Castell Dolforwyn

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.

Drone policy

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