Wiston Castle (Cadw)CastleProbably built by an early Flemish settler with the unusual name of Wizo, Wiston is one of the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in Wales (a motte is a small hill, usually fortified, surrounded by an open area, or bailey, inside an outer wall). First appearing in documents in 1147 when it was attacked by the Welsh, Wiston Castle had a short but eventful life. The Welsh attacked again in 1193, this time led by Hywel Sais (son of The Lord Rhys, ruler of this part of Wales), before the native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) finished the job and destroyed it in 1220.
The remains of the stone shell-keep – a later addition to the motte – still stand up to 13ft/4m high in places, largely unbroken but for a section to the north possibly brought down in Llywelyn’s attack.WistonHaverfordwestPembrokeshireSA62 4PNUnited Kingdom51.826336071310-4.871578216553http://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&venue=1123562
Wiston Castle (Cadw)
Castle, free entry
Wiston 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
Probably built by an early Flemish settler with the unusual name of Wizo, Wiston is one of the best-preserved motte-and-bailey castles in Wales (a motte is a small hill, usually fortified, surrounded by an open area, or bailey, inside an outer wall). First appearing in documents in 1147 when it was attacked by the Welsh, Wiston Castle had a short but eventful life. The Welsh attacked again in 1193, this time led by Hywel Sais (son of The Lord Rhys, ruler of this part of Wales), before the native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) finished the job and destroyed it in 1220.
The remains of the stone shell-keep – a later addition to the motte – still stand up to 13ft/4m high in places, largely unbroken but for a section to the north possibly brought down in Llywelyn’s attack.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Daily 10.00am - 4.00pm: Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Map reference: SN 022180 Lat: 51.82634 Long: -4.87158
Travelling west on the A40 from Whitland towards Haverfordwest, continue through Canaston Bridge and just prior to Slebech, turn right where signed to Wiston. Continue on this lane following the signs to Wiston. Access is via a kissing gate opposite the main entrance; it is situated within farmland. Site limited to walkers only.
Accessible by Public Transport: 5 miles from Haverfordwest station
Wiston Castle (Cadw)
Wiston Castle (Cadw)
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Local Accommodation
Regional Tourist Board Member
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
Smoking not allowed
