Best castles around Llanddeusant are situated in the surrounding Carmarthenshire region of Wales. This area features a landscape characterized by river valleys, rolling hills, and dramatic crags. The region holds historical significance, with sites ranging from medieval fortresses to Victorian estates and ancient ruins. These locations offer insights into the area's past and its strategic importance.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
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Wow just wow, didn’t expect the cave below the castle !!!
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Tucked away in a dreamy, isolated location in the upper Swansea Valley, Craig-y-nos Country Park is a gorgouous 40-acre park that was once owned by Adelina Patti. Now it is a Victorian garden set in woodlands, surrounded by meadows and ponds, dissected by the River Tawe. It is in a gorgeous location, and there is a great cafe there to boot.
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Carreg Cennen Castle is erected sometime after 1284 by Baron John Giffard and his son on the site of an earlier Welsh fortification. In 1462, Carreg Cennen flies the Lancastrian flag. Taken on behalf of the Yorkist king Edward IV, it is slighted by pick and crowbar, ending its life as a stronghold. Carreg Cennen castle is spectacularly located on a great limestone crag about 90m above the river Cennen, offering views miles around.
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Ruin of a late thirteenth-century castle, on a limestone rock where there may already have been a fort in the Iron Age. The earliest castle was most likely the work of the dynasty of Welsh princes. The oldest found written mention of the castle dates "only" from 1248 when Rhys Fychan (died 1271), great-grandson of Lord Rhys, conquered the castle from the English. In 1277 the castle was captured by Edward I of England in his first campaign against Llewelyn ap Gruffudd of Gwynedd (died 1282).[1] The castle was briefly reconquered in 1282 and 1287. In 1282–83 Edward I completed his conquest of Wales and granted Carreg Cennen Castle in 1283 to his loyal supporter John Giffard (d. 1299), baron of Brimpsfield (Gloucestershire). The current castle was most likely built by Baron Giffard and his son John (died 1322), not too long after 1284. Being a resident of Ghent myself, I thought it was a nice fact that the castle was in the hands of John of Gaunt (yes, John of Gaunt), Duke of Lancaster, for a while in the 14th century. During the War of the Roses (1455-1485), Carreg Cennen Castle was initially in Lancaster hands, but was later conquered by the York supporters. In the late 18th century the castle became popular among amateur archaeologists and artists, with William Turner visiting the castle in 1798. In the 19th century the second Earl of Cawdor began restoration work on Carreg Cennen Castle. In 1932 the castle came under state management. In the 1960s the castle became the property of the Morris family, owners of the Castell Farm farm near the castle. Source: Wikipedia The castle can be visited 364 days of the year. Just not on Christmas Day. 9:30 am - 4:30 pm (from April to October until 5:00 pm) The ticket desk is located at the tea room / gift shop ("downstairs", where the parking is also located). In high season and on weekends, tickets can also be purchased near the entrance to the castle. Entrance prices range from £6.50 for adults, £4.00 for discount holders, to £20.00 for a family ticket.
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This 40-acre country park forms part of the historic grounds of the Victorian Craig-y-nos Castle and is managed by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority. The park offers a fun & safe day out for all the family. Easy to follow paths will take you on a gentle stroll past towering beech trees and alongside rushing rivers. There is a large car park with a compacted stone surface with disabled car parking spaces which have a tarmac surface. This is a pay and display car park with free parking for disabled parking badge holders only.
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Craig Y nos Country Park, The Castle is surrounded by the Brecon Beacons mountains, it is also close to Henrhyd Waterfalls and backs on to Craig Y Nos Country Park where there are acres of fields to play in. We are described by many of our guests as the most dog friendly accommodation in Wales, if not the whole of the UK!! The Castle is well renowned' for being the Most Haunted Castle in UK 🇬🇧
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Llandovery Castle (Welsh: Castell Llanymddyfri) is a late thirteenth-century, Grade II*-listed, castle ruin in the town of Llandovery in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It occupies a knoll overlooking the River Towy and the land surrounding it. The Normans built a castle in the current location in the early twelfth century and this was rebuilt in stone. It was burnt in the early sixteenth century and never repaired.
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The region around Llanddeusant offers several notable castles. Carreg Cennen Castle is a dramatic fortress perched on a crag with panoramic views and a secret underground passage. Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Castle, once owned by opera singer Adelina Patti, features a historic Victorian castle within a 40-acre country park. The Llandovery Castle Ruins offer a historical insight into the region, located next to a park in the charming town of Llandovery.
Yes, Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Castle is an excellent choice for families. Its 40-acre country park has gentle paths and picturesque lakes, perfect for a pleasant day out. The Llandovery Castle Ruins are also family-friendly, with a park located right next to the ruins and the town center offering shops and cafes.
Carreg Cennen Castle provides a deep dive into medieval military architecture, with its well-preserved remains, barbican, gatehouse, and a secret underground passage. The Llandovery Castle Ruins, dating back to the late thirteenth century, offer insight into the region's past, including its Roman connections and the story of Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Fychan.
Craig-y-Nos Castle, specifically its country park, offers easy-to-follow paths and a large car park with compacted stone surface, including disabled parking spaces with a tarmac surface. This makes it a more accessible option for those with mobility considerations.
The area around Llanddeusant and its castles offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including loops around Usk Reservoir, by exploring the Running Trails around Llanddeusant guide. For cycling enthusiasts, there are routes like the Trecastle and Myddfai loop, detailed in the Cycling around Llanddeusant guide. Mountain biking options, such as the Usk Reservoir and Glasfynydd Forest loop, are available in the MTB Trails around Llanddeusant guide.
Carreg Cennen Castle is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views. Perched atop a 300-foot limestone crag, it offers stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, making it an ideal spot for photography and enjoying the landscape.
While specific circular walks directly encompassing multiple castles might require some planning, the area around Carreg Cennen Castle is part of routes like the Beacons Way, offering opportunities for longer walks. Additionally, the country park at Craig-y-Nos Castle provides gentle, easy-to-follow paths for a pleasant stroll.
The castles around Llanddeusant can be visited year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor grounds and enjoying the views. Autumn provides beautiful foliage, while winter visits can offer a more atmospheric and less crowded experience, especially at dramatic sites like Carreg Cennen Castle. Always check opening times and weather conditions before your visit.
Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Castle is known for being very dog-friendly. The 40-acre country park offers ample space for dogs to explore on gentle paths and around picturesque lakes. Many guests describe it as one of the most dog-friendly accommodations in Wales.
For Carreg Cennen Castle, free car parking is available, though donations are welcome. Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Castle has a large pay and display car park with a compacted stone surface, including disabled parking spaces with a tarmac surface (free for disabled badge holders). The Llandovery Castle Ruins are located within the town of Llandovery, where public parking options are available nearby.
Near Carreg Cennen Castle, you'll find a dramatic limestone crag and a secret underground cave. Craig-y-Nos Country Park and Castle is set within a 40-acre park featuring picturesque lakes, woodlands, and the River Tawe. The Llandovery Castle Ruins overlook the River Towy, offering scenic riverside views.
Yes, the farm at Carreg Cennen Castle has a tea room offering home cooking. At Craig-y-Nos Country Park, there is a cafe within the park. The town center of Llandovery, adjacent to the Llandovery Castle Ruins, provides various independent shops and cafes.


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