The Castle RollsA list of every visitable castle in the United Kingdom

Oystermouth Castle

Swansea, Wales

4.5 / 5 · 1,201 Google reviews


Oystermouth Castle
Oystermouth Castle, further view Oystermouth Castle, further view

Key facts

Operator
Swansea Council with Friends of Oystermouth Castle
Condition
Ruin
Access
Staffed, ticketed
Nearest station
Swansea, 4.2 miles (straight-line)

Pinpoint

Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA

More castles in South Wales →

Possible Opening Hours*

*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.

Monday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

A ruined castle above Swansea Bay, open seasonally (April to October) with entry paid on the gate rather than booked ahead. It's smaller than its reputation suggests, reviewers say, but the walk around the walls and the views over the bay hold up well for the modest entry price.

Worth the trip

The walk along the castle walls, with views over Swansea Bay that reviewers say exceed expectations for the size of the site.

Before you go

Parking nearby is limited, so allow time to find a space; the gates don't open until 11am, and the toilets get consistently poor marks, so plan accordingly.

WHAT VISITORS SAY · 4.5 / 5 across 1,201 Google reviews

Visitors consistently enjoy walking the castle walls for the views towards Mumbles and Swansea, and several specifically mention it as a dog-friendly, welcoming site with helpful staff. Parking near the castle is repeatedly flagged as limited and hard to come by, and one reviewer singles out the toilets as being in poor condition. Overall the reviews are strongly positive despite these practical niggles.

Seasonal Apr-Oct; pay on gate

“A great example of a ruined castle which was built by the Normans in the early 1100s as they tried to rule Wales. Parts date back to the 12 century and there is plenty to explore, including a famous chapel. Lots of…”- martin walker, 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
“Parking isn't very easy to get so be prepared to be doing alot of walking.” - Bazel Davies
Facilities
“The toilets are just horrid.” - Stella Oyokuru

Common questions about Oystermouth Castle

Where is Oystermouth Castle?

Oystermouth Castle is in Swansea, Wales, at Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA.

Do you need a ticket to visit Oystermouth Castle?

Yes - Oystermouth Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Swansea Council with Friends of Oystermouth Castle. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.

Is Oystermouth Castle dog-friendly?

Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Oystermouth Castle - one reviewer noted: “…ming, and it’s great to see it being so dog-friendly as well. You can walk around the castle walls and take in…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.

What is the highlight of visiting Oystermouth Castle?

The walk along the castle walls, with views over Swansea Bay that reviewers say exceed expectations for the size of the site.

Is Oystermouth Castle a ruin or still intact?

Oystermouth Castle is a ruin - Seasonal Apr-Oct; pay on gate.