Tretower Court and Castle
Visitor Notice
Y Bwyty Bach café is currently closed until further notice.
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 to save 5%*
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*Booking online guarantees the best price for your visit.
You can book tickets up to 24 hours in advance.
Online ticket prices include a 5% discount and are non-refundable.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 2nd November | 10am-5pm |
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| 3rd November - 31st March | 10am-4pm (Closed Mon-Tue) |
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Last admission 30 minutes before closing Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January |
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Prices
| Category | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Members - Join now |
Free
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| Adult |
£10.50
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| Family* |
£33.60
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| Disabled person and companion |
Free
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| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£7.30
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| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.40
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Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children. All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off individual admission (not available online). |
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| Category | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Members - Join now |
Free
|
|
| Adult |
£10.00
|
|
| Family* |
£32.00
|
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£7.00
|
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.00
|
|
|
Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children. All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off individual admission (not available online). |
||
Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Toilets
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Car park
Gravelled car park area and roadside parking opposite the court for approx. 30 vehicles.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
EV charging points
Two Type 2 (22kW) electric charge points — charges for use apply
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 2 – Easy
Garden
On-site garden.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Holiday accommodation
Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site.
Picnic tables
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
Refreshments
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.
Visitor Notice
Y Bwyty Bach café is currently closed until further notice.
Audio tour
Audio guide available to purchase on arrival in the visitor centre. Free for Cadw members.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Video presentation
A video presentation is available at this site.
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!
Health & Safety
Tretower comprises a castle, court, a large barn and recreated medieval garden behind the south wall.
The castle and court are located opposite the barn, be mindful of traffic as you cross the road, we ask that you do not step over any barriers.
The Castle
The castle sits within a working farm which may contain some small livestock.
There is a small stream towards the rear of the court gardens, which can overflow during periods of high rainfall.
Take care as this area and the area through to the castle may be slippery / muddy when wet.
Access into the castle is made possible by stepping over the low flat historic stone, this can be slippery when wet, we ask that you take care here.
There are steps inside the castle, we ask that you use handrails where provided and take your time.
Please do not climb upon the castle, naturally there are areas where there are hidden drops.
The Court
The court contains several dressed rooms located on both the upper and lower floors. Stairwells provide access to the upper levels; these are a mix of modern and historic stone. Please use the handrails where provided.
Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas.
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.
Steep and uneven steps
Falls from height
Deep water
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Low ceilings
Falling masonry
Directions
Address
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.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email Tretowercourt@gov.wales
Postcode: NP8 1RF
what3words: ///hook.built.materials
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
