The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 455 reports FREE ENTRY

Llawhaden Castle

Pembrokeshire, Wales


Llawhaden Castle
Llawhaden Castle, further view Llawhaden Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Cadw
Condition
Ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

Tal-Y-Bont Hill, Llawhaden, Narberth SA67 8HL

Website cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llawhaden-castle

Possible Opening hours

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

Monday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Tuesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Wednesday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sunday10:00 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.

Worth the trip

The tower, which is climbable and gives what reviewers call unexpectedly good views considering how little publicity the site gets.

Before you go

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.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 455 Google reviews

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

Further reading

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

Arnold Taylor / Jeremy A. Ashbee

Find it on Amazon
The Welsh Castles of Edward I cover book
The Welsh Castles of Edward I

Arnold J. Taylor

Find it on Amazon
Cadw Guidebook: Harlech Castle cover book
Cadw Guidebook: Harlech Castle

Cadw

Find it on Amazon