Swansea Castle
Swansea, Wales
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Swansea, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
Pinpoint
8 Castle St, Swansea SA1 1DW
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | Open 24 hours |
| Tuesday | Open 24 hours |
| Wednesday | Open 24 hours |
| Thursday | Open 24 hours |
| Friday | Open 24 hours |
| Saturday | Open 24 hours |
| Sunday | Open 24 hours |
A city-centre ruin in the middle of Swansea, reduced to what's now effectively a walled public square - the upper levels are closed off, so this is a walk-around-the-outside site rather than one to properly explore. Reviewers are honest that it's not worth a special trip on its own, but it's a striking thing to come across between shops.
Worth the trip
Simply that it's there at all - reviewers rate the novelty of a genuine medieval ruin standing in the middle of a working city centre.
Before you go
You can't get into the ruins themselves, only walk the perimeter, and a couple of reviewers mention rats around the site, so it's worth keeping that in mind if visiting with young children.
Reviews of this free city-centre ruin are mixed: several visitors appreciate it as an interesting piece of history worth a brief look, while others feel there isn't much to see since the interior can't be entered and it's only viewable from outside. One reviewer specifically mentions rats nearby as a nuisance. Most agree it's a pleasant but minor stop rather than a destination in its own right.
City-centre ruin; ground level accessible, upper levels closed
“Good to see that they are maintaining the history of the castle. But there are many rats nearby. You can’t sit down for even a few minutes without seeing them.”- Christopher Kumaran, visitor review
Common questions about Swansea Castle
Where is Swansea Castle?
Swansea Castle is in Swansea, Wales, at 8 Castle St, Swansea SA1 1DW.
Is Swansea Castle free to visit?
Yes - Swansea 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 Swansea Castle?
Simply that it's there at all - reviewers rate the novelty of a genuine medieval ruin standing in the middle of a working city centre.
Is Swansea Castle a ruin or still intact?
Swansea Castle is a ruin - City-centre ruin; ground level accessible, upper levels closed.
