The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.7 / 5 · 4,199 reports TICKETED

Raglan Castle

Monmouthshire, Wales


Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle, further view Raglan Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Cadw
Condition
Partial ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed

Pinpoint

Raglan Castle, Raglan, Usk NP15 2BT

Telephone 0300 025 2239

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

Possible Opening hours

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

Monday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday9:30 AM – 6:00 PM

One of the last true castles built in Britain before gunpowder made them obsolete, raised in the mid-15th century by a Welsh gentry family grown rich enough to build like a magnate — the moated Great Tower is the standout, a hexagonal keep that once stood apart from the rest of the castle behind its own drawbridge. Reviewers regularly spend two hours or more here, with the interior views over the moat cited as the reward for the climb.

Worth the trip

The Great Tower and its moat — one of the last and grandest private fortifications built in Wales.

Before you go

There's a lot of walking and stairs, so budget the two hours reviewers typically report; Cadw members go free, and parking is plentiful right at the site.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.7 / 5 across 4,199 Google reviews

Visitors consistently praise Raglan Castle's well-maintained grounds and the amount of history that comes through via the information boards around the site. Several mention it's a great outing for children thanks to on-site activities and a nearby cafe, and the moat and towers with their views are called out repeatedly. There's no significant criticism in the reviews — just consistent praise for a well cared-for ruin.

Grand late-medieval castle with moated Great Tower

“Great place to visit, lots of information as you walk around telling you about the castle and it's history. Well worth a visit.”— David, visitor review

Further reading

Cadw Guidebook: Harlech Castle cover book
Cadw Guidebook: Harlech Castle

Cadw

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
book
Cadw Guidebook: Beaumaris Castle

Cadw

Find it on Amazon