Raglan Castle
Monmouthshire, Wales
Photo: Bob McCaffrey from Rickmansworth, UK, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Hchc2009, CC BY-SA 3.0 ยท Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Partial ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Cadw Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Abergavenny, 7.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Grand late-medieval castle with moated Great Tower
Pinpoint
Raglan Castle, Raglan, Usk NP15 2BT
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1st March - 30th June | 09.30am-5pm |
| 1st July - 31st August | 09.30am-6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | 09.30am-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.
One of the last true castles built in Britain before gunpowder made them obsolete, raised in the mid-15th century by a Welsh gentry family grown rich enough to build like a magnate - the moated Great Tower is the standout, a hexagonal keep that once stood apart from the rest of the castle behind its own drawbridge. Reviewers regularly spend two hours or more here, with the interior views over the moat cited as the reward for the climb.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The Great Tower and its moat - one of the last and grandest private fortifications built in Wales.
Before you go
There's a lot of walking and stairs, so budget the two hours reviewers typically report; Cadw members go free, and parking is plentiful right at the site.
What visitors say
Raglan Castle reviews · 4.7 / 5 across 4,199 Google reviews
Visitors consistently praise Raglan Castle's well-maintained grounds and the amount of history that comes through via the information boards around the site.
Several mention it's a great outing for children thanks to on-site activities and a nearby cafe, and the moat and towers with their views are called out repeatedly.
There's no significant criticism in the reviews - just consistent praise for a well cared-for ruin.
“Great place to visit, lots of information as you walk around telling you about the castle and it's history. Well worth a visit.”- David, visitor review
Within reach of Cardiff (24 miles), Bristol (25 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what Cadw says
Level 3 - Moderate. Limited wheelchair access. Uneven cobbled stones throughout. 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
Sir William ap Thomas · 1435
The grandest castle built by Welshmen, Raglan was initiated by Sir William ap Thomas with the moated Great Tower in 1435, then expanded by his son William Herbert. It evolved into a magnificent country seat with long gallery and Renaissance gardens reflecting the power of Welsh gentry. It fell to Parliamentary forces during the English Civil War and was deliberately destroyed.
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
- “The site is well cared for, with great facilities and plenty of parking, making for a very comfortable visit.” - Terry Zac
- How long to allow
- “We spent about 2 hours here.” - Tara Sanders
- Terrain & accessibility
- “We walked up and down so many steps, but it was worth it for the views across the nearby areas and the views down over the castle interior.” - Tara Sanders
- Facilities
- “I took my grandchildren & they loved the activities around the castle & the cafe nearby.” - Steph Robinson
Common questions about Raglan Castle
Where is Raglan Castle?
Raglan Castle is in Monmouthshire, Wales, at Raglan Castle, Raglan, Usk NP15 2BT.
Do you need a ticket to visit Raglan Castle?
Yes - Raglan 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 Raglan Castle?
The Great Tower and its moat - one of the last and grandest private fortifications built in Wales.
Is Raglan Castle a ruin or still intact?
Raglan Castle is a partial ruin - Grand late-medieval castle with moated Great Tower.
