Dolforwyn Castle
Overview
Ruined symbol of Welsh defiance
Built by Welsh lord Llywelyn ap Gruffydd (Llywelyn the Last) in 1273 on hill above the Severn Valley, Dolforwyn Castle 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
Daily 10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission |
Free
|
Facilities
Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.
Parking for 5 cars at the bottom of steep path to castle.
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 on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
Directions
1m (1.6km)W of Abermule, 33/4m (6km) NE of Newtown, off A483
Newtown 5m (8km).
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
