First Image

Llansteffan Castle

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Overview
As far as location goes, this is simply stunning: this castle stands on a flat green headland overlooking the gorgeous sand flats of the River Tywi in Carmarthenshire. Initially, Norman invaders, recognising the strategic strength of this plot of land, established an earth-and-timber enclosure within the ancient defences of an Iron Age fort. The castle controlled an important river crossing and it changed hands several times during fierce fighting between the Normans and the Welsh. The gradual transformation of the early earth-and-timber stronghold into the powerful masonry castle visible today was undertaken mostly in the 13th century. At the close of the 15th century, King Henry VII granted it to his uncle, Jasper Tudor, who was probably responsible for blocking the great gatehouse passage to create additional accommodation. More recently, it was used as farm buildings before coming under the care of Cadw. Photo credit: © Crown copyright (2015) Cadw
Features

  • Opening Times
  • Open all year
  • Opening Times: Open all year, daily 10-4 (last admission 3.30). Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan

  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
Location
LLANSTEFFAN
About the area
Carmarthenshire is the largest of the historic counties of Wales, and known to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Carmarthen, its county town, with its Roman fort, claims to be the oldest town in Wales.
Area image

Llansteffan Castle

Recommended by Visit England Logo
Overview
As far as location goes, this is simply stunning: this castle stands on a flat green headland overlooking the gorgeous sand flats of the River Tywi in Carmarthenshire. Initially, Norman invaders, recognising the strategic strength of this plot of land, established an earth-and-timber enclosure within the ancient defences of an Iron Age fort. The castle controlled an important river crossing and it changed hands several times during fierce fighting between the Normans and the Welsh. The gradual transformation of the early earth-and-timber stronghold into the powerful masonry castle visible today was undertaken mostly in the 13th century. At the close of the 15th century, King Henry VII granted it to his uncle, Jasper Tudor, who was probably responsible for blocking the great gatehouse passage to create additional accommodation. More recently, it was used as farm buildings before coming under the care of Cadw. Photo credit: © Crown copyright (2015) Cadw
Features
  • Opening Times
  • Open all year
  • Opening Times: Open all year, daily 10-4 (last admission 3.30). Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
  • Facilities
  • Parking nearby
Location
LLANSTEFFAN
About the area
Area image
Carmarthenshire is the largest of the historic counties of Wales, and known to have been inhabited since prehistoric times. Carmarthen, its county town, with its Roman fort, claims to be the oldest town in Wales.