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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.

More about Laugharne Castle


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
£5.00
Family*
£16.30
Disabled person and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students
£3.60
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£4.80

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry.

Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online)
 

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.

Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online).
 


Facilities

Pay and Display car park icon Disabled person access icon Dogs welcome icon Exhibition icon Garden icon Gift shop icon Guidebook icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Portable hearing icon School visits icon Venue hire icon Water refill station icon

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 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.

Discover our free facilitated educational activities.

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

Road
A4066 from St Clears.
Rail
18km/11mls Carmarthen, on the Swansea-Carmarthen/Milford Haven/Pembroke Dock route.
Bus
100m/110yards, route No 222, Carmarthen-Laugharne/Pendine.
Bike
NCN Route No.4 On route.

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

Address
Laugharne Castle
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.