Top 5 Castles around Llandow
Best castles around Llandow offer a journey through centuries of history in the Vale of Glamorgan. The area features diverse historical structures, from archaeological remains of early defensive sites to well-preserved fortified manor houses. Visitors can explore the remnants of medieval fortifications and discover the architectural evolution of the region's castles. The landscape provides a backdrop for understanding the historical significance of these structures.
Best castles around Llandow
- The most popular castles is Ogmore Castle Ruins, a historical site…
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Stepsau Teilo Stepping Stones at Ogmore Castle
Highlight • River
Tip by
Ogmore Castle Ruins
Highlight • Historical Site
Along with the ruins of the stone structure, Ogmore castle's earliest defensive features of banks …
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Llanblethian Village and St Quentin's Castle
Highlight • Castle
It's an ancient village, outdating the nearby market town of Cowbridge, and …
Tip by
Penryn Bay
Highlight • Viewpoint
The bay features a huge …
Tip by
Old Beaupre Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more castles around Llandow.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
See also https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llanblethian-castle Quentin's Castle, also known as Llanblethian Castle was probably built by English nobleman and military commander Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century, the most notable remnants of this castle are its huge, twin-towered gatehouse and high stretch of curtain wall on the north of the site. In the centre of what was once a large fortress is an earthen mound with the remains of a thick-walled building on top of it, which may be all that’s left of an earlier keep. Links to Caerphilly Castle too - see plaque in the gatehouse.
0
0
Despite the name and its medieval origins, Old Beaupre is really more manor house than castle. Built in two stages, the older part was constructed around 1300 while a major renovation in the 16th century by the Bassett family produced some of its most impressive remaining features. These include the well-preserved three-storeyed gatehouse and striking porch, decorated with columns inspired by the architecture of ancient Greece and bearing the family’s heraldic crest carved in stone
1
0
In the beginning, as a castle of earth and wood in the early 12th century, it was quickly fortified in stone before being further strengthened with a curtain wall in the early 13th century. Unusually, the later additions have not obscured the castle’s earliest defensive features, with the banks and ditches built at Ogmore’s birth still clearly visible. Another original feature is the deep ditch around the inner ward, designed to fill with sea water at high tide.
0
0
No always visible during the winter
0
0
Lllanblethian is a quaint and picturesque village that sits above the River Thaw in the Vale of Glamorgan. It's an ancient village, outdating the nearby market town of Cowbridge, and hosting a number of beautiful historic buildings. The village is home to St Quentin's Castle, a 14th-century castle perched upon a hill, a church that dates back to the 12th-century dedicated to St John the Baptist, and an early 18th-century great house that sits along the river.
4
0
Penryn Bay is a secluded cove located a stone's throw away from the magnificent St Donats Castle and Arts Centre on the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. The bay features a huge slab of rock which makes a great place to sit and gaze across the beautiful Bristol Channel.
1
0
These stepping stones have quite a history. Before the suspension bridge for pedestrian use was built there was, at that spot, a series of stepping stones. When the bridge came into use these stones were lifted and placed near Ogmore Castle, where they remain today, keeping their original name: Stepsau Teilo. At one period towards the end of the last century a competition developed to see how quickly the crossing could be made without falling into the river. Many tried to take the stones at full speed and, cheered on by onlookers there were several slips.
1
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical castles can I explore around Llandow?
The region offers several historical castles. You can visit the impressive Ogmore Castle Ruins, known for its visible defensive features and ancient stepping stones. Another significant site is Llanblethian Village and St Quentin's Castle, featuring a notable twin-towered gatehouse. Additionally, Old Beaupre Castle, though more of a fortified manor house, showcases medieval origins and impressive 16th-century renovations.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near Llandow?
Yes, both Ogmore Castle Ruins and Llanblethian Village and St Quentin's Castle are considered family-friendly. Ogmore Castle offers open spaces and visible historical features for exploration, while Llanblethian provides a picturesque village setting alongside the castle ruins.
Can I find castle ruins or archaeological sites in the Llandow area?
Absolutely. The Ogmore Castle Ruins are a prominent example, with its banks, ditches, and stone structure remnants. Llandow itself is known for the archaeological remains of a probable timber castle, which primarily consists of cropmark and slight earthwork features. This site is a scheduled monument, offering insight into early defensive structures through archaeological study.
What kind of natural features or scenic viewpoints are near these castles?
Near Ogmore Castle, you'll find the historic Stepsau Teilo Stepping Stones, a unique river crossing with a rich past. For stunning coastal views, Penryn Bay is a secluded cove near St Donats Castle, offering a great spot to gaze across the Bristol Channel.
Are there walking or hiking routes around the castles near Llandow?
Yes, the area around Llandow offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous running trails, including routes like 'The Red Fox Inn, Penllyn – Scenic Hill Near Cowbridge loop from Cowbridge' or 'Running loop from Cowbridge'. For more options, explore the Running Trails around Llandow guide.
What cycling opportunities are available near the castles?
Cyclists can enjoy both road cycling and gravel biking. Road cycling routes include 'Ogmore-by-Sea Beach – Café Velo loop from Llanfair' and 'Winston's Barrow – Café Velo loop from Llanfair'. For more rugged terrain, gravel biking options like 'Golf Course Climb – Widow Maker (Blue Scar Trail) loop from Bridgend' are available. Discover more in the Road Cycling Routes around Llandow and Gravel biking around Llandow guides.
Is Llandough Castle accessible to the public?
Llandough Castle, a 14th-century tower house near Llandow, is a private residence and generally not accessible to the public. While its gardens were temporarily opened in 2018 for a special scheme, it remains a private property.
What makes Ogmore Castle unique compared to other castles in the region?
Ogmore Castle is unique because its earliest defensive features, such as banks and ditches, are still clearly visible despite later additions. The deep ditch around its inner ward was ingeniously designed to fill with seawater at high tide, a distinctive defensive mechanism. It also features the ancient Stepsau Teilo Stepping Stones nearby.
Are there any castles that are more like fortified manor houses than traditional castles?
Yes, Old Beaupre Castle fits this description. Despite its name and medieval origins, it functions more as a fortified manor house. It features a well-preserved three-storeyed gatehouse and a striking porch, showcasing a blend of defensive and domestic architecture, particularly from its 16th-century renovations.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Llandow?
Visitors appreciate the historical depth and the opportunity to explore ancient structures. For instance, the visible defensive features of Ogmore Castle and the picturesque setting of Llanblethian Village are often highlighted. The komoot community has shown significant appreciation, with more than 30 upvotes and 20 photos shared across these sites, indicating a strong interest in their historical and scenic appeal.
Are there any castles near Llandow that offer coastal views?
While not a castle itself, Penryn Bay is a secluded cove located very close to the magnificent St Donats Castle. From Penryn Bay, you can enjoy beautiful views across the Bristol Channel, making it a scenic spot near a historical coastal landmark.
Most popular attractions around Llandow
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Llandow:
