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Raglan Castle

4.7
·4k reviews·Raglan, United Kingdom

A magnificent 15th-century fortress in Wales, blending medieval defense with Tudor luxury. Explore its grand towers and rich history.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow
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Raglan Castle - Image 1

Raglan Castle

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A magnificent 15th-century fortress in Wales, blending medieval defense with Tudor luxury. Explore its grand towers and rich history.

4.7
(4k reviews)

"An absolute must if you’re traveling through to stop off here. The castle is just stunning, an amazing castle, must see."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Tips

Plenty of parking available. If full, try the roundabout behind the entrance for alternative spots. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Essential for exploring the entire castle! :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Great Tower (Kymin)

The Great Tower (Kymin)

Central Keep

A magnificent 15th-century fortress with a grand gate and stunning views from its towers.

The Gatehouse

The Gatehouse

Main Entrance

Impressive medieval architecture, offering a glimpse into the castle's formidable defenses.

Tudor Panel Room

Tudor Panel Room

Visitor Centre

Discover a unique surviving example of Tudor interior decoration, showcasing historical craftsmanship.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit to Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is a popular spot, so consider visiting during weekdays or off-peak hours to avoid crowds. Booking tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak season. Check Cadw's website for the latest opening times and any special events.

Exploring Raglan Castle with Ease

Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs. Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor, making it a great option for pet owners. The castle offers a visitor centre and informative boards to enhance your historical exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere, but busier
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

🏰 The unmistakable Castell Rhaglan / Raglan Castle, a historic ruin located in @visitmonmouthshire Explore the hidden staircases, cellars and magnificent views from the towers. 🐶 Dogs on leads are welcome to access ground floor levels of the site. #walesbytrails #visitwales #croesocymru #wales #cymru #cadw #castle #travel #dogfriendly
visitwales
1.6K likes • 33.6K views

🚗 Parking Tips

Plenty of parking available. If full, try the roundabout behind the entrance for alternative spots. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Essential for exploring the entire castle! :athletic_shoe:

Raglan Castle is a late medieval castle located just north of the village of Raglan in the county of Monmouthshire in south east Wales. #welshhiddengems #Wales #fyp #explore #history #castle
samanthalpeake
602 likes • 8.7K views
Raglan Castle Wales United Kondom
isthebrucetv
36.2K likes • 994.5K views

🐶 Dog-Friendly Ground Floor

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor. :dog:

⏳ Allow 2+ Hours

You'll need at least two hours to explore properly, more if you love history. :clock:

Raglan Castle 🏰 And what a beauty she is ! I hope you found this as soothing to watch as I did 😌 #raglancastle #dronevideo #dronelife #dronefootage #castlesofinstagram #wales #castlesofwales #visitwales #walesbytrails #beautifulwales #ukphotographer #ukcastles
_pixchar
283 likes • 2.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Tips

Plenty of parking available. If full, try the roundabout behind the entrance for alternative spots. :car:

🚶‍♀️ Wear Comfy Shoes

Lots of steps and uneven terrain. Essential for exploring the entire castle! :athletic_shoe:

🐶 Dog-Friendly Ground Floor

Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor. :dog:

⏳ Allow 2+ Hours

You'll need at least two hours to explore properly, more if you love history. :clock:

🎟️ Cadw Membership

Cadw members get free entry, a great perk if you plan to visit multiple historic sites. :ticket:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Raglan Castle for its stunning beauty, impressive scale, and rich history. Many highlight the rewarding views from the towers and the engaging exploration opportunities for all ages. While some parts are ruins, the well-preserved sections and informative displays make it a highly recommended historical site in Wales.

"Cadw members go free.
Plenty of parking.
Beautiful castle and moat with plenty to explore. We spent about 2 hours here. We walked up and down so many steps, but it was worth it for the views across the nearby areas and the views down over the castle interior.
Lots of information boards to tell you about the history of the castle.
Definitely worth visiting if you're in the area, or even as a combined holiday to visit some of the other nearby castles."

Tara Sanders

"An amazing site to explore. Adults and kids both loved it. Kids in particular enjoyed the quiz they could play along the way. Staff were super friendly and knowledgeable too, and the site (apart from upper floors of the ruin) is dog friendly."

Emma Wallace

"This was another great Castle to visit in the Cardiff area. Raglan Castle is about a half an hour drive away from Cardiff, but still worth it for a day trip or an afternoon to get out and see it. It is quite a large castle with a lot to see. We probably spent about two hours, walking around the castle, checking everything out. It is a shame that when the siege was lost at the castle, many parts of the castle were knocked down to prevent it from being used again. It is a very cool castle, and a must see for sure!"

Marcus O'Reilly

What People Like

Stunning architecture
Rewarding views
Rich history

What People Dislike

Some areas are ruins

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Raglan Castle is located in Monmouthshire, Wales. It's about a 30-minute drive from Cardiff.Reddit There's ample parking available on-site, and if the main car park is full, there are alternative spots around the roundabout behind the entrance.Reddit Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.

The address for Raglan Castle is Castle Road, Raglan, Usk, Monmouthshire, NP15 2BT. This postcode is useful for GPS navigation.

Yes, Raglan Castle is well-signposted in the village of Raglan. Its prominent structure makes it visible from a distance, guiding you to its location.

Public transport to Raglan Castle is not as straightforward. While buses may serve the nearby village, direct routes to the castle are infrequent. It's best to check local bus timetables or consider a taxi service from a larger town if you're not driving.

There is a dedicated car park at Raglan Castle. Reviewers suggest that if this car park is full, you can circle around the roundabout behind the entrance to find additional parking spaces, even for larger vehicles like motorhomes.Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary, but Cadw members get free entry.Reddit It's advisable to check the official Cadw website for the most up-to-date pricing and to book tickets in advance, especially during peak seasons, to potentially save time and secure your entry.

Raglan Castle's opening times can vary seasonally. It's essential to check the Cadw website for the specific opening hours on the day you plan to visit, as they can change. Generally, it's open daily during the main tourist season.

While not always mandatory, booking Raglan Castle tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods. This can help you avoid queues and ensure entry, particularly if visiting on a weekend or during school holidays.

Yes, Cadw members receive free entry to Raglan Castle.Reddit Keep an eye on the Cadw website for any other potential discounts or family ticket offers that might be available.

Raglan Castle welcomes dogs on leads on the ground floor levels of the site.TikTok This makes it a great destination for visitors who want to explore with their canine companions.

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Raglan Castle boasts impressive medieval architecture, including a grand gatehouse, a magnificent Great Tower (Kymin), and extensive ruins. You can explore its cellars, staircases, and enjoy panoramic views from the towers.TikTok Informative boards detail its rich history.Reddit

Most visitors spend around two hours exploring Raglan Castle.Reddit However, history enthusiasts might want to allocate more time, potentially up to four hours, to fully appreciate its architecture and exhibits.Reddit

While official guided tours might not be consistently available, the castle is equipped with numerous information boards that provide historical context and details about the site.Reddit Staff are also often knowledgeable and helpful.

Absolutely! Children often enjoy the castle's scale and the opportunity to explore its nooks and crannies. Some visitors mention a quiz available for kids, making the visit interactive and fun.Reddit

The views from the upper levels of Raglan Castle are spectacular. You can enjoy panoramic vistas of the surrounding Monmouthshire countryside and look down into the castle's interior courtyards.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The Gatehouse, the Great Tower (Kymin), and the inner courtyards offer fantastic photographic opportunities. Drone footage captures the castle's grandeur from above.TikTok The moat and surrounding landscape also provide scenic backdrops.

Drone footage of Raglan Castle is popular,TikTok but it's crucial to check Cadw's regulations regarding drone usage on their heritage sites before flying. Always prioritize safety and respect for the historical monument.

Late afternoons often provide beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the castle's stone features. Early mornings can offer fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing atmospheric shots.

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the castle and its architecture. A telephoto lens can be useful for details on the towers. A tripod can help with low-light conditions, especially during sunrise or sunset.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Raglan Castle is a fantastic choice for families. The expansive grounds and imposing towers offer plenty of space for kids to explore and imagine themselves as knights or royalty.TikTok The castle often provides interactive elements like quizzes, making the historical learning fun and engaging for younger visitors.Reddit

Remember to wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb for those incredible views. Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor, so your furry family members can join the adventure too.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Architecture Enthusiasts

For those fascinated by history and architecture, Raglan Castle is a must-visit. Its unique blend of late medieval defense and Tudor residential luxury offers a compelling study. The Great Tower (Kymin) is a prime example of this architectural evolution, standing as a magnificent, albeit somewhat isolated, keep.Instagram

Pay close attention to the mullioned windows and the layout of the inner and outer wards. The castle's role in the English Civil War and its subsequent slighting also add layers of historical significance. Exploring the ruins provides a tangible connection to centuries of history and strategic importance in Wales.

🐶 Dog Owners

Raglan Castle is a welcoming destination for dog owners. Dogs on leads are permitted on the ground floor levels of the site,TikTok allowing your canine companions to experience the historical grounds with you. This makes it a convenient stop for those traveling with pets and looking for outdoor attractions.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History of Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is a magnificent late medieval fortress, primarily built in the 15th century by the powerful Beaufort family. Unlike many earlier castles designed for defense, Raglan was built as a luxurious residence, showcasing wealth and status. Its distinctive architecture, particularly the hexagonal Great Tower (Kymin), reflects this shift towards comfort and grandeur.

During the English Civil War, Raglan Castle was one of the last Royalist strongholds to fall. After a prolonged siege, the castle was partially slighted (demolished) to prevent its future use as a fortification. Despite this, much of its impressive structure remains, offering a fascinating glimpse into Tudor-era castle life and military history.

Today, managed by Cadw, Raglan Castle stands as a testament to its rich past. Visitors can explore its extensive grounds, climb its towers for breathtaking views, and learn about its storied history through informative displays. It's a key historical site in Monmouthshire, Wales, attracting visitors interested in medieval and Tudor history.TikTok

Exploring the Architecture of Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle is renowned for its unique architectural style, blending defensive features with opulent residential elements. The Great Tower (Kymin), a large hexagonal keep, is a standout feature, standing apart from the main ward and offering commanding views. Its design is more about prestige and comfort than pure military function.

The castle also features a grand gatehouse, which was a significant defensive structure but also a statement of power. The mullioned windows found throughout the castle are characteristic of the Tudor period, allowing more light into the interiors and signifying a move towards more comfortable living spaces compared to earlier, more austere castles.

Visitors can explore the inner ward and outer ward, each with its own set of buildings and courtyards. The remains of the kitchens, great hall, and private chambers provide a tangible connection to the lives of those who inhabited this impressive fortress. The sheer scale and the surviving details make Raglan Castle a captivating site for anyone interested in medieval and Tudor architecture.Instagram

Raglan Castle for Families

Raglan Castle is an excellent destination for families looking for an engaging historical adventure. The sheer size of the castle, with its towers to climb and hidden corners to explore, captures children's imaginations. Many visitors note that kids particularly enjoy the interactive elements, such as a quiz that can be played while exploring the site.Reddit

Parents will appreciate the dog-friendly nature of the ground floor, allowing families to bring their pets along for the visit.TikTok The informative boards scattered throughout the castle provide context for all ages, and the stunning views from the top offer a rewarding experience after climbing the many steps. It’s a place where history comes alive, making it a memorable outing for the whole family.

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