Oxwich Castle
Overview
A castle in name only but hugely impressive
Appearances can be deceptive. Oxwich Castle, 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 south 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
10am – 5pm Wednesday – Sunday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed Monday – Tuesday*
*Except on Bank Holidays when the castle is open on Monday and closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Closed
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£4.20
|
| Family* |
£12.20
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£2.50
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£3.40
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. |
|
Facilities
Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Grassed car park for approx. 15/20 cars. No dedicated disabled spaces.
Dogs on leads welcome but not into exhibitions.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Toilets in the castle grounds, 50 metres from ticket office.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Tea and coffee available
Directions
Postcode SA3 1ND
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 01792 390359
Email
*OxwichCastle@gov.wales
Oxwich SA3 1ND
*Due to technical difficulties, our sites have no computer access. Please ring sites directly or email: cadw@gov.wales
