Top 4 Castles around Mawr
Best castles around Mawr are located in the Swansea region of South Wales, UK. This area is characterized by its diverse landscape, including limestone crags, sand dunes, and upland areas. The region offers a mix of historical sites, from ancient hillforts to medieval castle ruins and preserved historic homes. Exploring these sites provides insight into Wales' rich history and architectural heritage.
Best castles around Mawr
- The most popular castles is Carreg Cennen Castle, a castle that is a dramatically…
Last updated: June 28, 2026
Carreg Cennen Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Carreg Cennen Castle Entrance and Information Signs
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
View of Castell Carreg Cennen
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Craig-y-Nos Castle Café and Ticket Office
Highlight • Rest Area
Tip by
Penlle'r Castell Earthworks, Mynydd y Betws
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
Little Cafe and shop which is nice (you can't get a full cooked breakfast but cakes and toast etc available). You also purchase your tickets for the Castle Visit at the till.
1
0
Free Car Parking available (donations welcome) and information signage provided about the general area.
0
0
Wow just wow, didn’t expect the cave below the castle !!!
0
0
There are great views of Castell Carreg Cennen from here, looking north-west across the valley. The castle is perched gloriously on a rocky limestone outcrop, and its outer walls and towers look majestic and are a reminder of its former glory.
1
0
Carreg Cennen Castle is erected sometime after 1284 by Baron John Giffard and his son on the site of an earlier Welsh fortification. In 1462, Carreg Cennen flies the Lancastrian flag. Taken on behalf of the Yorkist king Edward IV, it is slighted by pick and crowbar, ending its life as a stronghold. Carreg Cennen castle is spectacularly located on a great limestone crag about 90m above the river Cennen, offering views miles around.
2
0
Ruin of a late thirteenth-century castle, on a limestone rock where there may already have been a fort in the Iron Age. The earliest castle was most likely the work of the dynasty of Welsh princes. The oldest found written mention of the castle dates "only" from 1248 when Rhys Fychan (died 1271), great-grandson of Lord Rhys, conquered the castle from the English. In 1277 the castle was captured by Edward I of England in his first campaign against Llewelyn ap Gruffudd of Gwynedd (died 1282).[1] The castle was briefly reconquered in 1282 and 1287. In 1282–83 Edward I completed his conquest of Wales and granted Carreg Cennen Castle in 1283 to his loyal supporter John Giffard (d. 1299), baron of Brimpsfield (Gloucestershire). The current castle was most likely built by Baron Giffard and his son John (died 1322), not too long after 1284. Being a resident of Ghent myself, I thought it was a nice fact that the castle was in the hands of John of Gaunt (yes, John of Gaunt), Duke of Lancaster, for a while in the 14th century. During the War of the Roses (1455-1485), Carreg Cennen Castle was initially in Lancaster hands, but was later conquered by the York supporters. In the late 18th century the castle became popular among amateur archaeologists and artists, with William Turner visiting the castle in 1798. In the 19th century the second Earl of Cawdor began restoration work on Carreg Cennen Castle. In 1932 the castle came under state management. In the 1960s the castle became the property of the Morris family, owners of the Castell Farm farm near the castle. Source: Wikipedia The castle can be visited 364 days of the year. Just not on Christmas Day. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (from April to October until 5:00 pm) The ticket desk is located at the tea room / gift shop ("downstairs", where the parking is also located). In high season and on weekends, tickets can also be purchased near the entrance to the castle. Entrance prices range from £6.50 for adults, £4.00 for discount holders, to £20.00 for a family ticket.
1
1
Very nice castle and very picturesque. Another one ticked off the Welsh castles list.
3
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of historical sites can I explore around Mawr?
The Mawr area offers a diverse range of historical sites, including dramatic medieval castle ruins like Carreg Cennen Castle, ancient Iron Age hillforts such as Castell Mawr (Pembrokeshire) and Penlle'r Castell Earthworks, and even well-preserved historic timber-framed houses like Tŷ Mawr. You'll find a mix of defensive structures and domestic architecture reflecting centuries of Welsh history.
Which castles around Mawr offer the most dramatic views?
Carreg Cennen Castle is renowned for its spectacular location, perched on a limestone crag 90 meters above the River Cennen, providing extensive views of the surrounding landscape. Penlle'r Castell Earthworks, located on Mynydd y Betws, also offers excellent viewpoints from its upland position.
Are there any unique features to look out for at the castles near Mawr?
Yes, Carreg Cennen Castle features a unique cave beneath the castle that visitors can explore. Candleston Castle in Merthyr Mawr is notable for its setting amidst the sand dunes, offering a distinctive backdrop, especially in winter. Tŷ Mawr, while not a defensive castle, is a remarkable example of a meticulously restored 17th-century timber-framed house.
Is there parking available at Carreg Cennen Castle?
Yes, free car parking is available at Carreg Cennen Castle Entrance and Information Signs. Donations are welcome.
What are the typical opening hours for castles in the Mawr area?
Opening hours can vary by site and season. For Carreg Cennen Castle, it is generally open to visitors for most of the year, closing only on Christmas Day. For specific and up-to-date information on opening times and prices for Carreg Cennen Castle, it's best to check the official Cadw website.
Are there family-friendly activities at the castles around Mawr?
Many of the castles, particularly Carreg Cennen Castle, are considered family-friendly. The dramatic ruins and the cave at Carreg Cennen offer an engaging experience for children. The Craig-y-Nos Castle Café and Ticket Office also provides facilities suitable for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The region around Mawr offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy hikes around Mawr, as well as gravel biking and MTB trails. For more detailed routes and guides, you can explore options like easy hikes around Mawr, gravel biking around Mawr, and MTB trails around Mawr.
Are there hiking trails near Carreg Cennen Castle?
Yes, there are opportunities for hiking around Carreg Cennen Castle. The castle's location on a crag offers scenic walks around its base and to various viewpoints. You can find more hiking options in the broader region by checking out easy hikes around Mawr.
What is the best time of year to visit castles in South Wales?
Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant weather for exploring the castles and their surrounding landscapes. However, visiting in winter can also provide a unique experience, especially at sites like Candleston Castle where the barren trees allow for expansive views from the nearby sand dunes.
Are there cafes or refreshments available near Carreg Cennen Castle?
Yes, there is a cafe at Craig-y-Nos Castle Café and Ticket Office where you can purchase cakes and toast. Additionally, the castle farm at Carreg Cennen Castle has a tea room offering home cooking.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Mawr?
Visitors particularly appreciate the dramatic locations and rich history of the castles. The spectacular views from sites like Carreg Cennen Castle, the unique cave beneath it, and the opportunity to explore ancient earthworks like Penlle'r Castell Earthworks are frequently highlighted. The komoot community has shared 55 photos and given 67 upvotes to the highlights in the area, reflecting a strong appreciation for these historical sites.
Can I find information about the history of the castles on site?
Yes, sites like Carreg Cennen Castle Entrance and Information Signs provide detailed signage about the general area and the castle's history. Many historical sites in Wales, especially those managed by Cadw, offer interpretive displays to enhance your visit.
Most popular attractions around Mawr
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Mawr:
