Castell Oxwich
New summer guided tours programme launching spring 2025
Castell Oxwich will be part of our summer 2025 guided tours programme, offering the opportunity to explore the rich history and culture of this fascinating heritage location with our expert guides.
Look out for updates on our website, social media and newsletter from spring 2025.
Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out about tour dates and how to book tickets
A castle in name only but hugely impressive
Appearances can be deceptive. Castell Oxwich, towering splendidly above the wide sweep of Oxwich Bay, isn’t really a castle at all.
It’s a magnificent Tudor manor house built by an ambitious father and son whose mock-military flourishes are all about social climbing rather than defence.
From the moment you walk through the imposing gateway emblazoned with the arms of Sir Rice Mansel, it’s clear this was the home of a gentry family looking to be movers and shakers in the prosperous years of the 16th century.
Sir Rice’s relatively humble south range, used as a farmhouse for about 200 years until 1954, is still intact. But his son Edward’s extravagant east range, with its two-storey hall and elegant long gallery with stupendous sea views, now lies in ruins.
Outside the courtyard are the remains of an immense dovecote with 300 nests. This was partly to provide the castle with year-round fresh meat – and partly just to show off. Remarkably Oxwich is still owned by descendants of the Mansel family.
Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 31st March | Closed |
|---|---|
Visitor information
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Car park
Grassed car park for approx. 15/20 cars. No dedicated accessible parking spaces.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
Toilets in the castle grounds, 50 metres from ticket office.
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Picnic tables
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Refreshments
Tea and coffee available
Dogs welcome
Dogs on leads welcome but not into exhibitions.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Directions
Address
Oxwich SA3 1ND
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01792 390359
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email Cadw@gov.wales
Postcode SA3 1ND
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
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