When you visit us at 1861, you’re stepping into an area steeped in history. There are dozens of beautiful and impressive castles on our doorstep to awe and explore! In fact, there are 26 in Monmouthshire alone, a nod to its turbulent history as a border county.
They’re perfect to visit on a weekend getaway or to explore for an afternoon after a wonderful lunch at 1861. Several are cared for by Welsh historic monuments body Cadw and some are free to visit.
So, here’s our guide to six of the best in the area:
White Castle – This is the most imposing of the trio of Monmouthshire fortresses known as the ‘Three Castles’, which also includes Grosmont and Skenfrith. It’s also the best preserved. Its name may well come from the white render used in its stones during the medieval period. This castle in Llantilio Croseny was probably founded by Henry II and later became Edward I’s first castle in Wales, a forerunner to the mightier castles he later built in north Wales. This 13the century castle has a large, lawned outer area and an inner area sitting inside a deep, water-filled moat.
What to do here: Bring a picnic to this beautiful site or join the popular Three Castles walk here and explore the lovely local countryside. Dogs on a lead are welcome on the ground floor. If your thing is militaria, enjoy this ‘masterpiece of military history’.
Skenfrith Castle – This castle was originally founded by the Norman lord William fitz Osbern in the early 12th century on a strategic spot overlooking the River Monnow. The walls were see today were constructed in the 13th century by Hubert de Burgh. Skenfrith Castle’s walls surround a circular keep built on an earthen mound, the castle’s last line of defence.
What to do here: Walk in the footsteps of Dr Who and Amy Pond as the castle was used as the setting for the 2010 Dr Who episode, Amy’s Choice. A key stop on the Three Castles walk. Dogs on leads are welcome on the ground floor level.
Grosmont Castle – The original earth-and-timber Norman stronghold was built on a gros mont (French for ‘big hill’). It was later replaced in stone and was a key site to protect the security of the Wales-England border as it overlooks the Monnow Valley.
The castle became home to a noble household and in the 15th century it was besieged during the rebellion of Owain Glyndwr. It fell into ruin in the 16th century. Grosmont is also known as Red Castle because of the old red sandstone from which it is made.
What to do here: Enjoy beautiful views of the rolling Monmouthshire countryside including the Skirrid mountain. Take it in as part of the popular Three Castles walk. Dogs are allowed.
Raglan Castle – The grandest castle ever built by Welshmen, Raglan has a moated Great Tower constructed in 1435 by Sir William ap Thomas, the ‘blue knight of Gwent’. His son Sir William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, created the gatehouse with its flared ‘machicolations’, stone arches that allowed defenders to rain missiles down on attackers. Raglan later became a country seat with a fashionable long gallery and one of the finest Renaissance gardens in Britain. It fell to Parliamentary forces during the Civil War and was deliberately destroyed.
What to do here: Soak in the history and check out the original Tudor panelling rescued from a nearby barn. Take your children to one of the re-enactments staged here.
Abergavenny Castle – There have been fortifications in Abergavenny since the Roman era, but the current ruined castle was established by the Norman nobleman Hamelin de Balun in the 11th century. In 1175, it was the site of a massacre of Welsh noblemen, something said to have inspired Game of Thrones’ treacherous Red Wedding. The impressive ruins are a key site in the annual Abergavenny Food Festival, usually home to bars, food vendors, a children’s area, and a stage for bands. Its lawns are also the perfect place for a summer picnic at the heart of this bustling market town. The castle also houses a museum in the restored 19th century hunting lodge on top of the motte. Its exhibits show the history of the town, including a Victorian Welsh farmhouse kitchen, the contents of a mid 20th century shop, and a saddler’s workshop.
What to do here: Explore the museum, soak in the sun on its lawns, and enjoy breathtaking views of the Sugarloaf and Blorenge mountains.
Monmouth Castle – This castle is in the heart of the town of Monmouth, at the crossing of the River Wye and River Monnow. Now, only a few fragments remain of this strategically important castle, including the ruins of the 12th-century Great Tower and 13th-century hall. Monmouth Castle was founded in the 11th century by the Norman lord William fitz Osbern. By the mid-14th century it was in the hands of Henry of Grosmont, who gave the tower large decorated windows.
On September 16 1386, the future King Henry V was born here. Henry V went on to win the Battle of Agincourt, and the area became famous for its skilled archers. The castle is now home to the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers and houses the regiment’s museum. It’s one of a very few British castles with a continuous military use.
What to do here: Enjoy views of the castle from the town and visit the museum at the stable block attached to Great Castle House. Then stroll along the river or visit the other historic sites in the town including Shire Hall, which houses the trial of the Chartists. You can visit its court room and dungeon.
Take a look for yourself! Book a stay in one of our five-star rooms.
