The Castle RollsA survey of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom
4.6 / 5 · 1,038 reviews FREE ENTRY

Skenfrith Castle

Monmouthshire, Wales


Skenfrith Castle
Skenfrith Castle, further view Skenfrith Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Cadw
Condition
Ruin
Access
Free, open access

Pinpoint

Skenfrith, Abergavenny NP7 8UH

Telephone 01874 625515

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

The second of the Three Castles of Gwent, a round keep on a mound beside the River Monnow in a village that shares its name, with the parish church standing right next door. It's unstaffed, free, and small enough to see quickly, but the riverside setting has made it something of a local swimming and picnic spot as much as a historic site.

Worth the trip

The river behind the castle — reviewers treat a dip or a paddle in the Monnow as part of the visit, not a bonus.

Before you go

Parking is free but limited right by the castle; it also works well as a stop on a longer cycling loop via Monmouth, which several reviewers do.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.6 / 5 across 1,038 Google reviews

Reviewers consistently highlight Skenfrith Castle's free entry and riverside setting, with several mentioning the nearby River Monnow as a bonus for picnics, swimming, or a cycling stop. Its role as part of the Three Castles group alongside Grosmont and White Castle comes up more than once, and there's no notable criticism across the reviews — parking is occasionally described as limited, but always free.

NT-owned, Cadw-managed; round keep by River Monnow; free; also listed under National Trust

“Great swimming in river. Parked here and cycled loop via Monmouth. All free”— Matt Barton, visitor review

Further reading

book
Cadw Guidebook: Caernarfon Castle

Arnold Taylor

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

Arnold Taylor / Jeremy A. Ashbee

Find it on Amazon