Laugharne Castle (Cadw)CastleMighty 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. LaugharneCarmarthenshireUnited Kingdomhttp://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&venue=1014365
Laugharne Castle (Cadw)
Castle, £2.40-£4.40
Laugharne Castle
Wales is operating country-wide restrictions and is currently at coronavirus alert level four, with strict measures in place to limit the spread of the virus. Please check on the Welsh Government website before visiting or travelling to Wales or within Wales.
Details
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.
Opening details
1 April 2020 - 3 November Daily 10.00am - 5.00pm 4 November - 31 March 2021 Closed Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Prices
Prices from April 2020 - March 2021: Adult - £4.50 Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £12.50 Seniors £3.60 Juniors (Aged 5–17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans - £2.40 Children under 5 - Free
From the A40, take the A4066 to St Clears and continue on this road to Laugharne; through the town, pass the Castle on left and continue to car park on left. Bus: 100m/110 yards, route No 222, Carmarthen-Laugharne/Pendine. Bike: NCN Route No.4 (300m/330 yards).
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 11 miles from Carmarthen station