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United Kingdom
Wales
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Carmarthenshire

Manordeilo And Salem

Top 8 Castles around Manordeilo And Salem

Best castles around Manordeilo And Salem, a community in Carmarthenshire, Wales, offer a glimpse into the region's rich history. The area is characterized by its varied landscape, including the dome-shaped hill of Maes y Castell, an Iron Age defended enclosure. Visitors can explore ancient earthworks and significant medieval fortifications perched on strategic locations. The Tywi Valley provides a scenic backdrop to many of these historical sites.

Best castles around Manordeilo And Salem

  • The most popular castles is Carreg Cennen Castle, a castle perched atop a limestone crag. It is renowned for its views and unique location, featuring a tea room and rare longhorn cattle grazing nearby.
  • Another must-see spot is Dinefwr Castle, a historical site with a commanding hilltop position above the Tywi Valley. Visitors can expect magnificent views of the surrounding area from its wall walk.
  • Visitors also love Llandovery Castle Ruins, a late thirteenth-century, Grade II-listed castle ruin. It overlooks the River Towy and is surrounded by a park, with shops and cafes available in the nearby town.
  • Manordeilo And Salem is known for its Iron Age hillforts and medieval castles. The region offers a variety of historical sites, from ancient earthworks to dramatic stone fortifications.
  • The castles around Manordeilo And Salem are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 60 upvotes and over 50 photos shared by visitors.

Last updated: May 2, 2026

Carreg Cennen Castle

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The Castle farm has a great tea room with home cooking. The also have rare long horn cattle which are around the base of the castle

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Llandovery Castle Ruins

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Llandovery Castle is situated in a small town called Llandovery in Carmarthenshire. It overlooks the River Towy and is a late thirteenth-century, Grade II-listed castle. There is a park next to it and the river nearby plus lots of cute shops and cafes in Llandovery town centre.

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Dinefwr Castle

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A small but pretty castle

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Newton House

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Nice easy walk - paths and route is clearly marked. With many viewpoints. There are many benches for those shorts rests for a drink and snack

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Free Car Parking available (donations welcome) and information signage provided about the general area.

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Tips from the Community

Bluepeter
August 28, 2025, Newton House

Nice easy walk - paths and route is clearly marked. With many viewpoints. There are many benches for those shorts rests for a drink and snack

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Juliane
June 6, 2025, Dinefwr Castle

Beautiful castle complex with a wall walk. From there, magnificent views of the surrounding area

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Geraint
February 28, 2025, Dinefwr Castle

great views across Llandelio

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Free Car Parking available (donations welcome) and information signage provided about the general area.

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Wow just wow, didn’t expect the cave below the castle !!!

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FARID L
January 28, 2024, Carreg Cennen Castle

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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cuddle
October 2, 2023, Dinefwr Castle

A small but pretty castle

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DirkWi
September 9, 2023, Carreg Cennen Castle

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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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of historical sites can I explore around Manordeilo and Salem?

The area offers a mix of ancient and medieval history. You can visit Maes y Castell, an Iron Age defended enclosure, as well as medieval fortifications like Carreg Cennen Castle, Dinefwr Castle, and Llandovery Castle Ruins.

Which castles offer the most dramatic views?

Carreg Cennen Castle is perched atop a limestone crag, providing stunning panoramic views. Dinefwr Castle also offers magnificent views of the surrounding Tywi Valley from its hilltop position and wall walk. Dryslwyn Castle, built on a rocky hill, provides extensive views over the Tywi Valley as well.

Are there any family-friendly castles in the area?

Yes, Llandovery Castle Ruins are surrounded by a park, with shops and cafes nearby in the town, making it a pleasant visit for families. Newton House offers easy, clearly marked paths with many viewpoints, suitable for a family stroll.

What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?

The region around Manordeilo and Salem offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, including trails around Dinefwr Castle and Newton House. There are also road cycling routes and running trails available.

Is there parking available at the castles?

Yes, for Carreg Cennen Castle, free car parking is available, with donations welcome. Information signage about the general area is also provided at the entrance.

What is the historical significance of Dinefwr Castle?

Dinefwr Castle holds a significant place in Welsh history, as it was once held by The Lord Rhys, a powerful ruler of the ancient kingdom of Deheubarth in the 12th century. It stands in a commanding hilltop position above the Tywi Valley.

Are there any native Welsh castles in the vicinity?

Yes, Dryslwyn Castle is a notable native Welsh castle, built around the 1220s by one of the princes of Deheubarth. It played a crucial role in the struggles between the Welsh and English and is considered one of the most important remaining structures built by a Welsh chieftain.

What can I expect when visiting Carreg Cennen Castle?

Carreg Cennen Castle is a dramatic castle perched on a limestone crag. Visitors can enjoy stunning views, explore the castle, and visit the tea room at the castle farm which offers home cooking. You might also spot rare longhorn cattle grazing near its base.

Are there any historic houses or estates near Manordeilo and Salem?

While not a castle, Plas Taliaris, a Grade I-listed building dating back to 1336, is located two miles northeast of Salem. This historic house features Georgian architectural elements, intricate plasterwork, ornate ceilings, and a Jacobean-style staircase, with gardens and a park of historic interest. You can learn more about it on Wikipedia.

What are the walking conditions like to reach Dinefwr Castle?

The walk to Dinefwr Castle from the nearby car park is approximately 20 minutes and can be steep in parts. Visitors are advised to stay on designated paths due to uneven terrain and hidden drops.

What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?

Visitors frequently appreciate the magnificent views from the castles, such as those from Dinefwr Castle and Carreg Cennen Castle. The historical significance and the opportunity to explore ancient structures are also highly valued, with many enjoying the surrounding natural beauty and walking opportunities.

Are there any free-entry castles in the area?

Llandovery Castle Ruins offer free access year-round, allowing visitors to explore the late thirteenth-century castle ruin overlooking the River Towy.

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