Laugharne Castle
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.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 31st October | 10am-5pm (Closed Tue-Wed) |
|---|---|
| 1st November - 31st March | Closed |
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Last admission 30 minutes before closing Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit. Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales |
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Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Members - 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
|
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*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). |
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Visitor information
Pay and Display car park
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.
Disabled person access
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 welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Water refill station
Water refill station available at this site.
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Garden
On-site garden.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Drone policy
No smoking
School visits
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!
Directions
Address
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.
Telephone 03000 252239
Postcode SA33 4SA
what3words: ///gourmet.rotations.fishery
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
