Oystermouth Castle
Swansea, Wales
Photo: Len Williams, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Throwawayhack at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0 · Bill Boaden, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Swansea Council with Friends of Oystermouth Castle
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Swansea, 4.2 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Seasonal Apr-Oct; pay on gate
Pinpoint
Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A ruined castle above Swansea Bay, open seasonally (April to October) with entry paid on the gate rather than booked ahead. It's smaller than its reputation suggests, reviewers say, but the walk around the walls and the views over the bay hold up well for the modest entry price.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The walk along the castle walls, with views over Swansea Bay that reviewers say exceed expectations for the size of the site.
Before you go
Parking nearby is limited, so allow time to find a space; the gates don't open until 11am, and the toilets get consistently poor marks, so plan accordingly.
What visitors say
Oystermouth Castle reviews · 4.5 / 5 across 1,201 Google reviews
Visitors consistently enjoy walking the castle walls for the views towards Mumbles and Swansea, and several specifically mention it as a dog-friendly, welcoming site with helpful staff.
Parking near the castle is repeatedly flagged as limited and hard to come by, and one reviewer singles out the toilets as being in poor condition.
Overall the reviews are strongly positive despite these practical niggles.
“A great example of a ruined castle which was built by the Normans in the early 1100s as they tried to rule Wales. Parts date back to the 12 century and there is plenty to explore, including a famous chapel. Lots of…”- martin walker, visitor review
Within reach of Cardiff (36 miles) - see what else is nearby.
History
William de Londres · soon after 1106
Founded soon after 1106 by William de Londres of Ogmore Castle, this Norman stone castle became a powerful stronghold of the de Braose family in the 13th century. The stone keep, curtain wall, and residential buildings date from this period. After the Middle Ages, it gradually fell into ruin but was restored in the 1840s by George Grant Francis.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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 isn't very easy to get so be prepared to be doing alot of walking.” - Bazel Davies
- Facilities
- “The toilets are just horrid.” - Stella Oyokuru
Common questions about Oystermouth Castle
Where is Oystermouth Castle?
Oystermouth Castle is in Swansea, Wales, at Castle Ave, Mumbles, Swansea SA3 4BA.
Do you need a ticket to visit Oystermouth Castle?
Yes - Oystermouth Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Swansea Council with Friends of Oystermouth Castle. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
Is Oystermouth Castle dog-friendly?
Visitor reviews suggest dogs are welcome at Oystermouth Castle - one reviewer noted: “…ming, and it’s great to see it being so dog-friendly as well. You can walk around the castle walls and take in…”. Policies can vary between parts of a site and change over time, so confirm with the operator before visiting with a dog.
What is the highlight of visiting Oystermouth Castle?
The walk along the castle walls, with views over Swansea Bay that reviewers say exceed expectations for the size of the site.
Is Oystermouth Castle a ruin or still intact?
Oystermouth Castle is a ruin - Seasonal Apr-Oct; pay on gate.
