Carreg Cennen Castle | Llandeilo | Wales | United Kingdom

Carreg Cennen Castle

Sightseeing attraction | Llandeilo | Wales | United Kingdom

Visit castle ruins in Carmarthenshire

Carreg Cennen Castle is an impressive castle ruin perched on a prominent limestone cliff above the River Cennen, approximately six kilometers southeast of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales. The name "Carreg Cennen" means "castle on the rock" in Welsh.

Medieval architecture in Wales

The origins of the fortress may date back to the Iron Age, when a fortified hill stood at this site. The first stone castle was likely built in the late 12th century by Rhys ap Gruffydd, also known as "The Lord Rhys," a Welsh prince. However, the ruins visible today mainly date from the late 13th and early 14th centuries and are attributed to John Giffard, an English baron who received the castle after the conquest of Wales by Edward I in 1277.

Carreg Cennen Castle history

The castle complex consists of a square inner courtyard surrounded by strong walls and six towers of different shapes. Particularly notable is the large double-towered gatehouse on the north side. In the eastern part of the courtyard are remains of living quarters, including a hall, kitchens, a chapel, and the so-called "king's chamber" with intricately designed fireplace and tracery windows facing both the courtyard and south with impressive views.

Explore historical sites in Wales

The strategic location of the castle on steep limestone cliffs provided natural protection, while artificially created ditches to the west created additional defense options. In the southeast, a staircase leads to a vaulted passage and a natural cave beneath the castle, extending deep into the hill. A spring emerging there was particularly valuable in dry times, ensuring water supply.

Family trip to castle ruins

Throughout its history, Carreg Cennen Castle experienced numerous conflicts and changes of ownership. During the Welsh uprising under Owain Glyndŵr, it was unsuccessfully besieged. In 1462, during the Wars of the Roses, the castle was taken by the Yorkists and deliberately damaged to prevent further use.

Today, the castle is part of the Brecon Beacons National Park and is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's heritage agency. Visitors can explore the ruins and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding landscape. A steep path leads from the nearby farm to the castle, where a converted threshing barn serves as a tea room and shop. Since 1982, the farm has been part of a park with rare and unusual animal species, further enriching the visit.
Carreg Cennen Castle Llandeilo

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Trapp
SA19 6UA Llandeilo

Map view

Opening hours

Sunday9:30 - 16:30
Monday9:30 - 16:30
Tuesday9:30 - 16:30
Wednesday9:30 - 16:30
Thursday9:30 - 16:30
Friday9:30 - 16:30
Saturday9:30 - 16:30

Reviews

2039 Reviews

Stephanie Phillips
02.02.2025

Love this place ❤️
Thomas Stevens
02.02.2025

Amazing castle, brilliant views, with a cool cave (which has bats if you're lucky!) Great to see a lot of history in one place
Paul Roderick
01.02.2025

What a great find. I have never visited before and the place is great. The walk is a little hilly but once you are up there spectacular views. Whilst in the shop/cafe I overheard a lady saying that she had travelled all the way from Swansea just to have the rhubarb crumble cake, warmed with cream. So obviously after wandering around the castle we headed back to the cafe to try it. We also ordered the bara brith slice. The cakes are amazing, moist and so flavoursone. We will definitely be going back !!!!!
Andrea Roberts
27.01.2025

Great day and views stunning.
Nathan Lloyd
25.01.2025

Absolutely stunning place, highly recommend for a visit and I will be going back to do a proper walk there.
Paul Whitfield
18.01.2025

Interesting place to visit
Amanda Hughes
22.01.2025

The view here is incredible. We will return to do some of the walks available as we arrived quite late on our visit. Cafe/gift shop was a lovely space.
Daniel James
19.01.2025

Always outstanding. Love coming when I'm home. The cafe down from the the castle sell amazing food and treats. Well worth the visit. I don't want to say much about the castle itself but it's amazing 😁
Christopher kelly
19.01.2025

The castle itself is a fantastic place to visit. However, the cafe is not dog friendly, and the signage indicating is not very clear. Unfortunately, I didn't find out this until I had ordered food. The only option for eating the food was the use of a cold stable block.
Pathikrit Modak
17.01.2025

We visited the place on a foggy day and it had a spooky aura about it. The castle itself is really nice also has a secret passage to go down to the pitts. Overall would recommend it.
Sheryl
12.01.2025

The castle was brilliant to look around with easily accessible amazing panoramic views. The café had a very inviting rustic atmosphere with a fireplace, benches, tables and wonderful views from the windows. I ordered a Jacket Potato with Tuna Mayo and Cheese for lunch which comes with side salad, butter and plenty of topping. The tuna mayo was more tuna than mayo, making it not sloppy and still very tasty. Great flavoured cheese and plenty of it. I also ordered a Rhubarb Crumble Cake which has the option to be served hot with ice cream. Light and moist with added texture from the crumble topping, paired very well with smooth vanilla ice cream. I highly recommend it.
Xx dj Nani xX
07.01.2025

Good
Alexander Massaut
06.01.2025

A very nice castle to visit. It is a ruin but a good one to stroll through. If you are up for it there is even a bit of cave diving you can do. Free parking at the bottom of the hill with a very decent place to eat. Sheppards pie was good.
Graham Roach
29.12.2024

What a place. Fantastic views. Lovely walks. Spectacular.
Elisha Mellowes
28.12.2024

Great views and decent castle but it's not huge. Staff are friendly
Courtneyyy Evansss
27.12.2024

Beautiful castle and walk. However, the staff there are so rude, especially the woman who served us - and it is extremely expensive to simply walk round a castle. Wouldn’t mind paying if staff were nicer and there was an incentive to have money off the cafe etc. if you’re looking to go then go to the other entrance where you can walk around the castle without having to pay!
Damian Gaffney
25.11.2024

Scenic place with fantastic views
Simon Wood
21.11.2024

On a sunny late autumn day, the views from the castle were really beautiful. The castle itself is fun to explore and holds some surprising secrets to discover. There's a tea room and gift shop at the farm lower down the hill from which you purchase an admission ticket - well worth the small cost. From the shop there is a gentle walk up to the castle on paths that would be suitable for most reasonably fit people, but perhaps not everyone. It is worth sticking to the paths as care is needed around the castle as the natural landscape contains steep drops. An interesting and beautiful experience.
Elaine Hagget
08.11.2024

We actually only visited the cafe as the weather prevented going up to the castle itself. The cafe is fab, with a tremendous atmosphere. The food excellent, and the coffee is continually topped up. Staff are friendly and welcoming. Highly recommended.
Roger Griffiths
07.11.2024

Well worth a visit
John DAKIN
04.11.2024

The lady we spoke to is called “Angharad”- and she was really lovely! Very helpful and informative !
jack van den berg
01.11.2024

A very Interesting ruined castle, on top of a limestone bluff overlooking the cennen River. Great for clambering up and down, pathway up to the top is worthwhile, can be a bit muddy, but you go through a field of sheep. The castle is interesting and you can go down into the cave below. It is however a slippery wet cave, take a torch!! NOT A PHONE TORCH!!
Gareth Williams
28.10.2024

A bit of a climb, but the views are worth it. Nice castle to explore, especially down the cave.
Hilary Pearson
27.10.2024

Wonderful views and easy to walk around
Cosmic Girl88
22.10.2024

Zamek jest tak cudownie położony, że można godzinami go podziwiać. Wstęp na zamek niestety jest płatny ale wart swojej ceny czyli jakies 6/7 £ Z zamku są piękne widoki. Jest jaskinia ale uwaga bo bardzo ślizgo. Warto mieć latarkę czołową ponieważ skały w jaskini są ślizgie i lepiej mieć ręce wolne aby w razie co, moc się chwycic 😁
Jan Burnett
17.10.2024

Well worth the climb up the hill. Scenery was stunning and a little secret when you get up there

 

Close by