Castell Llansteffan

View all visitor information

Visitor Notice

Our teams are currently working to assess some masonry repair works required to the Inner Gatehouse; during this time, we may need to restrict access to this area of the castle for health and safety reasons.

Thank you for your patience and we hope you enjoy your visit.

A prime piece of real estate

Wow-factor views are part of Llansteffan’s appeal. This headland castle overlooking the green farmlands, swirling sea and gleaming sands of the Tywi Estuary and Carmarthen Bay, boasts one of the most stunning locations in Wales.

That’s not to say that the stronghold itself is lacking in interest. Llansteffan, which controlled an important river crossing, occupies a site that has been defended since prehistoric times. Its rough stone walls, dating from the late 12th century, enclose an Iron Age promontory fort occupied in 600 BC.

Although ruined, the castle retains its power to intimidate — especially when you approach its massive twin-towered gatehouse, built in around 1280 and still looming large.

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 3 — Moderate

Drone policy

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

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

There is no allocated parking outside the castle and visitors are asked to park at the beach car park, where there are also toilet facilities.

Following the road, proceed to the castle. This is an access route and therefore be vigilant for passing vehicles. The route up is quite steep, taking you approximately 15 minutes to reach the castle entrance.

The castle grounds are uneven and sloped. There is access to the upper levels plus an excellent viewing platform, using a small set of spiral stairs. These are located within a narrow tower. Please be mindful that the steps are historic and may be uneven, also wet in poor weather conditions. Please use handrails where provided.

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.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

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.

Falls from height

Slippery or uneven surfaces

Falling masonry

Directions

Google Map

Road: Llansteffan, on B4312, 8m (12.9km) SW of Carmarthen.

Rail: Carmarthen 9m (14.5km).

Bike: NCN Route No.4 (4.8m/7.7km)

Postcode: SA33 5LW

Postcode takes you to the nearest local-authority car park and toilets. The steep hilltop can only be approached by foot and is unsuitable for wheelchair users.