Swansea Castle
Historic 13th-century castle ruins in Swansea's vibrant city centre, complemented by a modern public square.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy the fountain and relax
Swansea Castle
Best Time
Enjoy the fountain and relax
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 13th-century castle ruins in Swansea's vibrant city centre, complemented by a modern public square.
"A lovely fort, a ruin in the middle of the city, with a gorgeous Castle Square and magnificent fountain."
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the ruins and the modern Castle Square fountain. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Free to Explore
Enjoy the castle ruins and square without any admission fees. :moneywithwings:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Swansea Castle Ruins
City Centre
Admire the historic 13th-century castle ruins, a testament to Swansea's past.
Castle Square Fountain
Adjacent to the castle
A modern marvel with a magnificent fountain and waterfall, perfect for photos.
Arcaded Parapet
Castle exterior
A unique architectural feature offering a glimpse into the castle's former grandeur.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Viewing
Castle Square Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the ruins and the modern Castle Square fountain. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Free to Explore
Enjoy the castle ruins and square without any admission fees. :moneywithwings:
🛋️ Relax in Castle Square
The steps leading to the castle are a great place to sit and soak in the atmosphere. :relax:
ℹ️ Learn the History
Read the information panels for insights into the castle's past. :scroll:
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning shots of the ruins and the modern Castle Square fountain. :camerawithflash:
🚶♂️ Free to Explore
Enjoy the castle ruins and square without any admission fees. :moneywithwings:
🛋️ Relax in Castle Square
The steps leading to the castle are a great place to sit and soak in the atmosphere. :relax:
ℹ️ Learn the History
Read the information panels for insights into the castle's past. :scroll:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Swansea Castle to be a visually interesting ruin, particularly when combined with the modern Castle Square's impressive fountain and waterfall. While the inability to enter the castle is a common point, the free access and pleasant atmosphere of the surrounding area are highly appreciated.
"Ruins of a castle in the city centre. Open to the public for viewing for free, ruins can not be entered or explored for safety reasons."
Maggie Wright
"Stunning. Ruin is worth a look around, although you can only see the outside."
Emma Tucker
"It's a lovely fort, a ruin in the middle of the city. It has a lot of back story, as explained in the nearby signage. It's worthwhile to see, even though we could only see it from the outside. There appeared to be no entrance for the public to enter the building, and it was completely free, no tickets were needed!"
Cynthia Rose
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Swansea Castle is located in the heart of Swansea city centre, making it easily accessible by public transport or on foot if you're already in the city. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's a short walk from Swansea train station. For those driving, there are several car parks in the vicinity, though they can get busy.
Yes, there are multiple car parks around Swansea city centre, including those close to Castle Square. It's advisable to check parking availability and costs in advance, especially during peak times.
Absolutely! If you're exploring Swansea city centre, Swansea Castle is a central landmark and easily reachable on foot from most areas.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to view the Swansea Castle ruins and explore Castle Square is completely free. You can admire the exterior and enjoy the surrounding public space without purchasing any tickets.
Unfortunately, you cannot enter the interior of Swansea Castle due to safety reasons. The castle is a ruin, and access is restricted to viewing from the outside.
As the castle is a ruin and viewed from the outside, there are no specific opening hours. Castle Square is a public space and generally accessible during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the impressive ruins of the 13th-century castle, including its arcaded parapet. The adjacent Castle Square features a modern, stunning fountain and waterfall, offering a great contrast and photo opportunity.
While children can't enter the ruins, they might enjoy exploring Castle Square and watching the fountain. The historical aspect might be more engaging for older children who can appreciate the ruins and read the information panels.
Yes, information panels are available near the ruins, providing historical context and details about the castle's past.
Castle Square has been beautifully redeveloped and features a magnificent fountain and waterfall. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors to relax, sit, and enjoy the urban landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Great photo opportunities exist from Castle Square, capturing both the castle ruins and the modern fountain. Drone photography can offer unique aerial views of the castle and surrounding city.
Drone photography is possible, offering unique aerial perspectives of the castle and the city.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers
The square itself is a picturesque spot for urban photography.🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Swansea Castle
Today, visitors can see remnants of the 13th-century castle, notably its arcaded parapet. The site has been improved in recent years, with Castle Square being redeveloped into a vibrant public space. This revitalization offers a fascinating juxtaposition of ancient ruins and modern urban design, making it a unique point of interest in Swansea.
While you can't explore the interior for safety reasons, the exterior ruins and the surrounding information panels offer a glimpse into its storied past. The castle's history is intertwined with the development of Swansea itself, making it a key landmark for understanding the city's heritage.
Experiencing Castle Square
This public space is designed for community gathering and leisure. It provides a beautiful setting for a break while exploring Swansea, offering a pleasant contrast to the historical ruins. The combination of the ancient castle and the contemporary square creates a unique visual and experiential dynamic for visitors.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Castle Square is often a hub for local events and activities, adding to its vibrancy. It's a place where history meets modern city life, offering a well-rounded experience for anyone visiting the area.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit