Castles that are near to, or just a short drive away from, Quay West Holiday Park.
Newcastle Emlyn Castle, Newcastle Emlyn, Dyfed - come and see the remains of 13th century castle, built around 1215. From 1343 the castle was owned by Edward, the Black Prince. It was captured by the Welsh in 1403 during the Glyndwr Rising. Left in ruins, it was converted into a mansion in around 1500. After surrendering to Parliamentarian forces during the English Civil War, the castle was blown up to make it indefensible and the castle quickly fell into disuse after this. Admission is free, with open access at any reasonable time.
Cardigan Castle, Cardigan, Dyfed - is the derelict medieval castle dates from 1136 and, in the years that followed, the castle changed hands several times as the Welsh and Normans battled for supremacy. In 1240 the castle fell back into Norman hands and just a few years later Earl Gilbert of Pembroke rebuilt it, adding the town walls for increased protection. It is these remains that still stand overlooking the river.
Cilgerran Castle, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, Dyfed - the remains of 13th century castle located on a rocky outcrop overlooking the River Teifi. Cilgerran was taken by Llywelyn the Great in 1215 but was recaptured in 1223 by William Marshal the younger, Earl of Pembroke, who rebuilt the castle in its present form. Restricted opening times and entrance charges apply.
Aberystwyth Castle, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, Dyfed - the remains of the late 13th century castle, built around 1277. Briefly besieged in 1294, it was attacked again during the early 15th century by Owain Glyndwr, who eventually captured it in 1406. The English recaptured the castle in 1408, following a siege that involved the first known use of cannon in Britain. In 1649 during the English Civil War, Oliver Cromwell had the castle slighted to make sure that it could never be used again. There is free and open access at any reasonable time.
Llandovery Castle, Llandovery, Dyfed - the remains of late 13th century castle. The castle was started around 1116 and was almost immediately attacked and partially destroyed by Welsh forces under Gruffydd ap Rhys. The castle changed hands a few times, finally falling to the English King Edward I in 1277, who refortified the defences. Briefly captured by the Welsh forces of Llywelyn the Last in 1282, it was again attacked during the Owain Glyn Dŵr rebellion in 1403 and left as a partial ruin. Free and open access at any reasonable time.
Carmarthen Castle, Carmarthen, Dyfed - is the remains of 13th century castle. The current castle site, commanding a strategic position above the River Tywi, dates from around 1105. The original motte had massive stone defences added in the 13th century by the famous William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke. Converted into a prison in 1789, it now stands next to the council offices.