Castell Dinefwr

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Much fought-over seat of the kingdom of Deheubarth

Perched in a commanding hilltop position above the Tywi Valley, Castell Dinefwr occupies a similarly significant position in Welsh history. In the 12th century, the fortress was in the possession of The Lord Rhys, ruler of the ancient south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth. His reign saw a rare period of peace and stability that led to a flowering of Welsh culture, music and poetry.

Sadly, it was not to last. After Rhys’s death, conflicts over succession led to turbulent years as the Welsh princes fought amongst themselves and against the English. Dinefwr eventually fell into English control in 1287 and remained there for centuries, despite Owain Glyndŵr’s attempt to wrest it back during his uprising of 1403.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Visitor information

Dogs welcome

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

Pay and Display car park

The car park at Castell Dinefwr is owned and managed by the National Trust

Cadw members are able to park free of charge, Cadw members will be required to show a valid membership card on arrival.

(There is an admission charge to enter Newton House).

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

The castle, which is owned by the National Trust, is situated in the woodland of the Dinefwr estate

There is a pay & display car park near Newton House (free for Cadw members).

Castle visitors are required to follow the path up into the woods; which will take approximately 20 minutes and is steep in parts.

Naturally the woodland areas may be uneven, muddy or wet depending upon the weather. Please watch your step as there may be fallen branches and tree roots along the route.

The castle consists of upper and lower areas, with plenty of scope to explore. Please stick to the desired visitor routes and refrain from climbing in or over the monument. There are hidden drops in places. Please use the handrails where provided upon the steps.

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