Cilgerran Castle - Castles of Wales

Visit Cilgerran Castle and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

• Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
• Visit as many castle as you want
• Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
• Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

Welcome to Cilgerran Castle

Standing watch over the village below, Cilgerran Castle rises out of the earth, towers stretching up to meet the clouds drifting overhead.

The castle walls have seen centuries go by, weather-beaten and full of stories to tell, an adventure exploring the ruins of Cilgerran is a glimpse into a time long ago.

Stories of romance

Built during the 12^th century, like most castles, its purpose was mainly strategic.

But romance and drama lie at the heart of Cilgerran - tales of princes and princesses, mysterious kidnappings, and love affairs.

Certain rumours tell that the walls of the castle were built to keep Princess Nest safe.

Daughter of the ruler of south Wales, her beauty was unmatched and she would later become known as 'Helen of Wales'.

Said to be abducted by her second cousin, whether in fact it was Nest’s plan all along to escape the castle or not we’ll never know.

Only the walls themselves know the answer and they’ve been holding that secret well for over 900 years.

Exploring the castle

Wander through archways and along castle walls, over bridges, and up staircases to the tops of towers, all while taking in the phenomenal views surrounding you.

Built onto the cliff face, the River Teifi carves its way through the land below the castle.

Roaming the grounds, daydreaming about princesses and medieval folks going about their lives, it’s impossible not to get swept up in the history and beauty of the castle.

Run your fingers along the crumbling stones and take a moment to imagine what it would’ve looked like when it was first constructed all that time ago.

Inspiring Romantics

The famous Romantic painter Joseph Turner only added more intrigue and mystery to Cilgerran Castle by his paintings of the ruins.

Hazy air, castle walls blending in with the surrounding nature, and the river roaming its way below it all.

Look out from the castle walls and try to spot where Turner would’ve stood while creating his masterpieces.

Cardigan Castle standing nearby

Just a few miles downstream, Cardigan Castle can be found on the opposite riverbank.

There's something universal about castles that everyone loves.

Whether it’s the history, architecture, or spectacular views that tend to come hand in hand, a day out castle exploring is fun for the whole family and a fantastic way for everyone to leave with big smiles on their faces.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass? 

• Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
• Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
• Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
• Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
• Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
• Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Castell Coch, Cardiff
• Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
• Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire
• Conwy Castle, Conwy
• Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
• Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
• Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
• Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Oxwich Castle, Swansea
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
• Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
• Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
• Rug Chapel, Denbighshire
• St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
• Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
• Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
• Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire
• Weobley Castle, Swansea