Newcastle Castle

CF31 4EY
Dogs welcome
Drone policy
No smoking

A castle built to last

Along with its neighbours at Coity and Ogmore, Newcastle Castle guarded the important river crossings which once controlled access into Glamorgan when much of this part of the country was under native Welsh control.

The original castle here was most likely a less sophisticated earthwork, with the remains standing today dating from a later building period of renovation in the 1180s. At that point, the castle was held by Henry II, and this royal connection probably explains why it is so well constructed.

Evidence of the castle’s superior build quality can be seen in its striking Norman doorway, perfectly preserved after lying almost untouched since the 12th century.

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 2 – Easy

Drone policy

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

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Parking is in a nearby street. Access into the monument can be gained from accessing the door within the curtilage door. Here you will access sloped lower grounds. Proceeding up the 8 stone steps you will proceed into the castle. There is no handrail required here, therefore, you must proceed with caution and be mindful of other visitors.

The castle grounds are relatively flat and all on one level. Be mindful when walking through the site that there are low ruinous walls.

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.