Laugharne Castle
Mighty medieval castle, Tudor mansion and poet’s hideout
This is the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident. He wrote Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog in the castle summerhouse perched above glorious views of the Taf estuary.
Here two giant medieval stone towers stand guard over the remains of a magnificent Tudor mansion, all set in 19th century ornamental gardens.
After centuries of conflict between Welsh and Anglo-Normans, Laugharne was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. He turned the dilapidated 13th-century castle into a residence fit for a gentleman, including a grand hall whose gaping windows still stare out over the water.
But his rapid rise had made him many enemies – and even the rumour that he was really the queen’s half-brother couldn’t save him.
Convicted of high treason, Sir John died in the Tower of London in 1592 while awaiting execution. Some believe he was poisoned just as Elizabeth was about pardon him.
How to visit
- purchase your admission tickets on arrival or book online to save 5%*
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*Booking online guarantees the best price for your visit.
You can book tickets up to 24 hours in advance.
Online ticket prices include a 5% discount and are non-refundable.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 2nd November | 10am-5pm (Closed Tue-Wed) |
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| 3rd November - 31st March | Closed |
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Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
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Prices
| Category | Price | |
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| Members - Join now |
Free
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| Adult |
£6.20
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| Family* |
£19.80
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| Disabled person and companion |
Free
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| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.30
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| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.50
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Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children. All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off individual admission (not available online). |
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Visitor information
Pay and Display car park
There is limited parking opposite the main castle entrance.
The main pay & display parking area is about 300 metres/328 yards below the castle.
This car park is liable to flooding during high spring tides.
Disabled person access
There is a slight incline from the car park and at the entrance to the monument. Once through the Gatehouse there is easy wheelchair/buggy access.
From the visitor centre, a small ramp leads to a level path and easy access around the site.
The only accessible tower is limited to walkers only.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Water refill station
Water refill station available at this site.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Garden
On-site garden.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Drone policy
No smoking
School visits
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Health & Safety
There is no parking outside this monument, there is a large car park positioned at the bottom of the hill. The car park may flood, be mindful when visiting at high tide and during bad weather spells as it may be wet or muddy underfoot.
This site is relatively flat, however there are some sections that may cause trips. There are a number of bark laid paths that lead through the gardens.
Be mindful of the low wall at the viewing point towards the rear of the site. Please keep children under control in this space.
The main tower comprises of two sets of steps leading to an open viewing point at the top of the tower. There is opportunity to stop halfway. Please ensure that the swing gate is closed when accessing the outside space as we are attempting to prevent access to pigeons.
There are some areas that have been protected with guardrails for your safety, please keep to the designated paths and do not climb over any protective barriers.
As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.
Climbing may result in serious injury.
There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.
Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.
Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety
Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Falls from height
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Falling masonry
Steep and uneven steps
Low ceilings
Low light
High winds
Directions
Address
King St, Laugharne, Carmarthen SA33 4SA
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01994 427906
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Postcode SA33 4SA
what3words: ///gourmet.rotations.fishery
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
