Laugharne Castle - Castles of Wales

Visit Laugharne 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.

Centuries of history

Laugharne Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in all of Wales.

Its grand ruins are surrounded by trees and a gentle stream that runs into the beautiful estuary of the River Taf mere metres away.

Yet what makes this castle more impressive still is its connections to war, literature, and royalty.

Walls of war

Laugharne Castle was first built in the 12th century by Norman invaders who settled in Wales, before being rebuilt in its current form a century later.

During this time, ownership of the castle passed hands many times as the native princes of Wales fought the Normans for control of the country, and later it was even occupied by Royalist forces during the Civil War.

After they captured it, areas of the castle were dismantled to ensure that the building could never be used for war again. Walking around the scenic grounds of this place, it's difficult to imagine all the bloodshed its old walls have seen.

A peaceful transformation

Sir John Perrot transformed this crumbling ruin into a grand residence during the 16th century.

Perrot was later executed for treason, yet his vision for Laugharne Castle endured: it's thanks to him that the beauty of this place remains intact after all these centuries for you to explore.

After its renovation, the castle became a sort of romantic getaway for many influential figures. It was once leased by famous author Richard Hughes, and it's said that in this garden he wrote In Hazard while looking out over the River Taf.

Hughes often entertained other intellectuals here, namely Dylan Thomas who is said to have written his renowned poetry collection Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog while sitting in the castle’s gazebo.

Perhaps you too will be inspired as you discover this place just like these legendary artists.

If you’re wondering what to do in Laugharne, then look no further. This castle is something you must see while you’re here, and we promise the sight of it will leave you with a lasting impression.

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