Do you want to visit Raglan Castle in Wales? Things to do in Raglan Wales include seeing the last medieval castle to be built in England and Wales. The castle’s beauty can be seen for miles around, and it is steeped in history and culture. Who doesn’t love visiting a castle?
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The grandest castle ever built by Welshmen
Are you wondering what to do at Raglan Castle? The handsome Welsh castle is partly ruined but comes with battlements, spiral stairs and moats and makes a great value day out. The remains of Raglan Castle are considered to be one of the finest late medieval buildings in the British Isles.
Wales’ youngest stone castle has spiral staircases, crenellated turrets (which means visible from a mile away), lots of slits for firing arrows, a pondweed covered moat, and even a fire-breathing dragon – on the national flag. Climb the 90 steps to the top of The Great Tower and take in the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Bring a picnic to enjoy on the lawns or stop in the café for a local speciality. Welsh food includes a cawl, rarebit or even bara brith. Alongside this, there are sandwiches, toasties, pasta dishes, jacket potatoes and assorted cakes.
Make sure you visit Dewstow Gardens and Grottos which is nearby.
Raglan Castle History
Following the Norman invasion of Wales, the area was granted to the Earl of Hereford. So, some historians believe that a motte and bailey castle may have been built here. The modern castle was built to impress in the 15th Century, with amendments being made until the 17th Century.
Sir William ap Thomas, known as the ‘Blue Knight of Gwent’, is who we have to thank for the unmistakable silhouette in the Welsh countryside. He even fought at the Battle of Agincourt with King Henry V. In 1432, he purchased Raglan and commenced with the building work.
The moat, south gate and Great Tower or Yellow Tower in 1435 still dominate the palace today. The tower has an apron wall with six turrets. In addition, there are two other impressive towers named the Closet Tower and Kitchen Tower. Whilst not as large, both are still formidable.
Great men need great houses
William’s son dropped the Welsh version of his name, calling himself Herbert. He continued his father’s work at Castle Raglan, creating sumptuous state apartments. Making it a castle you could visit for pleasure and luxury. Transforming it into a palace with huge glazed windows, a magnificent Fountain Court, Pitched Stone Court and Great Gatehouse. The chapel and library were built to show opulence and privilege.
Herbert played a crucial role during the Wars of the Roses in 1461. The new King Edward IV made him chief justice and chamberlain of South Wales. He was styled as Baron Herbert of Raglan. In 1468, he was created Earl of Pembroke as his reward for capturing Harlech Castle. Making him the first member of the Welsh gentry to enter the ranks of English peerage.
Later on, Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII, was sent to Sir William to be brought up at Raglan Castle. He was paid an enormous sum for his wardship. The Herbert’s treated the young Henry honourably, even though his time here is often viewed as imprisonment. They respected his title of Richmond, but his property was in the hands of Yorkists.
During the dissolution of the monasteries, under Henry VIII, lead reclaimed from Tintern Abbey was used in the building work. Much of the Pitched Stone Courte was rebuilt, including the hall. The Long Gallery was added, and the gardens developed into the new Renaissance style by the 5th Earl, William Somerset.
Raglan Castle English Civil War
The castle became a great Elizabethan country house through the Somerset family, Earls of Worcester. As the first Earl, Charles Somerset married the granddaughter of Sir William Herbert. The 5th Earl, Henry Somerset, was one of the wealthiest men of the time and a loyal supporter of King Charles I, who stayed at the castle on more than one occasion.
Raglan Castle Civil War
This magnificent stronghold was partly destroyed after a 13-week siege during the Civil War. The Raglan Castle battles were one of the longest of the war, but the castle was taken by Parliamentary forces in the summer of 1646. Trees in the park were cut down, and cottages were set on fire to create a line of fire. And the castle was surrounded by mortar batteries (canons) which were dug into place. Daily bombardment made little impression on the Great Tower but did immense damage to other parts of the castle.
Eventually, Raglan surrendered to Sir Thomas Fairfax and his garrison of several hundred men after various negotiations. Finally, after the battle, it was deliberately damaged and put beyond military use. This began a period of disrepair.
Castle Monmouthshire – Raglan South Wales
In 1938 the 10th Duke entrusted the guardianship of Raglan Castle to the Commissioner of Works, and it became a permanent tourist attraction. Today, the castle is a Grade I listed building and a Scheduled Monument, looked after by CADW.
Raglan Castle Events
At Raglan, events happen throughout the year. Family-friendly activities take place during half term, in the summer holidays and trails to follow at Halloween. Plays like The Tempest and Macbeth have also been performed in the grounds.
During the Euros in 2021, dragon monoliths dedicated to the football players were put at castles around Wales. At Raglan, it was Chris Gunter, a Newport boy who plays for Charlton and Wales.
Raglan Castle Christmas
In December, you can get into the Christmas spirit at the castle. Asides from beautiful bespoke baubles, there is a range of seasonal gifts in the shop. Alongside Welsh slate products, designer jewellery, books and local food and drink. Previously, Father Christmas has had a grotto at Raglan Castle, where children could meet him and get a gift.
Raglan Castle Wedding
Unfortunately, no wedding licence is held at Raglan Castle for ceremonies and legal partnerships.
Raglan Castle Fun Facts
Want to hear some Raglan Castle facts?
- One of the last true castles to be built in Wales
- The Great Tower used to be four stories high, it is now three
- It is unusual because it is made of a polygonal design, the towers and gatehouse has six sides, not round or square like most castles
- The Closet Tower’s basement served as a prison whilst the first and second floors were the officers’ quarters
- You could pull up the drawbridge, not allowing any visitors to enter
- The Tudor Oriel Window is one of Raglan’s defining features. The delicate window would have been filled with the finest stain glass that would have allowed light to flood into the hall
Frequently Asked Questions
Raglan Castle Opening Times and Prices
Raglan Castle Opening Times
The castle is open from 10am daily, but depending on the time of year closes between 4pm-6pm. It often closes for lunch between 1pm-2pm. I recommend double-checking before travelling. Raglan Castle Wales is also closed on 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January.
Raglan Castle Admission Prices
The Raglan Castle entrance fee in 2022 is £7.40 per adult, £6.90 for seniors, £5.20 for juniors (age 5-17) and families (2 adults, 3 children) for £24.40.
Is Raglan Castle free?
CADW members get free entry to the site. However, there is often free entry to celebrate St David’s Day (1st March). The castle has also previously taken part in Open Doors, which happens in September.
Where is Raglan Castle?
Raglan Castle Address is Raglan Castle Usk Monmouthshire Wales. Raglan Castle postcode: NP15 2BT
Who lived in Raglan Castle?
The Herbert’s and Somerset’s, noble families, lived at Raglan Castle.
How old is Raglan Castle? And, when was Raglan Castle built?
Raglan Castle was built in the 1430s and was constructed for defence.
Who built Raglan Castle?
William ap Thomas was the first to start work on the build. Work continued under his family, the Herbert’s, followed by the Somerset’s.
Who owns Raglan Castle?
The 12th Duke of Beaufort, Henry Somerset, is the owner of Raglan Castle. It is controlled by Raglan Castle CADW.
How big is Raglan Castle?
I couldn’t find the answer to this question. It is a sizeable, imposing castle.
What did Raglan Castle look like?
Reconstruction of the castle from the beginning of the 17th Century according to I.Lapper
Is Raglan Castle dog friendly?
Are dogs allowed in Raglan Castle? Yes, they are. Dogs on leads are allowed to explore the ground floor levels with you.
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Is there a cafe at Raglan Castle?
Raglan Castle Cafe is in the courtyard of the farm just beyond the castle. Most seats are outside, with an elevated view over the fields. Light bites and cakes are on the menu alongside hot and cold drinks. Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed inside.
Is Raglan Castle National Trust?
Raglan Castle is managed by Cadw. At Raglan Castle English Heritage, Historic Scotland and Manx Heritage members get a reduced price or free entry. You can access CADW sites in Wales for half price during your first year of membership. From year two, you get free entry.
What is Raglan Castle in Welsh?
In Welsh, Raglan Castle is Castell Rhaglan.
Raglan Castle Virtual Tour
Take a tour of Raglan Castle with Open Doors. There’s also the Raglan Castle Map.
Cardiff to Raglan Castle
It takes about 40-minutes to get from Cardiff to Raglan Castle by car. There is free car parking.
The closest train station to Raglan is Newport or Abergavenny, followed by an additional bus or taxi journey. With stops in The Valleys, Taffs Well, Radyr, Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Cathays, and Cardiff City Centre. Transport for Wales now offers Multiflex, which gives you 12 journeys for the same price as 5 returns. And, who doesn’t want to save money?
Was Merlin filmed at Raglan Castle?
Several scenes were filmed at Reglan Castle Merlin. In addition, other programmes include Wolf Hall and the films Time Bandits and Just Visiting.
Is Raglan Castle on Facebook Twitter etc?
Raglan Castle Facebook is Cadw Wales. Along with Twitter and Instagram. There’s also Raglan Castle Trip Advisor, where you can read Raglan Castle reviews.
Raglan Castle Hotel
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book in advance, and as soon as possible to get the best price. However, there is a vast array to accommodate all finances. There’s The Beaufort, a dog-friendly guest house, or Raglan Lodge, a family-friendly budget hotel. Slightly further afield is Glen-Yr-Afon House Hotel, which has 4-stars.
Pontypool, Cwmbran and Caerleon are the surrounding areas. You could also consider Caerphilly, Newport or the Wye Valley. You can also plan with LastMinute.com. Stay at great hotels at a fraction of the price.
Sykes Cottages
The award-winning business, Sykes Cottages, has properties across the UK, and the ones near Raglan are beautiful. From cosy lodges with traditional woodburning stoves to contemporary accommodation with a hot tub. With all the amenities you could need, including parking, WiFi and many dog-friendly places, check out Sykes Holiday Cottages.
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