Visited July 2023

Location	Neath, Glamorgan
Entrance Fee	No
Railway Station Nearby	Neath
Parking	Yes
Facilities	None
Map

Review

There is frustratingly very little access to this castle so I cannot in all conscience recommend making a special trip to see it, which is a shame because it looked as though although small it could be of great interest to castle fans- if only the council would actually give the public access to walk around the ruins. Currently is is completely gated off, and all that can be seen from behind the railings is the double- towered gatehouse. A sign nearby says that the castle was renovated in 1992 and again in 2018, so it is not really clear why the access is so restricted.

We were in the area on our way to somewhere else and decided to break our journey at Neath, (and because we are incapable of driving past a castle without stopping!)We parked in the Morrisons car park next to the castle, and so used the supermarkets toilet/cafe facilities while we were there. Beware though: Morrisons charge shoppers to park in the car park.

At the time we visited it was pouring with rain, so the castle looked very dark and brooding in the gloomy weather, although the sun was just coming out when we were leaving (typical!)

The castle was built by Robert of Gloucester, Lord of Neath between 1100-1130. Then town that grew up around it was named after it .It was then continued by Richard Granville, when it was locally known as Granville's Castle. However, when Richard founded Neath Abbey nearby, he abandoned this castle and moved it to its current day site, where it was rebuilt in stone in around 1150.

It was attacked by the Welsh King Llywelyn the Great during his campaigns against the Normans. and again during rebellions against Edward II of England. It was re-built again, and the gatehouse was added at this time. The position of constable of the castle existed well into the 18th century, when it was absorbed into the role as the Mayor of Neath.

So in conclusion I would say that if you are in the area or live locally, then it is worth swinging by, but not worth travelling  any distance when the current access arrangements allow nothing more than a glimpse of the gatehouse. If you are in the area, you could combine it with a trip to Neath Abbey, which is a much bigger site, managed by Welsh Heritage body CADW.

More info:  Neath Castle