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Llawhaden Castle

Forgotten castle-cum-mansion that stays in the memory

It’s worth taking the short detour off the busy A40 as you drive through Pembrokeshire to visit this little-known castle. Occupying a commanding location amongst serene forest and rolling farmland, Llawhaden’s unconventional mix of military and decorative features reveal its main purpose in life: that of a fortified mansion more than out-and-out castle, designed as a residence for the wealthy bishops of St Davids who liked their home comforts.

The site had seen much active service before being reconstructed along its present lines in the 14th century by Bishop David Martin. There were private apartments, a courtyard, lodgings for guests and quarters for a permanent garrison. Most impressive of all is the front of the gatehouse, added in the later 14th century, still standing to its full height.

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

Car park icon

Car park

Limited parking within 250 metres of the castle (5 spaces).

Access is via a tarmaced lane.

Dogs welcome icon

Dogs welcome

Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

Walking difficulty icon

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 2 – Easy

Drone policy icon

Drone policy

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

No smoking icon

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety icon

Health & Safety

Access into the castle involves a short incline walk along an uneven path. This is sometimes slippery when wet and contains historic bed rock, which may cause a trip hazard.

Lower parts of the outer grounds can become flooded and with deep water pooling in parts. Attention must be paid when visiting in poor weather conditions.

Most of the site is grassed and the internal areas are predominantly flat.

There is a mix of historic stone and modern steel step infrastructure; these can be slippery when wet, 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.

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

The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.

Falls from height icon

Falls from height

Deep water icon

Deep water

Falling masonry icon

Falling masonry

Slippery or uneven surfaces icon

Slippery or uneven surfaces

Steep and uneven steps icon

Steep and uneven steps

Directions

Google Map
Road: Llawhaden, off A40, 3m (4.8km) NW of Narberth, 10m (16.1km) E of Haverfordwest.
Rail: Clynderwen 4.5m (7.2km). For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Bike: NCN Route No.440 (1.5m/2.4km)

Grid Ref: SN072174. Lat/Lon: 51.8223, -4.7976

what3words: ///fell.pram.perused

 

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