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About Wales | and all things Welsh |
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| Kidwelly Castle is an Anglo-Norman castle overlooking the River Gwendraeth and the town of Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, west Wales. The present remains of the castle include work from about 1200 to about 1476. Created as a defence against the Welsh, the castle fell to the Welsh several times in the twelfth century. Later in its history, it was unsuccessfully besieged by forces of Owain Glyndŵr and largely escaped involvement in the English Civil War.
The plan of the castle consists of a square inner bailey defended by four round towers, which overlook a semi-circular outer curtain wall on the landward side, with the massive gatehouse next to the river. The river prevents this from being a truly concentric plan, however a jutting tower protects the riverside walls, and the final plan is very strong.
Kidwelly is the first castle seen in the film Monty Python and the Holy Grail, in the very first scene after the titles. After our first view of King Arthur and Patsy, a very misty establishing shot shows Kidwelly as their destination. However, the following close up filming was done at Doune Castle in Scotland, so presumably only a film crew was sent to Wales rather than any of the cast.
The castle is relatively well-preserved, and is managed by Cadw. |
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|  Address:
| Kidwelly Castle
5 Castle Street,
Kidwelly,
Carmarthenshire SA17 5BQ |  Telephone:
| 01766 780552 |  Website:
| http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=82 |  Admission Charge:-
| Adult - £2.90, Concession - £2.50, Family - £8.30 |  Hours:
| Spring Opening Times:
1.04.06 - 31.05.06: 9.30 - 17.00
Summer Opening Times:
1.06.06 - 30.09.06: 9.30 - 18.00
Autumn Opening Times:
1.10.06 - 31.10.06: 9.30 - 17.00
Winter Opening Times:
1.11.06 - 31.03.07: 9.30 -16.00 Monday - Saturday,
11.00 - 16.00 Sunday
Further Information:
Most sites are closed on 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January. Full details are available from Cadw Site Operations Unit, tel. 01443 336000. Last admission to all sites is thirty minutes before closing. |  Facilities for the Disabled:
| The path that leads from the shop/paying desk to the gate house ahs a slope and a hard surface. There is a wooden bridge across the moat. The internal and external wards of the castle are grass with solid, level paths.
There is an audio tour with hearing loop. There are information panels and an exhibition. Benches are provided.
The car park is near the Castle grounds.
A Radar key toilet is situated outside the entrance.
Disabled visitors and their assisting companion will be admitted free of charge to all monuments. Please note that, for health reasons, dogs are not allowed on Cadw sites, but guide dogs and hearing dogs for the deaf are welcome. |
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|  Photographs © Andy Prosser. Click on any image for a larger view.
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All copyrights acknowledged with thanks to Wikipedia. Another site by 3Cat Design 2006-2008
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Email: Info@welshicons.org.uk |
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