Skenfrith Castle
Monmouthshire, Wales
Photo: Davidmholmes51, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Michael Garlick, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Abergavenny, 10.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- NT-owned, Cadw-managed; round keep by River Monnow; free; also listed under National Trust
Pinpoint
Skenfrith, Abergavenny NP7 8UH
Telephone 01874 625515
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1st April - 31st March | Open all year |
Open all year - during reasonable daylight hours
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
The second of the Three Castles of Gwent, a round keep on a mound beside the River Monnow in a village that shares its name, with the parish church standing right next door. It's unstaffed, free, and small enough to see quickly, but the riverside setting has made it something of a local swimming and picnic spot as much as a historic site.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The river behind the castle - reviewers treat a dip or a paddle in the Monnow as part of the visit, not a bonus.
Before you go
Parking is free but limited right by the castle; it also works well as a stop on a longer cycling loop via Monmouth, which several reviewers do.
What visitors say
Skenfrith Castle reviews · 4.6 / 5 across 1,038 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently highlight Skenfrith Castle's free entry and riverside setting, with several mentioning the nearby River Monnow as a bonus for picnics, swimming, or a cycling stop.
Its role as part of the Three Castles group alongside Grosmont and White Castle comes up more than once, and there's no notable criticism across the reviews - parking is occasionally described as limited, but always free.
“Great swimming in river. Parked here and cycled loop via Monmouth. All free”- Matt Barton, visitor review
Within reach of Bristol (31 miles), Cardiff (32 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what Cadw says
Level 2 – Easy terrain; details on terrain, steps, and health/safety hazards provided.
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
William fitz Osbern · 12th century
William fitz Osbern established Skenfrith in the early 12th century as one of three border strongholds guarding the Welsh frontier. Hubert de Burgh rebuilt it in stone in the 13th century with a circular keep, and it controlled a key crossing of the River Monnow.
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
- “An other glorious little gem This castle was the third in our list of castles to visit today Free car park right next to the castle And free entry” - Khaled Fahmi
- Facilities
- “There is good parking there and plenty of green space for picnics and parking.” - david howells
Common questions about Skenfrith Castle
Where is Skenfrith Castle?
Skenfrith Castle is in Monmouthshire, Wales, at Skenfrith, Abergavenny NP7 8UH.
Is Skenfrith Castle free to visit?
Yes - Skenfrith Castle is a free, open-access site with no ticket booth, looked after by Cadw. There may still be a charge for nearby parking, and open-access arrangements can change, so it's worth a quick check before you travel.
What is the highlight of visiting Skenfrith Castle?
The river behind the castle - reviewers treat a dip or a paddle in the Monnow as part of the visit, not a bonus.
Is Skenfrith Castle a ruin or still intact?
Skenfrith Castle is a ruin - NT-owned, Cadw-managed; round keep by River Monnow; free; also listed under National Trust.
