Llawhaden Castle
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Clunderwen, 3.1 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
Tal-Y-Bont Hill, Llawhaden, Narberth SA67 8HL
More castles in Pembrokeshire →
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
Not a baronial castle but an episcopal one - built as a fortified residence for the medieval bishops of St Davids, which explains the scale without the expected military bulk. Free and unstaffed, it sits above a quiet village with a small green for a picnic before or after.
Worth the trip
The tower, which is climbable and gives what reviewers call unexpectedly good views considering how little publicity the site gets.
Before you go
It closes at 4pm, so check timing if visiting later in the day; parking is limited to a small green near the village, with a short walk up to the castle itself.
Visitors consistently describe Llawhaden Castle as a peaceful, well-preserved 13th-century ruin with fantastic views from the tower, and several mention it's free to enter with a small car park nearby in the village. More than one reviewer notes it's a good spot for birdwatching. No real criticisms appear in the reviews beyond the site's limited opening hours, which is worth checking before visiting.
Fortified palace of the bishops of St Davids; free
“Came across this beautiful site when we spotted a “Castle” nearby signs and had some time to spare. What a great decision. Lovely sights and well preserved ruins”- Kenneth & Annie Blake, visitor review
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “A small green with limited free parking and a nice little area outside with picnic benches.” - John Winser
- Facilities
- “Would be a great place for a picnic on a sunny day.” - Louise Thompson
Common questions about Llawhaden Castle
Where is Llawhaden Castle?
Llawhaden Castle is in Pembrokeshire, Wales, at Tal-Y-Bont Hill, Llawhaden, Narberth SA67 8HL.
Is Llawhaden Castle free to visit?
Yes - Llawhaden Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Cadw. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Llawhaden Castle?
The tower, which is climbable and gives what reviewers call unexpectedly good views considering how little publicity the site gets.
Is Llawhaden Castle a ruin or still intact?
Llawhaden Castle is a ruin - Fortified palace of the bishops of St Davids; free.
