Laugharne Castle
Overview
Mighty medieval castle, Tudor mansion and poet’s hideout
This is the ‘brown as owls’ castle beloved of Dylan Thomas, Laugharne’s most famous resident. He wrote Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog in the castle summerhouse perched above glorious views of the Taf estuary.
Here two giant medieval stone towers stand guard over the remains of a magnificent Tudor mansion, all set in 19th century ornamental gardens.
After centuries of conflict between Welsh and Anglo-Normans, Laugharne was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. He turned the dilapidated 13th-century castle into a residence fit for a gentleman, including a grand hall whose gaping windows still stare out over the water.
But his rapid rise had made him many enemies – and even the rumour that he was really the queen’s half-brother couldn’t save him.
Convicted of high treason, Sir John died in the Tower of London in 1592 while awaiting execution. Some believe he was poisoned just as Elizabeth was about pardon him.
How to visit
• purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
• view our opening times and prices below
• check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.
Opening times
Thursday–Monday 10am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Closed
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£5.90
|
| Family* |
£18.90
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.70
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
Facilities
There is limited parking opposite the main castle entrance.
The main pay & display parking area is about 300 metres/328 yards below the castle.
This car park is liable to flooding during high spring tides.
There is a slight incline from the car park and at the entrance to the monument. Once through the Gatehouse there is easy wheelchair/buggy access.
From the visitor centre, a small ramp leads to a level path and easy access around the site.
The only accessible tower is limited to walkers only.
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
On-site garden.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
A portable induction loop is available.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Water refill station available at this site.
Directions
Postcode SA33 4SA
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
LaugharneCastle@gov.wales
King St, Laugharne, Carmarthen SA33 4SA
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01994 427906
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
