Swansea Castle
Visitor notice
This site is now open to view or visit with no pre-booking required. (External viewing only)
Check our opening times and facilities below; please act responsibly and be respectful of the local area during your visit.
Please adhere to Welsh Government social distancing guidelines and coronavirus restrictions at all times and do not attempt to access enclosed spaces.
Overview
Urban remnants of a once-mighty fortress
Though what little remains of Swansea Castle is now hemmed in by the modern-day city centre, this was once a fortress of great strategic importance. Nowadays, it’s difficult to envisage its original location on a clifftop above where the River Tawe used to flow, controlling a harbour and important east–west route along southern Wales. Though there has been a castle here since at least the early 12th century, the remains that stand today date from the late 13th and early 14th centuries. The most striking feature is the distinctive arcaded parapet on the south block, remarkably similar that of the bishops’ palaces at St Davids and Lamphey.
Local lad Dylan Thomas worked as a young reporter at newspaper offices (now demolished) on the castle site.
Opening times
Can be viewed externally
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission |
Free
|
Facilities
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.
