Castell Oxwich

SA3 1ND
Car park
Picnic tables
Toilets

Castell Oxwich is open as part of our guided tours programme from May to August each year. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the site with expert insights into its history and significance.

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A castle in name only but hugely impressive

Appearances can be deceptive. Castell Oxwich, towering splendidly above the wide sweep of Oxwich Bay, isn’t really a castle at all.

It’s a magnificent Tudor manor house built by an ambitious father and son whose mock-military flourishes are all about social climbing rather than defence.

From the moment you walk through the imposing gateway emblazoned with the arms of Sir Rice Mansel, it’s clear this was the home of a gentry family looking to be movers and shakers in the prosperous years of the 16th century.

Sir Rice’s relatively humble south range, used as a farmhouse for about 200 years until 1954, is still intact. But his son Edward’s extravagant east range, with its two-storey hall and elegant long gallery with stupendous sea views, now lies in ruins.

Outside the courtyard are the remains of an immense dovecote with 300 nests. This was partly to provide the castle with year-round fresh meat – and partly just to show off. Remarkably Oxwich is still owned by descendants of the Mansel family.

More about Castell Oxwich

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st September - 1st May	CLOSED

Visitor information

Accessible toilets

Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.

Baby changing

Toilets available with baby changing facilities.

Bike storage

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.

Car park

Grassed car park for approx. 15/20 cars. No dedicated accessible parking spaces.

Dogs welcome

Dogs on leads welcome but not into exhibitions.

Portable hearing

A portable induction loop is available.

Toilets

Toilets in the castle grounds, 50 metres from ticket office.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 2 – Easy

Exhibition

On-site exhibition within monument.

Picnic tables

Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.

Venue hire

This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.

Guidebook

Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

School visits

To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.

While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!

Health & Safety

Please note that the site is only open when staffed during scheduled open days, please check before travelling.

Situated on the Oxwich coast, you can find the castle by following the small road up past the beach. Passing through the car park gate you will find yourself on a short pedestrian path leading towards the castle.

Heading into the castle grounds you will find the courtyard cobbled and a little uneven in locations. The inner spaces are maintained, well-lit and level under foot.

A single wooden staircase will take you up into the bedroom and upper levels of the house. Please use handrails provided.

Whilst exploring the outer areas of the site, please be careful underfoot. There are several trees on site, that can cause paths underfoot to become slippery.

Outer steps provide some upper-level access, please use handrails provided and be mindful of the historic stonework.

Lower ground areas are dimmer than normal; however, this will not impede your visit, whilst allowing time for your eyes to adjust. The lower area has a lower roofed profile, mind your head!

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.