Castles of Mid & West Wales

Dryslwyn is a native Welsh Castle, sited on a rocky hill roughly halfway between Llandeilo and Carmarthen. The castle is about 45 minutes from the cottages. It stands on high ground overlooking the Tywi Valley with extensive views. Built in about the 1220s, it changed hands several times in the struggles between the Welsh and English over the ensuing centuries. It is considered one of the most important remaining structures built by a Welsh chieftain and is a Grade I listed building.

Find out more: Dryslwyn Castle

A medieval fortress that sits on top of a hill overlooking the River Tywi (about 40 minutes from the cottages). It has a strategic location that allowed its occupants to control and monitor the surrounding landscape. The castle has a long history, with its origins dating back to the early 12th century. Over the years, it was the seat of the Lord Rhys, a powerful Welsh prince, and played a significant role in Welsh history during periods of conflict with the English.
The rest of the Dinefwr Estate is beautiful too so a great day out with lovely walks.

More Info: Visiting Dinefwr

The castle, located on the estuary of the river Taf was originally established in 1116. It was rebuilt as a Norman stronghold. Two giant medieval stone towers stand guard over the remains of a magnificent Tudor mansion, all set in 19th century ornamental gardens. It changed hands twice during the English Civil War being eventually captured by Parliamentary forces in 1644.
This is the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident. Why not visit Dylan Thomas’ Boat House too.

Laugharne is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Laugharne.

The castle sits on a much older Iron Age promontory fort occupied in 600 BC. This proves Llansteffan has been inhabited for several millennia. The hill where the castle stands overlooks the River Tywi estuary and Carmarthen Bay.
Although ruined, the castle retains its power to intimidate. Especially when you approach its massive twin-towered gatehouse, built in around 1280 and still looming large.

Llansteffan is about an hour away from the cottages: Visiting Llansteffan Castle

A stunning medieval fortress rising above the river Gwendraeth. Kidwelly was used as a location for the 1975 film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, appearing in the very first scene after the titles.
The plan of the castle consists of a square inner bailey defended by four round towers. They overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, with the massive gatehouse next to the river. 
The castle occasionally hosts Bird of Prey events.
It is about an hour from our cottages – find out more: Visiting Kidwelly Castle

The castle is strategically located in a loop of the River Teifi and only approachable by land from the west. It was established as a timber and earth fort in the middle of the 13th century, then developed into a stone castle by 1287. Being left in ruins by the civil war of the 1640s, the ‘new castle’ of Emlyn has had an eventful history.

Visitors can walk round the remains of the castle (a short walk from the high street) and the surrounding loop of the Teifi River. It is about 40 minutes drive from the cottages to Newcastle Emlyn.

Find out More: Visit Newcastle Emlyn Castle

This striking medieval 13th-century fortress is perched on a wooded hill overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge – about 1 hour from the cottages. It offers beautiful panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. You can also combine your visit to the castle with a trip to the Teifi Marshes Nature Reserve and Welsh Wildlife Centre.

Opening Times & Prices: Visiting Cilgerran Castle