Ogmore Castle

CF32 0QP
Car park
Dogs welcome
Drone policy

Step into the past

Overlooking a picturesque river crossing still marked by a series of ancient stepping stones, Ogmore (along with Coity and Newcastle) is part of a trio of fortresses built to guard Glamorgan against attacks from the Welsh-held west.

Beginning as a castle of earth and wood in the early 12th century, it was quickly fortified in stone before being further strengthened with a curtain wall in the early 13th century.

Unusually, the later additions have not obscured the castle’s earliest defensive features, with the banks and ditches built at Ogmore’s birth still clearly visible. Another original feature is the deep ditch around the inner ward, designed to fill with sea water at high tide.

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

Uneven car park for approx. 20 cars, no dedicated disabled spaces.

Car park liable to flooding.

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

There is available parking next to the river, however, please note that as the river is tidal it is likely to breach, especially during spring tide. It is advised to seek higher parking grounds when visiting during high tides. The castle grounds will also be affected within these conditions, be mindful of areas of open water.

The steps across the river are slippery, smooth and uneven, it is likely that you may fall off. We would encourage that this isn’t used as the crossing point to get to the opposite bank. Children must be supervised along the river.

Local horse riders use the river to cool horses; they may be using the path during your visit.

The castle grounds are surrounded by grazing livestock, which sometimes can wander onto the castle site, you may experience some sheep on site. Please close the gate when entering and exiting the site, this helps to keep them out.

Most of the site is flat, there steps taking you to lower sections, but the majority can be seen from ground level.

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.