Kidwelly Castle
Carmarthenshire, Wales
Photo: Iphrit, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Steve Knight, CC BY 2.0 · Peter G Broster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Cadw Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Kidwelly, 0.6 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Well-preserved Norman concentric castle; Monty Python filming location
Pinpoint
Castle Rd, Kidwelly SA17 5BQ
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 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-4pm |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A well-preserved Norman concentric castle on the Gwendraeth estuary, its double ring of walls also serving as a filming location for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It's one of the more complete Norman castles left in Wales.
At a glance
Worth the trip
Climbing the accessible tower and walking a stretch of the battlements - the highest vantage point among South Wales's smaller castles.
Before you go
There's a small car park with EV chargers right at the entrance, plus a second free car park a five-minute walk away if the first fills up.
What visitors say
Kidwelly Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 2,291 Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise Kidwelly as one of the best-preserved Norman castles in the area, with the ability to walk the battlements and climb the towers repeatedly highlighted, and one reviewer notes it's the castle used in Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
A recurring practical note is that the small free car park has very limited spaces and can fill up quickly, and the stairs to the upper levels are steep and uneven, which a couple of reviewers flag as unsuitable for those less steady on their feet.
“Well kept castle. Can access one of the towers and walk a good part of the battlements. Small tarmacked care park at front with some EV chargers and anather carpark less than 5 mins down from castle.”- David Prosser, visitor review
Getting in - what Cadw says
Incline to main entrance with concrete path and wooden bridge. Wheelchair/buggy access available in visitor centre and monument; access to upper levels limited to walkers. Online access guide available for detailed planning.
Taken from Cadw’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Norman (unspecified) · early 12th century
A Norman ringwork fortress founded in the early 12th century, Kidwelly was captured by Welsh prince Lord Rhys in 1159 but retaken by Norman forces. By the 1280s, Marcher lord brothers Chaworth rebuilt it in stone as a concentric castle, which successfully resisted even Owain Glyndŵr's siege attempts.
Drawn from Cadw's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Parking
- “Parking: There’s a small free car park right by the castle entrance with only about 10–11 spaces, including a disabled space - so it can fill up quickly on busy days.” - Shipra Suman
- Terrain & accessibility
- “It’s a fun visit for history lovers and families alike, though exploring the upper levels involves steep, uneven stone stairs that aren’t suitable for everyone.” - Shipra Suman
- Facilities
- “Public Toilets: Toilets are available on site near the visitor centre, including an accessible cubicle and baby-changing facilities, which is very helpful during a family visit.” - Shipra Suman
Common questions about Kidwelly Castle
Where is Kidwelly Castle?
Kidwelly Castle is in Carmarthenshire, Wales, at Castle Rd, Kidwelly SA17 5BQ.
Do you need a ticket to visit Kidwelly Castle?
Yes - Kidwelly Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Cadw. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Kidwelly Castle?
Climbing the accessible tower and walking a stretch of the battlements - the highest vantage point among South Wales's smaller castles.
Is Kidwelly Castle a ruin or still intact?
Kidwelly Castle is a partial ruin - Well-preserved Norman concentric castle; Monty Python filming location.
