The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.7 / 5 · 660 reports FREE ENTRY

Dryslwyn Castle

Carmarthenshire, Wales


Dryslwyn Castle
Dryslwyn Castle, further view Dryslwyn Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Cadw
Condition
Ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

B4297, Carmarthen SA32 8JQ

Website cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-dryslwyn

Possible Opening hours

Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

A native Welsh-built castle on a rocky outcrop over the Tywi valley, free to visit via a short, steep climb from the picnic area car park below. It's Welsh rather than English in origin, which sets it apart from many of its neighbours.

Worth the trip

The sweeping views over the river's curves, best appreciated from the summit.

Before you go

The castle sits right by the Tywi cycle and walking path between Carmarthen and Llandeilo, so it's an easy add-on if you're already on that route.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.7 / 5 across 660 Google reviews

Reviewers repeatedly describe Dryslwyn as a steep but short climb rewarded with sweeping views over the Towy Valley, with several mentioning the informative signage and its position along the Towy cycle path as added bonuses. It's generally seen as a quick visit of around an hour, and there's no notable criticism in the reviews beyond the physical effort of the climb for those less fit.

Welsh-built hilltop castle over Tywi valley; free

“Nice, small parking and pick available. Smal walk to the castle of 20 minutes nive views over the valley. Signs explaining the history of the castle.”— Ruud Westland, visitor review

Further reading

Cadw Guidebook: Conwy Castle cover book
Cadw Guidebook: Conwy Castle

Arnold Taylor / Jeremy A. Ashbee

Find it on Amazon
A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain cover book
A Great and Terrible King: Edward I and the Forging of Britain

Marc Morris

Find it on Amazon
book
Cadw Guidebook: Caernarfon Castle

Arnold Taylor

Find it on Amazon