Wales history and heritage itinerary

Distance:
197½ miles (319.7 km)
Airport:
Cardiff

Plan your route: VisitBritain Journey Planner

Enjoy this magnificent tour of the castles of Wales and indulge your interest in the heritage and history of Great Britain. Travel through the centuries and witness first-hand the incredible changes in themes and architecture.

Day 1: Grosmont Castle - Skenfrith Castle - White Castle

Grosmont Castle - Skenfrith Castle: 5 miles (8.3 km)
Skenfrith Castle - White Castle: 7 miles (11 km)
Totals for the day: 12 miles (19.3)

Grosmont Castle (Abergavenny)

Credit: Oliver Truckle

This tour starts in Grosmont and the first of the three castles known as the castles of the 'Trilatera'. Around 1130, King Stephen united the three castles to protect one of the main routes around the English and North Wales border. It is easy to see Grosmont Castle was the host to many battles.

Must see & do:

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Skenfrith Castle (Abergavenny)

From Grosmont Castle travel west to Skenfrith Castle, which is the only low-lying fortress of the three castles. Probably founded around 1070, Skenfrith was once the civil capital of the lordship. Like the other two castles, Skenfrith is remarkably well-preserved with many of the original features still in place.

White Castle (Abergavenny)

Credit: TheDivineGoat

Still in the area of Abergavenny and only a short drive away is the third castle in the trilogy. White Castle is the most visually impressive of the three castles; you enter via the drawbridge that leads into a marvellous inner courtyard.

Must see & do:

Raglan Castle

Day 2: White Castle - Caldicot Castle - Coity Castle

White Castle - Caldicot Castle: 33 miles (53.5 km)
Caldicot Castle - Coity Castle: 43 miles (69.5 km)
Totals for the day: 76 miles (123 km)

Caldicot Castle (Caldicot)

Caldicot Castle has an interesting past; it was built by royalty in the Middle Ages and even once served as a Victorian family home. Caldicot Castle is a well-kept fortress with impressive nine-foot thick walls and set within 55 acres of lush country parklands.

Must see & do:

Nelson Museum & Local History Centre

Coity Castle (Bridgend)

Credit: James Stringer

Heading further west to Bridgend, the final stop for day 2 is Coity Castle. Retaining several Norman features, building started on Coity Castle in the 11th century with additional sections, including the great hall and the middle gate, added in the 14th century.

Must see & do:

Bridgend Indoor Market

Day 3: Coity Castle - Ogmore Castle - Oxwich Castle

Coity Castle - Ogmore Castle: 5 miles (8.5 km)
Ogmore Castle - Oxwich Castle: 43 miles (69.6 km)
Totals for the day: 48 miles (78.1 km)

Ogmore Castle (Glamorgan)

Entering the Vale of Glamorgan you’ll find the remains of the Ogmore Castle alongside the River Ewenny. The castle was built in the 11th century by William de Londres and is one of three Norman castles in the area that was used to control the Welsh.

Must see & do:

Dyffryn Gardens | Welsh Hawking Centre

Oxwich Castle (Swansea)

Credit: Gareth Lovering

This Tudor Mansion, created by Sir Rice Mansel and his son in the 16th century, offers expansive views of the area. The lavish lifestyle of the Mansels is obvious in the remaining design work of Oxwich Castle, which in its heyday was known for its grandeur.

Must see & do:

National Waterfront Museum | Singleton Botanical Gardens | Glynn Vivian Art Gallery

Day 4: Oxwich Castle - Dinefwr Castle - Llawhaden Castle

Oxwich Castle - Dinefwr Castle: 23½ miles (37.9 km)
Dinefwr Castle - Llawhaden Castle: 38 miles (61.4 km)
Totals for the day: 61½ (99.3 km)

Dinefwr Castle (Llandeilo)

Set within the Dinefwr Park and very close to Llandeilo village, Dinefwr Castle offers commanding views over the Tywi Valley. The castle was probably first built in timber around 1155, with stone replacing the wooden buildings in the 13th century. You can explore the Castle via the wall walk.

Llawhaden Castle (Narberth)

Credit: Dominic Barnes

A short distance from Dinefwr Castle stands the three-storey Llawhaden Castle. This earth and timber ringwork fortress was built by Bishop Bernard in the 12th century. Impressive additions were added in the 14th century, some which still remain today.

Must see & do:

Folly Farm Adventure Park