Visited July 2019

Location	Llansteffan, Carmarthenshire
Entrance Fee	No
Railway Station Nearby	No
Parking	Yes
Facilities	Toilets in Car Park
Map

This castle is all about the views- the views from the estuary to the castle high up on the hill, and the views over the estuary from the castle. It is well worth the climb to reach the ruins.

Review

The walk up to the hill is pleasant, and takes you through some wooded areas. The first glimpse of the castle is of the outer gatehouse, which was actually a later addition from when the castle was significantly increased in size. The remains of the original gatehouse are now inside the castle precinct. When it was enlarged the original curtain walls were taken down but the gatehouse remained, in the middle of the new bailey. This gatehouse was once heavily defended, you can still see the portcullis grooves in the doorway.

The castle is Norman, but had periods of time in its history when it was held by the Welsh. It seemed to chop and change between the two sides quite frequently. Originally started in the 1100s, it was added to and refortified over the years, due to its strategic importance.

There are some interesting buildings on site today, with the keep still intact enough to climb- worth the effort for the views. One of the castles advantages when it was defended was the estuary below, and the same estuary is now part of the amazing views that make this castle well worth visiting today.

It seems like a popular spot for families, there was lots of people there on the day we went, and lots of children exploring all the nooks and crannies of the castle. The town of Llansteffan below is very picturesque, and the car park has some lovely food stalls if you are feeling peckish. The estuary beach is a pleasant spot so you could make a day of it and combine the castle visit with the beach.

We actually combined it with a visit to nearby Laugharne Castle, some 12 miles away.

More info:  CADW Llansteffan Castle