White Castle

Overview

The shape of things to come? An early glimpse of Edward I’s Welsh castle-building project

White Castle is the best preserved and most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’ – which includes Grosmont and Skenfrith – built to control the border. Originally constructed from wood and earth, a series of renovations transformed it into the significant defensive structure we see today. Its medieval name might derive from the white rendering used on its masonry. The large outer ward is as big as a football pitch, while the pear-shaped inner ward sits behind a deep, steep-sided, water-filled moat.

Many of these features are thought to be the work of the Lord Edward (later King Edward I) who took possession of the Three Castles in 1254. The modifications at White Castle, his first Welsh castle, can be seen as a forerunner of the mighty fortresses he would go on to build in north Wales.

Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Prices

Category	Price
Admission	Free

Facilities

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

Parking for approx. 4 vehicles available. There is no dedicated disabled parking.

Access is via a short gravelled path from a limited parking area. The main part of the castle is accessed via a bridge, crossing the water filled moat from the larger outer ward, which itself is reached via a small bridge, crossing a dry moat.

Mobility access is good to most areas.

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

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.

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