Llansteffan Castle

Llansteffan Castle 

To reach the castle, there two paths from the main car park, a steep walk but the views from the top are worth it. 

Open all year 10.00am - 4.00pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult Dogs on leads welcome No smoking

The interior of the castle is lawned but steep in several places. Care should be taken when accessing the upper levels to the main gatehouse

Llansteffan Castle was originated, by the Normans in the early 12th century conquerors of Britain. 

To get an understanding of the castle's design, make a complete circuit around the grassy interior. Today it is mainly ruined and only a few buildings stand intact but the castle was once a building with great vitality and sophistication. 

The castle's history was tumultuous, at times occupied by the Welsh, the Normans and the English. Nevertheless, the de Camvilles kept ownership of the castle despite Welsh attempts to the contrary they refortified the castle with stonework in 1192, and after the 1215 attack by the Welsh, the Norman overlords built the well-preserved Inner Gate and a round tower (the keep). 

The views from the curtain wall are simply superb, and certainly would have allowed the garrison to spot any attackers approaching the castle. 

After Llywelyn's last siege in 1257, the de Camvilles extended the defensive boundaries of their castle, and created what is now known as the Lower Ward. Although this area seems relatively open and vulnerable, it was actually surrounded with some very formidable structures: The Great Gatehouse, two impressive corner towers, a fighting platform (the East Bastion), the Great Hall, and more stalwart curtain walling 

Llansteffan Castle's most remarkable building is the monumental Great Gatehouse, initiated in the late 13th century. It would have been an intimidating barrier against siege.  It had two portcullises, heavy double-doors, murder holes, arrow slits, and guardrooms

 

During the very late 15th century, major modifications were made and effectively changed the gatehouse from a defensive stronghold to a grand residence, fit for a king. 

Despite this for the next 200 years, Llansteffan Castle was neglected and became a ruin. By the 18th century, the structure had survived as a part of a private farm. 

The 19th century wave of romanticism and antiquarian interest in castle ruins, Llansteffan was revitalized, for tourists. 

Finally, in the 20th century, the castle was taken into care of CADW:Welsh Historic Monuments. ,