Castell Talacharn / Laugharne Castle

Sightseeing attraction | Carmarthen | Wales | United Kingdom

Historical castle in Wales

Castell Talacharn, better known as Laugharne Castle, is a historic fortress in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire, Wales. The castle is situated scenically on the banks of the River Taf and has a rich history dating back to the 12th century.

Architecture of Laugharne Castle

History

Dylan Thomas and Laugharne Castle

The origins of the castle date back to 1116 when it was founded by Robert Courtemain. Over the centuries, the castle experienced numerous changes of ownership and renovations. In the 13th century, it was expanded by the de Brian family who built the distinctive round towers that exist today. During the English Civil War in the 17th century, the castle changed hands multiple times and was eventually besieged and damaged by parliamentary troops in 1644. After the war, the castle gradually fell into ruin and was perceived as a romantic ruin in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Visit Laugharne Castle

Architecture

Historical significance of Laugharne

Laugharne Castle combines elements from various periods. The impressive round towers date back to the 13th century, while later additions are from the Tudor period. In the 16th century, the castle was converted into a comfortable manor house, with the defensive walls equipped with battlements to emphasize its medieval character. The ruins visible today bear witness to this diverse architectural history.

Cultural significance

The castle is closely associated with the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, who lived in Laugharne in the 1930s and 1940s. He used a summerhouse on the castle grounds overlooking the Taf estuary as a writing studio and wrote works such as "Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog" there. This connection makes the castle an important site for literature enthusiasts.

Current use

Today, Laugharne Castle is a well-maintained ruin managed by Cadw, the Welsh government's historic preservation organization. The site is surrounded by ornamental gardens from the 19th century and offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich history and impressive architecture.

Castell Talacharn / Laugharne Castle Carmarthen

Contact details

Web

https://cadw.gov.wales

Phone

+443000252239

Address

King St

Laugharne

SA33 4SA Carmarthen

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday	10:00 - 17:00
Monday	10:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	--
Wednesday	--
Thursday	10:00 - 17:00
Friday	10:00 - 17:00
Saturday	10:00 - 17:00

Reviews

2396 Reviews

Dave Evans

15.09.2021

I mean, just look at it. Incredible castle 9n a spectacular estuary in a beautiful village

Ziba Z

27.12.2024

Beautiful area no matter hot or cold weather. It’s bank holiday today castle was closed but the area is so pretty and peaceful. Nice walking routes with picturesque view.

Vivian Angell

24.12.2024

Lovely walk around the coast

Angela Campion

21.11.2024

The whole Laugharne experience was super. Unfortunately the castle was shut the day I went but impressive enough from the outside.

Harry Corbett

11.11.2024

Worth noting that the castle is closed between November and March.

Martin Cole

08.11.2024

Great place to walk the dogs. Castle impressive. Car park small and only one machine working which was cash only.

Hacker Monkey

04.11.2024

Really liked Laugharne castle, staff were really good with my kids, very helpful told us all about the place. Spoke some Welsh with us. and lots of beautiful views from the castle itself.

Naveen Deepala

01.11.2024

Lovely place.. few games for kids Brochure with significance of the different parts in the castle A garden maze again for kids Usually closes from November to January, check before you visit.

Charli

28.10.2024

Great for a short visit, wasn’t too expensive and lovely views over the estuary. One of the towers is still standing enough for you to walk up! Small gift shop, friendly staff. Don’t think there was any cafe facilities from what we saw when we were there (late Oct).

Neil Townley

14.10.2024

What a great spot for The tourist or tired diver to take in the beautiful sea view and castle walk.

Andrew Thorne

11.10.2024

I only stopped for a few minutes, but it looks like the kind of castle I'd like to spend more time at.

Emma Buckley (BuckleyPix)

07.10.2024

I didn't go into the castle when I visited, I just walked on the coastal path around it, and it was so lovely. There's picnic benches and a lovely little seated area tucked in from the path with a canopy of sorts over it (just before the incline that goes to where the boathouse is).

Angela Richardson

04.10.2024

Stunning scenery....

lindsey hendry

01.10.2024

We visited on a Tuesday, but it was closed.Typed note on the gate .Disappointed.

Suzanne

25.09.2024

Great walks

Sarah Briggs

24.09.2024

Wonderful castle lovely staff who ate friendly and helpful. They're knowledge too.

Trevor Phillips

22.09.2024

Great position on the estuary, with beautiful views from the top of the tower. Quiet peaceful gardens to relax in.

Richard Dance

22.09.2024

Lovely village friendly people, you must visit

Lynn P

20.09.2024

What a wonderful place to visit, particularly on a sunny day. We arrived around opening time. It was very quiet, and the sun was shining. Staff were very friendly, and we wondered freely around the castle. There are fabulous views across the estuary. There's a car park very near by. It's a haven for dog walkers, and people just out for a breath of air at a peaceful place. There's an area leading off the car park which enables people to use a wheelchair and still feel that they are in an open, tranquil space. Across the road was a cafe, and almost next door, a lovely little Welsh crafts gift shop. Well worth a visit.

Steve James

20.09.2024

Well worth the visit

sean owen

16.09.2024

Lovely view from the top, dog friendly, shop had lovely friendly staff