Castell Dolforwyn

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Ruined symbol of Welsh defiance

Built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273 on hill above the Severn Valley, Castell Dolforwyn was a flashpoint in Anglo-Welsh relations from the very beginning.

When word reached King Edward I about the castle, he wrote to Llewelyn forbidding him to continue with the construction. Llewelyn responded that he did not need the king’s permission to build on his own land and carried on regardless.

Unfortunately, Llywelyn’s defiance was to be short-lived. Marcher lord Roger Mortimer took Dolforwyn in 1277 after a two-week siege. The castle was abandoned in the 14th century, falling into disrepair until comparatively recent excavations uncovered its crumbling remains.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	Open all year
Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours

Visitor information

Bikes access

Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.

Car park

Parking for 5 cars at the bottom of steep path to castle.

Disabled person access

Access to the castle from the car park is via a steep incline for approx. 300 metres on a track path; the walk can take up to 20 minutes and visitors are advised to keep to the right-hand side of the path.

Dogs welcome

Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 4 – Strenuous

Drone policy

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

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

This castle is located on top of a steep hill. There are various routes up through to the castle, all with varying degrees of accessibility, all of which are quite steep and can take approx.15mins to reach the top.

Surrounding and within the middle of the castle are large areas of grass, this can be slippery when wet.

Whilst at the castle the grounds are relatively flat, with a few stonework thresholds that require stepping over.

Modern steps provide access to some lower sections of the monument. There are historic steps leading to upper areas, these are uneven, please take your time.

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