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Overview

Two-in-one architectural wonder spans 900 years of history

The clue’s in the name. So striking was the massive circular tower built by Roger Picard II that his castle became known as Tretower – or ‘the place of the tower’.

Over two centuries, from about 1100, the Picards transformed themselves from invading Norman adventurers to powerful Welsh lords.

So this monumental tower with four storeys and stone walls nine feet thick wasn’t merely for protection. It was social climbing made visible, an open imitation of the castles at Pembroke and Skenfrith.

It would be remarkable enough on its own. But Tretower is two wonders in one. Just across the castle green lies an entire medieval court that became a byword for magnificence.

It was the creation of Sir Roger Vaughan and his descendants. During the Wars of the Roses Sir Roger became one of the most powerful men in Wales – and Tretower reflected his fame.

It became a magnet for medieval Welsh poets who drank its fine wines and sang the praises of its generous host. Now, thanks to meticulous restoration, you can vividly imagine being one of Tretower’s most honoured guests.

You’ll find the great hall laid out just as it might have been for a lavish feast in the 1460s. In the recreated 15th century garden you can stroll among fragrant white roses that symbolise Sir Roger’s passionate Yorkist sympathies.

How to visit

•    purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
•    view our opening times and prices below
•    check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.

*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.

More about Tretower Court


Opening times

Daily 10am–5pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Wednesday–Sunday 10am–4pm

Closed Monday & Tuesday

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.

Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales


Prices & Tickets

Category Price
Member - Join now
Free
Adult
£8.70
Family*
£28.20
Disabled person and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students
£6.10
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£8.10

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry.

Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online)


Facilities

Access guide icon Toilets icon Baby changing icon Car park icon Bike storage icon Dogs welcome icon Civil ceremony licence icon Garden icon Gift shop icon Guidebook icon Holiday accommodation icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Picnic tables icon Portable hearing icon Refreshments icon Audio tour icon School visits icon Venue hire icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Tretower Court and Castle — Access Guide

Visitor toilets are available at this site.

Toilets available with baby changing facilities.

Gravelled car park area and roadside parking opposite the court for approx. 30 vehicles.

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.

Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

On-site garden.

Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.

Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.

Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site.

Tretower Court cottage

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.

Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.

 

A portable induction loop is available.

Tretower Court and Castle's visitor centre is home to Y Bwyty Bach cafe, the team offer a selection of lunch time menus and are committed to sourcing local ingredients from local suppliers to support the surrounding community of Tretower, Crickhowell.

Cadw Cafés

Audio guide available detailing the history of the site.

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!

 

This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.


Directions

Road
Signposted in Tretower village, off A479 5km/3mls North West of Crickhowell
Rail
18km/11mls Abergavenny, Manchester/Liverpool-Abergavenny/Cardiff
Bus
400mtrs/430yards, route no.X43, Brecon-Abergavenny
Bike
NCN Route No.8 (8km/5mls)

NCN Route No.8 (8km/5mls).

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.


Contact us

Telephone 03000 252239

Email
Tretowercourt@gov.wales

Address
Tretower Court and Castle,
Tretower, Crickhowell, NP8 1RF

For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01874 730279
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.