Old Beaupre Castle

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Visitor notice

Please note - access to the castle is not via the adjacent farm and its private road, but across the public footpath from the road side, whereby you will cross a low stile wall to access the right of way across private farmland.

Please be aware there may be livestock within the fields particularly during the spring and summer seasons.

Please keep all pets on leads and do not approach any animals on your journey.

Thank you.

Medieval manor with extravagant Tudor additions and status symbols

Despite the name and its medieval origins, Old Beaupre is really more manor house than castle. Built in two stages, the older part was constructed around 1300 while a major renovation in the 16th century by the Bassett family produced some of its most impressive remaining features.

These include the well-preserved three-storeyed gatehouse and striking porch, decorated with columns inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and bearing the family’s heraldic crest carved in stone.

Designed to demonstrate Bassetts’ wealth and importance, these Tudor symbols of status give a revealing glimpse into how this grand property would have looked in its heyday.

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

There is no dedicated parking at this site. It is possible to park up to 2 cars in the nearly St Athan Road.

Please follow the tourist signage pointing to the castle; there is no public access to the castle via the farm lane.

Dogs welcome

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

Unstaffed, Rural: Agricultural

Located within the grounds of a working farm, Old Beaupre is only accessible via a walk through 2-3 fields.

The fields may contain livestock which have been known to charge during season. It is best to check before you enter and remain vigilant at all times.
Do not approach any livestock during your journey and always keep dogs on short leads.

A single stile offers entry into the outer grounds of the site which consists of a few shallow steps.

You will need to follow a historic stairwell up to the upper inner areas of the monument.

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.

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

Steep and uneven steps

Low ceilings

Falling masonry

Directions

Google Map

Road: Cowbridge, 2.5 miles via St Athan Rd

Bike: NCN Route No.88 (0.9m/1.5km)

Location: Grid Ref: ST008720. Lat/Lon: 51.4389, -3.4272.

Car park 250 metres from monument (approx. 3 cars). Please follow the tourist signage pointing to the castle; there is no public access to the castle via the farm lane.