Pembrokeshire, Wales
Tal-Y-Bont Hill, Llawhaden, Narberth SA67 8HL
Website cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llawhaden-castle
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Not a baronial castle but an episcopal one — built as a fortified residence for the medieval bishops of St Davids, which explains the scale without the expected military bulk. Free and unstaffed, it sits above a quiet village with a small green for a picnic before or after.
The tower, which is climbable and gives what reviewers call unexpectedly good views considering how little publicity the site gets.
It closes at 4pm, so check timing if visiting later in the day; parking is limited to a small green near the village, with a short walk up to the castle itself.
Visitors consistently describe Llawhaden Castle as a peaceful, well-preserved 13th-century ruin with fantastic views from the tower, and several mention it's free to enter with a small car park nearby in the village. More than one reviewer notes it's a good spot for birdwatching. No real criticisms appear in the reviews beyond the site's limited opening hours, which is worth checking before visiting.
Fortified palace of the bishops of St Davids; free
“Came across this beautiful site when we spotted a “Castle” nearby signs and had some time to spare. What a great decision. Lovely sights and well preserved ruins”— Kenneth & Annie Blake, visitor review