Raglan Castle, Raglan

Name: Raglan Castle
Address: Raglan, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1291 690228

#1 among attractions in Raglan

Top attraction, Forts and castles

Gallery (15)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Bob McCaffrey / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Lucy-sheers / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ethan Doyle White / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Nessy / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Dr Steven Murray / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / KTC / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / KTC / URL

Facts and practical information

Raglan Castle, a historical landmark nestled in the scenic countryside of Raglan, Wales, stands as a testament to the grandeur of medieval architecture and the tumultuous history of Britain. This impressive fortress, now in ruins, was built in the 15th century by Sir William ap Thomas, the Blue Knight of Gwent, and later by his son Sir William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke.

The castle's distinctive design features a large hexagonal keep, known as the Great Tower or the Yellow Tower of Gwent, surrounded by a moat. Its grand gatehouse is adorned with elaborate stonework and sculptures that reflect the wealth and power of its original owners. Despite its current state, Raglan Castle retains a sense of majesty, with its towering walls and turrets invoking images of knights and nobility.

Visitors to Raglan Castle can explore the extensive grounds, which include a great hall, a chapel, and a series of luxurious apartments that hint at the castle's former splendor. The castle's strategic position on a slight elevation provides panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a picturesque spot for photography enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Raglan Castle played a significant role during the English Civil War, where it was held by Royalist forces until its capture by Parliamentarian troops in 1646. The subsequent slighting, or deliberate partial destruction, of the castle by the victors has left Raglan as a romantic ruin, evoking the passage of time and the changing tides of history.

For the modern traveler, Raglan Castle is more than just a stop on a tour of Welsh castles; it's an opportunity to step back in time and immerse oneself in the country's rich heritage. The site is managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, which ensures its preservation for future generations.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 51°46'14"N, 2°51'0"W

Address

Raglan United Kingdom

Contact

+44 1291 690228

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Day trips

Raglan Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Saint Mary's, Church of St Cadoc, Clytha Castle, Church of St Catwg.

3.6 miW
Church
Saint Mary's
93 min walk • St Mary the Virgin is the former parish church for Llanfair Kilgeddin, near Usk in Monmouthshire, south east Wales. It is a Grade I listed building, notable for its significant Arts and Crafts interior.
0.4 miS
Church
Church of St Cadoc, Raglan
10 min walk • St Cadoc's Church, Raglan, Monmouthshire, south east Wales, is the parish church of the village of Raglan. The church is situated at a cross-roads in the centre of the village.
3.1 miW
Forts and castles
Clytha Castle
80 min walk • Clytha Castle is a folly near Clytha between Llanarth and Raglan in Monmouthshire, south east Wales. Dating from 1790, the castle was built by William Jones, owner of the Clytha Park estate as a memorial to his wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1787.
3.9 miE
Church
Church of St Catwg, Letcombe Valley
101 min walk • The Church of St Catwg in Cwmcarvan, Monmouthshire, Wales, is a parish church dating from the late 13th or early 14th century. It is dedicated to Saint Catwg or Cadoc, a 5th/6th-century Welsh saint. The existing building dates mainly from the 15th century, including its Tudor tower dating from 1525.
3 miNE
Church
Church of St Dingat
76 min walk • The Church of St Dingat in Dingestow, Monmouthshire, Wales, is a parish church dating from the 14th century. It is dedicated to Saint Dingat or Dingad, a 5th-century Welsh saint.
1.2 miN
Church
St Mary's Church
32 min walk • The Church of St Mary at Tregare, Monmouthshire, south east Wales, is the parish church of the village of Tregare. Dating originally from the fourteenth century, the tower is later, probably of the fifteenth century.
3.7 miN
Church
Saint Michael
94 min walk • The Church of St Michael and All Angels, Llanvihangel-Ystern-Llewern, Monmouthshire, Wales, is a parish church with its origins in the 15th century. Renovations took place in the 19th century under the direction of Thomas Henry Wyatt. It is a Grade II* listed building and an active parish church.
2.4 miE
Church
St Martin
62 min walk • The Church of St Martin, Pen-y-clawdd, Monmouthshire, Wales is a parish church with Norman origins which was rebuilt in the 15th century. It is located on the site of an early Welsh defensive earthwork. The church was restored in 1884–85. It remains an active church in the parish of Llangovan with Pen-y-clawdd.
2.1 miN
Church
St Cadoc
55 min walk • The Church of St Cadoc, Penrhos, Monmouthshire is a parish church with its origins in the 15th century. Restored in the 19th century, it remains an active parish church, and has recently undergone major renovation.
1.6 miW
Church
St Peter's Church
41 min walk • The Church of St Peter, Bryngwyn, Monmouthshire, Wales is a parish church with its origins in the 13th century. It is a Grade II* listed building.
3.7 miW
Church
Church of St Bride
94 min walk • The Church of St Bride in Llansantffraed near Raglan, Monmouthshire, Wales, is a parish church of Norman origins. The church was restored by John Prichard and John Pollard Seddon in the 19th century but retains much of its earlier fabric.