St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)
Vale of Glamorgan, Wales
Photo: Gareth James, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Alan Hughes, CC BY-SA 2.0 · Alan Hughes, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Free, open access
- Nearest station
- Llantwit Major, 3.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Twin-towered gatehouse near Cowbridge; free
Pinpoint
7 Castle Hill, Cowbridge CF71 7BE
Telephone 01443 336000
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 1st April - 31st March | 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 twin-towered gatehouse near Cowbridge, all that survives of a larger 14th-century castle - the upper floors are locked off, so this is a ground-level look at the gatehouse rather than a climb. It's a quick stop, but reviewers who hadn't heard of it beforehand rate the find and the views over Cowbridge highly.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The twin-towered gatehouse itself, well preserved enough that reviewers say it still captures the eye despite how little else of the castle remains.
Before you go
Parking is very limited (space for about three cars), and access to the upper floors is locked, so budget around half an hour; a footpath along the river below the castle extends the visit if wanted.
What visitors say
St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 247 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently describe this as a small, free ruin worth a brief stop, with several specifically praising the views over Cowbridge from the site.
One visitor found the upper section locked on their visit, limiting them to ground-level exploration, but overall sentiment across the reviews is positive for a quick, quiet visit.
“Nice castle, great views over cowbridge. Would recommend a visit!”- Lucas T, visitor review
Within reach of Cardiff (12 miles), Bristol (37 miles) - see what else is nearby.
Getting in - what Cadw says
Cadw terrain rating Level 2 (Easy). Handrails available on upper levels.
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.
Walks at St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)
St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) is on our walks roll because a visitor described a walk here in their own review:
“There is a footpath that follows the river below the castle grounds if you want to keep your dig occupied.”- David Prosser, visitor review
Also worth knowing: the site itself is free to enter and dogs are reported welcome.
Comparing options? See every UK castle with a walk visitors describe.
One visitor's account, not a route guide. We hold no distances, waymarks or start points. For the actual route, check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map before you set out, and treat coastal and clifftop paths as weather- and tide-dependent.
History
Gilbert de Clare · early 14th century
Built by the English nobleman Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century, this castle survives primarily through its twin-towered gatehouse and northern curtain wall. An earthen mound at the centre may mark the site of an earlier keep.
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
- “Free to enter, small car park for say 3 vehicles, nice for a half hour visit.” - John Mahoney
Common questions about St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)
Where is St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)?
St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) is in Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, at 7 Castle Hill, Cowbridge CF71 7BE.
Is St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) free to visit?
Yes - St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) 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.
Are there walks at St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)?
Visitor reviews describe walking here - one reviewer wrote: “There is a footpath that follows the river below the castle grounds if you want to keep your dig occupied.”. That is one visitor's account rather than a route guide, so check the operator's own site and an Ordnance Survey map for distances, paths and start points before setting out.
What is the highlight of visiting St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian)?
The twin-towered gatehouse itself, well preserved enough that reviewers say it still captures the eye despite how little else of the castle remains.
Is St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) a ruin or still intact?
St Quentin's Castle (Llanblethian) is a ruin - Twin-towered gatehouse near Cowbridge; free.
