Visit Carreg Cennen Castle and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

• Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
• Visit as many castle as you want
• Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
• Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

The Castle in the Beacons

Near the river Cennen in Brecon Beacons National Park are the spectacular remains of an ancient castle.

Sitting atop a remote crag almost a hundred metres high, Carreg Cennen can be seen for many miles around, and commands breathtaking views over the surrounding Welsh countryside.

In fact, this place was even voted the most romantic ruin in all of Wales and is so beautiful that even famous artists like William Turner used it as a muse.

Beauty above and discovery below

Carreg Cennen is located in a remote, wild setting near Castell Farm (the gift shop and café here are actually built from converted barns!).

To reach the castle, you’ll have to ascend the hill, admiring the lovely pastures around you as you climb.

The trek can be quite steep, but we promise it’s worth it for the unforgettable views at the top!

Once you’ve reached Carreg Cennen, you’ll be able to explore the ancient ruins of the castle.

Since these ruins were restored in the 19^th century by the Earl of Cawdor, no one is quite sure how much of them are genuine, but regardless they're a staggering sight.

You’ll also be able to descend into the cave, where winding passages with walls of rock will take you into the cliff below.

The caves below Carreg Cennen go 50 metres down, and as you explore the dark cavernous tunnels, you’ll find stalagmites and natural basins.

Roman artefacts have been found down here, as well as human remains dating back from before the Ice Age.

Who knows what else you'll discover as you delve deeper?

An impressive fortress

Carreg Cennen originally belonged to Lord Rhys, a native prince, and ruler of south Wales.

However, after it was taken by Edward I during his conquest, he awarded it to John Giffard who rebuilt the castle in its current form.

The castle's looming walls are watched over by six tall towers, the most impressive of which rise above the gatehouse.

It was so strong that even the forces of Owain Glyndwr couldn’t capture it.

Even exploring this place today in its dilapidated state, it’s not hard to imagine how impressive it would have looked in its prime.

Carreg Cennen is an unforgettable sight that's sure to fascinate those interested in its remarkable geography or bloody history.

Climbing the hill to get there is easily one of the most memorable walks in the area, and there’s plenty more to discover within once you reach the castle walls.

We highly recommend seeing this magnificent place for yourself.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass? 

• Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
• Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
• Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
• Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
• Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
• Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Castell Coch, Cardiff
• Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
• Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Conwy Castle, Conwy
• Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
• Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
• Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
• Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Oxwich Castle, Swansea - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
• Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
• Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
• Rug Chapel, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
• Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
• Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
• Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Weobley Castle, Swansea