Llansteffan Castle and Hill Fort - Castell Llanstefan

Castell Llanstefan (Llansteffan Castle) is built on the site of a Neolithic promontory fort from about 600 BC. The original earthenworks are still visible and formed part of the later twelfth century castle defences. The ruins have the impressive remains of the twin towered gatehouse and overlook Carmarthen Bay at the entrance of the River Tywi. The site is located overlooking the village of Llansteffan on the south coast of Carmarthenshire and off the B4132 road.

 Our Visit

The strategic importance of this site is immediately clear. It stands on a headland at the mouth of the River Tywi. The Normans built this castle within the remains of an old Iron Age fort. It was a site that changed hands on a number of occasions in battles between the Welsh and the Norman invaders. The development of the castle from earth and timber to the stone stronghold, the remains of which can be seen today, took place between the later twelfth and early fourteenth centuries.  The forces of Welsh hero Owain Glyndŵr  took the castle for a short period between 1405-06.

We arrived late in the afternoon as the light started to fade on this December day. We followed the path from the beach up through the dark woods to the castle above the village of Llansteffan. The twilight gave the whole place a wonderful 'Dracula' type atmosphere which we loved. It is definitely a site to visit set in a beautiful area.

Link: Llansteffan Castle Cadw.