Paxton's Tower

Heritage Site in Carmarthenshire

Wales

Paxton's Tower

Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle Credit: John Lord

Paxton's Tower is a historic landmark located in the county of Carmarthenshire, Wales. Situated on a hilltop near the village of Llanarthney, the tower is an iconic structure that offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. It was built in 1805 by Sir William Paxton, a wealthy industrialist and Member of Parliament.

The tower stands at a height of 77 feet and is constructed mainly of limestone. It was built as a tribute to Lord Nelson, the renowned British naval hero who died in the Battle of Trafalgar. The design of the tower is said to be inspired by an ancient Egyptian obelisk, with its tall and slender structure.

Visitors to Paxton's Tower can climb the spiral staircase inside to reach the top, where they can admire the breathtaking vistas of the Towy Valley and the distant Brecon Beacons. The tower also houses a small exhibition on the history of the site and the surrounding area.

The location of Paxton's Tower is significant as it stands within the picturesque National Botanic Garden of Wales. The tower serves as a popular starting point for walks and hikes in the surrounding countryside, with many visitors enjoying the scenic trails and picnic spots nearby.

Paxton's Tower is a Grade II listed building and is managed by the National Trust. It remains an important heritage site, attracting tourists and history enthusiasts alike to explore its stunning architecture and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Welsh landscape.

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Paxton's Tower Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.851/-4.12 or Grid Reference SN5419. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Pont y Dryslwyn Road bridge over the River Towy.
Pont y Dryslwyn
Road bridge over the River Towy.
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
Ruins of Dryslwyn Castle
The meandering River Towy
The meandering River Towy
Machlud Haul Dryslwyn Sunset Machlud haul o Bont Dryslwyn ym mis Chwefror

February sunset from Dryslwyn Bridge
Machlud Haul Dryslwyn Sunset
Machlud haul o Bont Dryslwyn ym mis Chwefror February sunset from Dryslwyn Bridge
Remains of Dryslwyn castle
Remains of Dryslwyn castle
Remains of Dryslwyn castle
Remains of Dryslwyn castle
St David's church, Llanarthney
St David's church, Llanarthney
Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket This OS Flush Bracket (875) can be found on the south face of a roadside wall at the Golden Grove Arms, Llanarthne. It was used during the Second Geodetic Levelling of England & Wales (1912-21) Carmarthen - Llandovery Levelling Line. Also the Third Geodetic Levelling of England & Wales (1950-68) Llandovery - Carmarthen Levelling Line. It marks a point 79.1530ft above mean sea level.
Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket
This OS Flush Bracket (875) can be found on the south face of a roadside wall at the Golden Grove Arms, Llanarthne. It was used during the Second Geodetic Levelling of England & Wales (1912-21) Carmarthen - Llandovery Levelling Line. Also the Third Geodetic Levelling of England & Wales (1950-68) Llandovery - Carmarthen Levelling Line. It marks a point 79.1530ft above mean sea level.
Former Llanarthney station View westward, towards Carmarthen: ex-LNW Llandilo - Carmarthen branch, closed 9/9/63. The station has been acquired as a private residence.
Former Llanarthney station
View westward, towards Carmarthen: ex-LNW Llandilo - Carmarthen branch, closed 9/9/63. The station has been acquired as a private residence.
Dryslwyn Castle The main remaining wall Dryslwyn Castle as seen from the road by the picnic area.
Dryslwyn Castle
The main remaining wall Dryslwyn Castle as seen from the road by the picnic area.
Picnic area at Dryslwyn On the opposite side of the main road (B4297) from the castle ruins is this pleasant area that is for parking and picnics and has exhibits suitable for children along with information plaques about the castle and its history.
Picnic area at Dryslwyn
On the opposite side of the main road (B4297) from the castle ruins is this pleasant area that is for parking and picnics and has exhibits suitable for children along with information plaques about the castle and its history.
Cadw  sign for Dryslwyn Castle Cadw is Welsh Historic Monuments for (Secretary of State for Wales) now the National Assembly of Wales.
Cadw sign for Dryslwyn Castle
Cadw is Welsh Historic Monuments for (Secretary of State for Wales) now the National Assembly of Wales.
Warning sign for the Monument This sign says nothing about the steep climb up to view Dryslwyn Castle remains!
Warning sign for the Monument
This sign says nothing about the steep climb up to view Dryslwyn Castle remains!
Pair of motor cycles and riders The sun was shinning and visitors were driving about, the two meticulous motor cycles with riders were enjoying the weather, I wonder if they had climbed up to see the ruin? or just stopped to chat and sit on the bench.
Pair of motor cycles and riders
The sun was shinning and visitors were driving about, the two meticulous motor cycles with riders were enjoying the weather, I wonder if they had climbed up to see the ruin? or just stopped to chat and sit on the bench.
Swans on the Afon Tywi Below Dryslwyn Castle on the Afon Tywi were these swans, photo taken from the road bridge on the B4297.
Swans on the Afon Tywi
Below Dryslwyn Castle on the Afon Tywi were these swans, photo taken from the road bridge on the B4297.
Dryslwyn Castle Prominent position for the castle, wonder what the surrounding area was like when the castle was complete? see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3815775">SN5520 : Information sign about Dryslwyn Castle</a> for artists impression, The road bridge over the Afon Tywi has plenty of traffic, when I walked across the bridge the traffic was making the bridge structure rattle and move quite a bit!
Dryslwyn Castle
Prominent position for the castle, wonder what the surrounding area was like when the castle was complete? see SN5520 : Information sign about Dryslwyn Castle for artists impression, The road bridge over the Afon Tywi has plenty of traffic, when I walked across the bridge the traffic was making the bridge structure rattle and move quite a bit!
Show me another place!

Paxton's Tower is located at Grid Ref: SN5419 (Lat: 51.851, Lng: -4.12)

Unitary Authority: Carmarthenshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

What 3 Words

///invisible.defended.shunning. Near Llanddarog, Carmarthenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.851,-4.12
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 51.8507043/-4.1215917
Barrier: kissing_gate
Lat/Long: 51.8516864/-4.1198465
Paxton's Tower Lodge
Building: residential
Lat/Long: 51.8506549/-4.1213184
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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