Grosmont Castle

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Visitor notice

Grosmont Castle – Footbridge Refurbishment Works

Castle closure: 9–13 February 2026

Cadw is undertaking essential refurbishment of the timber footbridge spanning the historic castle ditch. This project will repair and replace deteriorated timbers within the bridge and its supporting structure, while retaining the original design to ensure safe and sustainable visitor access.

The works will be delivered by Cadwraeth Cymru’s specialist carpentry team, with associated masonry repairs to the bridge abutments carried out by our skilled masons.

Programme

Start Date: February 2026
Completion Date: September 2026

Temporary Access Restrictions:

For safety reasons, the inner ward will be closed to visitors during the ongoing works.

The outer ward will remain open, except on occasions when materials are being delivered, during which the entire castle will need to close temporarily. Please visit the Cadw website for the latest updates.

Cadw appreciates your understanding while these important refurbishment works take place. We aim to minimise any disruption and thank you for your support.

For further information or enquiries, please contact:
Email: cadwestatesandproperty@gov.wales

Big on the border

Grosmont is a member of an illustrious trio of strongholds. Along with Skenfrith and White Castle, it’s one of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ built by the Normans to control a key section of troublesome border country. The original earth-and-timber stronghold, build on a gros mont (French for ‘big hill’), was later replaced in stone.

It experienced an active life. Thirteenth-century reconstruction included the gatehouse and circular towers. Remodelling a century later gave Grosmont apartments fit for a noble household, but by the 15th century the castle was in the wars again, besieged in the rebellion led by charismatic Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr.

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.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 2 – Easy

Drone policy

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

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Crossing a gate there is a short 5-minute walk to the castle bridge. This grassed route is uneven and may be slippery / muddy during poor weather conditions. Some areas within the castle are uneven.

There are opportunities to explore the upper levels of the castle using the designated steps and viewing areas. The steps are historic and may be uneven in places. Please use the handrails provided. Steps may be slippery when wet.

Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas. Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation.

Please do not climb upon the castle, naturally there are areas where there are hidden drops.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

As with all ruinous monuments there is always a risk of stone fall, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

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

Some or all of the following warning signs may be found situated around the site. Please pay attention where appropriate.