Skenfrith Castle

NP7 8UH
Car park
Dogs welcome
Drone policy

Visitor Notice

Please be aware, overnight parking or camping is not permitted on Skenfrith Castle grounds at any time.

Significant medieval fortress with a substantial central tower

One of the ‘Three Castles of Gwent’ (along with Grosmont and White Castle) founded by Norman lord William fitz Osbern in the early 12th century, the remains of Skenfrith we see today are of a later fortress constructed in the 13th century by Hubert de Burgh. The castle’s well-preserved walls surround a circular keep, similar to those seen at Bronllys and Tretower. Built on an earthen mound, this sturdy structure was a last line of defence should the castle fall under attack.

Between them, the Three Castles controlled a large area of confrontational border country between the River Wye and the Black Mountains, with Skenfrith occupying a strategic spot on the banks of the River Monnow overlooking one of the main routes between Wales and England.

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 31st March	Open all year
Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours

Visitor information

Bikes access

Bike storage area available in car park or close to site.

Car park

There is a small area for parking that will accommodate approx. 6 cars in front of the castle.

There is no dedicated disabled parking.

Please be aware, overnight parking or camping is not permitted on Skenfrith Castle grounds at any time.

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

Situated next to the river Monnow, part of this site is regularly exposed to river overflow from high tide and run off.

This results in a build-up of river debris and silt which can cause part of the site adjacent to the river to be slippery. We do not encourage swimming here. National Resources Wales are responsible for the river and its upkeep.

Sets of historic steps are required to access some parts of the site, we ask that you take care as they are uneven in sections. Please use handrails where provided.

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.