:00
Monday10:00 - 16:00
Tuesday10:00 - 16:00
Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
Thursday10:00 - 19:00
Friday10:00 - 16:00
Saturday10:00 - 16:00

Reviews

885 Reviews

Tom
27.01.2025

A beautiful and historical experience. A nice simple beach/estuary walk that you can continue on to the beautiful ancient castle structure. Really nice for a afternoon walk that is not too taxing on the body! P.S. the view from the castle peaks is immaculate!
Steven James
07.01.2025

Free carparking and entry to castle. Amazing views from castle walls over looking the estuary.
Edgars
14.11.2024

Nice walk plenty of benches and spots to enjoy the castle or the beach.
William Nash
08.11.2024

I love Llansteffan castle having grown up nearby but the fact that the new owner wanted to charge £250 so that we could take some pictures ourselves on our wedding day has completely spoiled the location for me.
Varun Prasad
12.10.2024

Good place to visit
Kiran Hse
03.10.2024

Awesome place
Richard Andrew
19.09.2024

Beautifully bewitching, the little castle updated in the tudor times has great views of the surrounding countryside. Now, no longer lived in is just a ruin.
Andrew Firth
10.09.2024

Park in public car park at base of castle hill directly on beach front, that has clean public toilets. Steep but fairly short walk approx half a mile up to castle that is not disabled friendly. Ruin of the castle very interesting and not commercialised. Fantastic views . Walk back does through surrounding woods and a few steep uneven steps down onto the beach and back to car.
Andrew Kemp
07.09.2024

Great castle but a bit difficult to get to as Google maps implies you drive all the way. The last mile is on-foot so don't drive past the church.
Debby Muir
27.08.2024

Fantastic place not disabled accesable
gary roby
25.08.2024

Very long walk to top wasn't that interesting
Christopher Goddard
24.08.2024

Not an easy walk, so people with mobility problems may want to avoid it. But if you can manage it, you will be rewarded with a well-preserved castle and fabulous views over the River Towy-Tywy and Carmarthenshire coastline. Free admission, no toilets, no tearooms, no shop. No commercialisation. Ignore Google Maps which suggests you can drive there. You can't and you'll need to use the turning place and go back to the village.
Daniel Jenkins
20.08.2024

Beautiful place with only a few visitors - plenty of space.
Keith Lloyd
19.08.2024

Views from this castle are awesome
Retro Jee
18.08.2024

It's a bit of an uphill hike from the beach but crikey! When it comes into view you'll be happy you bothered. If an old structure Castle is what you want then you're in luck. Lovely open central areas (perfect for a picnic although no bins so please take your rubbish home,😊). You can go into the old storage areas, over the gate and even up into the front tower. No toilets or amenities up there but if you're not bothered about that then it's a hidden gem of a castle. Information boards are present and the out of bounds areas are clearly marked and fenced. In the area? Definitely visit.
Lindsay Allen
07.08.2024

Free parking near to the beach but a long and quite steep walk up to the castle follows. Lovely views once you get there, though, and a welcome ice cream awaits you when you get back to the car!
J „Huckleberry69“
31.07.2024

This is a really nice castle, it's free to enter and the car park is free also. There some wonderful views from the walls. The adjacent beach is great also and there is a chippy in the car park for an added bonus.
dave thompson
24.07.2024

Little bit of effort getting up to it, but good path. Relatively quiet with few visitors and free to get in. Good views and interesting site
Brian Pleace
13.01.2021

Very nice walk,lovely beach.
Bryan Allen
22.07.2024

Free ruined castle with great views from the top.
Steven Gardner
14.07.2024

Lovely place to visit and see construction technology that is still in fashion today.. Spiral staircase I loved but never liked walking it haha
Danielle Rushton-Hickman
15.07.2024

Great castle, we really enjoyed our visit
Vee77
12.07.2024

Free to get into, although it does shut at a certain time... there are lovely views at the far end of the castle walls.. we enjoyed the setting, and it wad very peaceful.. although a tad windy
Primo Fuze
05.07.2024

Beautiful historical site, with several information boards detailing the history of Llansteffan Castle. Amazing views and surprising amount of publicly available area to explore. One area allows to go to the highest available point of the castle itself. Its free admission, and it is extremely clean, with no litter whatsoever! Would recommend for anyone in the area, as the long walk up is worth it for the views and scenery of surrounding areas.
Colin Cranness
23.06.2024

Good climb upto to this castle but we'll worth it for both the castle and the views.
Peter Llewelyn Evans
19.06.2024

Great views, still not finished, but great when it is.
Jay
08.06.2024

Lovely views from castle over estuary. Currently historical information boards are difficult to find, looks like a lot of work is going on conserving so presumably eventually they will all be returned to their sites. However, it is a pleasant walk up the hill to the castle from the beach.

 

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