Take a look around

1 / 1
Oxwich Castle
Oxwich Castle
Swansea

About Oxwich Castle (Cadw)

Due to staffing challenges we have had to close Oxwich Castle is closed to the general for the time being, however, they are looking at running guided tours of the site over the summer months and will be publicising this via their website, social media and members electronic newsletter.

Appearances can be deceptive. Oxwich Castle, towering splendidly above the wide sweep of Oxwich Bay, isn’t really a castle at all.

It’s a magnificent Tudor manor house built by an ambitious father and son whose mock-military flourishes are all about social climbing rather than defence.
From the moment you walk through the imposing gateway emblazoned with the arms of Sir Rice Mansel, it’s clear this was the home of a gentry family looking to be movers and shakers in the prosperous years of the 16th century.

Sir Rice’s relatively humble south range, used as a farmhouse for about 200 years until 1954, is still intact. But his son Edward’s extravagant south range, with its two-storey hall and elegant long gallery with stupendous sea views, now lies in ruins.

Outside the courtyard are the remains of an immense dovecote with 300 nests. This was partly to provide the castle with year-round fresh meat – and partly just to show off. Remarkably Oxwich is still owned by descendants of the Mansel family.

Open on set days, booking only.

Location

51.5547447, -4.16817141

Like what you see at Oxwich Castle (Cadw)
NOTE: The above information is generated by third-party data provided by Oxwich Castle (Cadw). © Oxwich Castle (Cadw) 2024.

Please note that the Welsh Government is not responsible for information supplied by third parties and/or the content of external websites. Please make your own enquiries and assessments as to the suitability and quality of services being offered by third party providers.

If you wish to raise an issue with the product displayed above, please contact us via product.database@gov.wales

Related stories