Castell Carreg Cennen

Heritage Site in Carmarthenshire

Wales

Castell Carreg Cennen

Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle Credit: Chris Andrews

Castell Carreg Cennen is a captivating castle nestled in the breathtaking countryside of Carmarthenshire, Wales. Perched atop a limestone cliff, this medieval fortress is an iconic heritage site that draws visitors from far and wide.

The origins of the castle can be traced back to the 12th century, with the current ruins mostly dating from the 13th century. The castle played a significant role in the turbulent history of Wales, witnessing countless battles and sieges. Its strategic location atop a hill provided a vantage point for its inhabitants, allowing them to survey the surrounding landscape and defend against potential attacks.

Visitors to Castell Carreg Cennen can explore the ruins and immerse themselves in its rich history. The castle boasts remarkably well-preserved features, including the gatehouse, keep, and defensive walls. The remains of a medieval hall can also be found, providing a glimpse into the lives of the castle's former residents.

Additionally, the castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for photographers and nature enthusiasts. The picturesque landscape includes rolling hills, lush green valleys, and the winding River Cennen.

Facilities at Castell Carreg Cennen include a visitor center, where guests can learn more about the castle's history through informative displays and exhibitions. There is also a cozy tearoom, where visitors can indulge in traditional Welsh treats while taking in the stunning views.

Overall, Castell Carreg Cennen is a must-visit heritage site, offering a fascinating glimpse into Wales' medieval past and providing a truly unforgettable experience for all who venture to its majestic grounds.

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Castell Carreg Cennen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.8545/-3.9352 or Grid Reference SN6619. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle and visitor's centre A view of the visitor's centre (now a wedding venue too).   This used to also be a rare breeds farm - they still have a few rare breeds there but it doesn't seem to be one of their advertising points any more.

The castle was "accidentally" sold to the farmer when the castle was inadvertently left on the deeds when local farm land was being sold in the 1960s!
Carreg Cennen Castle and visitor's centre
A view of the visitor's centre (now a wedding venue too). This used to also be a rare breeds farm - they still have a few rare breeds there but it doesn't seem to be one of their advertising points any more. The castle was "accidentally" sold to the farmer when the castle was inadvertently left on the deeds when local farm land was being sold in the 1960s!
Entrance to Rhandir Farm
Entrance to Rhandir Farm
Ogof Carreg Cennen
Ogof Carreg Cennen
Ogof Carreg Cennen For a very detailed article on this fascinating cave see the following entry in Archaeologica Cambrensis: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/144830/1/03-Arch_Camb_170_Walker%20et%20al_67-76.pdf" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/144830/1/03-Arch_Camb_170_Walker%20et%20al_67-76.pdf">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
- where the photograph, Fig. 2, is almost identical to this one.

See also Nigel Davies’s image <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/211649">SN6619 : Passage down to the cave in Carreg Cennen Castle</a>
Ogof Carreg Cennen
For a very detailed article on this fascinating cave see the following entry in Archaeologica Cambrensis: LinkExternal link - where the photograph, Fig. 2, is almost identical to this one. See also Nigel Davies’s image SN6619 : Passage down to the cave in Carreg Cennen Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle One of the castles built by Edward I in the 13th century to subdue the Welsh.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/carreg.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/carreg.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Carreg Cennen Castle
One of the castles built by Edward I in the 13th century to subdue the Welsh. LinkExternal link
Penhill Farm Viewed from Carreg Cennen Castle.
Penhill Farm
Viewed from Carreg Cennen Castle.
From Carreg Cennen to Bannau Sir Gaer The main peaks of the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park can be seen in the distance.
From Carreg Cennen to Bannau Sir Gaer
The main peaks of the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park can be seen in the distance.
Hengrofft Farm 100m below Carreg Cennen Castle this small farm nestles between the castle and the western flanks of the Black Mountain range.
Hengrofft Farm
100m below Carreg Cennen Castle this small farm nestles between the castle and the western flanks of the Black Mountain range.
Coffi a Bara Brith Welcome refreshments at the foot of Carreg Cennen Castle.
Coffi a Bara Brith
Welcome refreshments at the foot of Carreg Cennen Castle.
Springtime at Carreg Cennen
Springtime at Carreg Cennen
Carreg Cennen Castle View from the car park.

For information about the castle see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7155097">SN6619 : Carreg Cennen Castle</a>.
Carreg Cennen Castle
View from the car park. For information about the castle see SN6619 : Carreg Cennen Castle.
Approaching Carreg Cennen Castle See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7155097">SN6619 : Carreg Cennen Castle</a>.
Approaching Carreg Cennen Castle
Glynllydan Farm View from Carreg Cennen Castle.
Glynllydan Farm
View from Carreg Cennen Castle.
Arrow slit at Carreg Cennen Castle View towards the Black Mountain range.
Arrow slit at Carreg Cennen Castle
View towards the Black Mountain range.
Carreg Cennen Castle Taken from one of the newly restored circular paths around the castle and its surrounds
Carreg Cennen Castle
Taken from one of the newly restored circular paths around the castle and its surrounds
Turning to Brecon Carreg Local producer of mineral water.
Turning to Brecon Carreg
Local producer of mineral water.
Cwrtbrynbeirdd 16th century Manor House near Trapp.
Cwrtbrynbeirdd
16th century Manor House near Trapp.
Show me another place!

Castell Carreg Cennen is located at Grid Ref: SN6619 (Lat: 51.8545, Lng: -3.9352)

Unitary Authority: Carmarthenshire

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

Also known as: Carreg Cennen Castle

What 3 Words

///history.inspected.graphic. Near Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.8545,-3.9352
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Carreg Cennen Castle
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Parking
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