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Montgomery Castle

More than the sum of its parts

Montgomery is one of those castles that, even in ruin, retain a powerful atmosphere and presence that transcend its state of preservation. Perhaps it’s something to do with its location, on a steep crag above a pretty Georgian town with all-seeing views across the Welsh border.

Commenced around 1223 on the orders of Henry III in response to the growing power of Welsh native prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great), Montgomery’s stone castle replaced a nearby wooden fort known as Hen Domen. Perched on its rocky ridge, this new fortress was significantly sturdier and more sophisticated, with a stone inner ward, well, deep defensive ditches crossed by drawbridges and walled town.

The castle remained in use for centuries, surviving attacks by Llywelyn in 1228 and 1231 and Llywelyn’s son Dafydd in 1245. The castle’s ultimate end came during the Civil War, when it fell to the Parliamentarians and was demolished in 1649, leaving just the crumbling towers and low walls that stand today.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 30th September 10am–6pm
1st October - 31st March 10am–4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

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

Visitor information

Car park icon

Car park

There is parking for approx .15 cars on site with one dedicated accessible parking space (approx. 100 metres).

Bikes access icon

Bikes access

Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.

Dogs welcome icon

Dogs welcome

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

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.

Directions

Google Map
Road: Welshpool 8m (12.9km) On hill above Montgomery town centre
Rail: Welshpool Station 8m (12.9km)
Bike: NCN Route No.81 (4.5km/2.8mls).

Postcode SY15 6HN

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.

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