Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) and South Wales is home to an impressive collection of castles, each offering a fascinating glimpse into the region’s rich history. Set against a backdrop of rolling hills, dramatic landscapes and picturesque countryside, these historic fortresses are among the area’s most captivating places to visit.
The National Park’s location close to the Welsh border made the region strategically important for centuries, leaving behind a legacy of magnificent castles filled with stories of battles, power struggles and medieval life. Today, many feature museums, exhibitions, family-friendly activities and atmospheric ruins to explore, making them great destinations for a day out. Here are some of the standout castles to discover in Bannau Brycheiniog and the hills of South Wales.
What are the best castles to visit in Bannau Brycheiniog?
Carreg Cennen Castle
Standing proudly on top of a jagged limestone cliff face, the Carreg Cennen Castle ruins are a truly majestic sight. The castle’s structure dates back to the 12th century and has been damaged by conflict and weathering over the years. Its dramatic hilltop position offers sweeping views across the surrounding countryside, making it easy to see why this was once such a formidable stronghold.
Be sure to venture down the spooky tunnel dug into the rock beneath the castle to discover a natural cave which was once used as a store room and castle dungeon. Exploring the atmospheric ruins, walking the ancient walls and taking in the panoramic scenery are all part of the experience, making Carreg Cennen one of the most memorable castles in Wales.
Opening times: 1st April – 31st October 9.30am-5pm. 1st November – 31st March 9.30am-4.30pm.
Admissions: Adults : £8.00. Over 65’s £7.00. Concessions: £5.50
Abergavenny Castle
Abergavenny Castle was originally constructed in the 11th century and has been a site of great conflict over the years. Discover how the castle hosted the ‘Massacre of Abergavenny’ in 1775 before following many years of alternating control between the Welsh and the English. Abergavenny castle is a great place to visit today as it is famous for its picturesque walks and beautiful gardens.
Take a look at the hunting lodge, constructed in 1819, which houses the castle’s museum and have a wander around a traditional Welsh kitchen, an air raid shelter and many more interesting exhibits. Be sure to pick up one of the ‘family backpacks’ to take around the museum which include replica artefacts, historic games and chain mail which the kids can dress up in to pretend to be a knight. The backpacks also include laminated information cards and binoculars to help you study the contents of the museum more closely.
Opening times: Abergavenny Museum is open every day 11am – 4am except Mondays and Wednesdays. The grounds of Abergavenny Castle are open daily from 11am – 4pm except for a two week period over Christmas and New Year.
Admissions: Free entry
Cyfarthfa Castle
Cyfarthfa Castle was built in 1824 as the grand home of the Crawshay family, whose ironworks helped make Merthyr Tydfil one of the world’s most important industrial centres. Its impressive architecture and lavish interiors reflect the wealth and influence generated by the iron industry during the height of the Industrial Revolution, offering a fascinating insight into the area’s remarkable past.
Surrounding the castle, Cyfarthfa Park spans 158 acres of green space, with woodland trails, sensory gardens and plenty of open areas to explore. Families can enjoy the miniature railway, which takes visitors around some of the park’s highlights, including the lake, bandstand, play areas and courtyard.
Inside, the castle houses a museum and art gallery showcasing over 2,000 years of local history. From ancient archaeological finds and industrial heritage collections to fine art and natural history exhibits, there’s plenty to discover, making Cyfarthfa Castle a rewarding day out for history lovers and families alike.
Opening times: 1st April – 30th September 10am – 4.45pm. 1st October – 31st March Tuesday – Sunday 10am – 4.30pm (closed Mondays & Bank Holidays).
Admissions: Adults: £3.50. Children under 16: Free. Students: £3.00. Over 60s (Fridays only): £3.00.
Brecon Castle
Visit Brecon Castle (now a hotel and the oldest hotel in Wales!), an imposing fortress founded in the late 11th century at the meeting point of the Honddu and Usk rivers. Its strategic location provided both a natural defence and a valuable source of power for the castle’s mills, helping to establish it as an important stronghold in the Welsh Marches. Over the centuries, the castle served as the military headquarters of the Lordship of Brecon and played a key role in controlling the surrounding region.
Steeped in history, Brecon Castle witnessed centuries of conflict and was attacked on numerous occasions, including six major assaults during the 13th century. It stood at the heart of struggles between the Welsh and Norman forces, as well as disputes involving Welsh princes and powerful Marcher lords. Today, the castle remains one of Bannau Brycheiniog’s most significant historic landmarks, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wales’ turbulent medieval past.
Hay Castle
Standing proudly in the heart of Hay-on-Wye, Hay Castle has been a landmark of the town for almost 900 years. Originally established by the Normans during the 11th and 12th centuries, the castle has survived periods of conflict, fire and extensive rebuilding to become one of the area’s most important historic sites. Today, the carefully restored castle blends its medieval heritage with modern cultural spaces, offering visitors a unique insight into its long and fascinating history.
As well as exploring the historic building, visitors can enjoy exhibitions, events and panoramic views across the surrounding countryside. Located in the world-famous book town of Hay-on-Wye, the castle makes an excellent addition to a day spent browsing independent bookshops, cafés and galleries, combining history, culture and stunning scenery in one memorable visit
Opening times: Open daily 10am to 4pm
Admissions: Adults: £7.50. Children under 18: Free.
Raglan Castle
Often regarded as one of the grandest medieval castles in Wales, Raglan Castle is renowned for its impressive towers, elegant architecture and rich history. Built during the late medieval period, it was designed as both a defensive fortress and a luxurious residence for some of the most powerful families in Wales. Its distinctive Great Tower, known as the Yellow Tower of Gwent, remains one of the castle’s most recognisable features.
Despite being damaged during the English Civil War, Raglan Castle remains remarkably impressive today. Visitors can climb its towers, explore the vast courtyards and admire the remarkable stonework that reflects the wealth and status of its former owners. The castle’s size and grandeur offer a fascinating glimpse into life for the medieval nobility and make it one of the most rewarding historic sites to explore in south Wales.
Opening times: 1st March – 30th June 9.30am – 5pm. 1st July – 31st August 9.30am – 6pm. 1st September – 31st October 9.30am – 5pm. 1st November – 28th February 10am to 4pm.
Admissions: Adults: £10.40. Children (5-17) & Students: £7.20. Seniors (over 65): £9.30. Family (2 adults & up to 3 children): £33.30. Family (1 adult & up to 3 children): £22.90.
Tretower Castle and Court
Nestled beneath the Black Mountains near Crickhowell, Tretower Castle and Court is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Wales. The castle began life as a Norman stronghold before evolving into a fortified manor house, offering a rare opportunity to see how a defensive fortress was adapted into a comfortable home for a wealthy medieval family.
Today, visitors can explore both the castle and the beautifully restored medieval court, where interactive displays help bring centuries of history to life. Surrounded by the stunning landscapes of Bannau Brycheiniog, Tretower provides a fascinating insight into everyday life in medieval Wales and is an ideal destination for anyone interested in history, architecture and heritage.
Opening times: 30th March – 1st November 10am-5pm. 2nd November – 29th March 10am-4pm (Closed Mon-Tue)
Admissions: Adults: £10.40. Children (5-17) & Students: £7.20. Seniors (over 65): £9.30. Family (2 adults & up to 3 children): £33.30. Family (1 adult & up to 3 children): £22.90.
For more castle inspiration across Great Britain, take a look at some of the top castles in Scotland and a collection of English Heritage castles.
