Heritage Hiker’s Guide to… Castle Sites in the Vale of Glamorgan

Visiting Ogmore Castle

Ogmore Castle was built by the De Londres family around 1116 on the south bank of the Ewenny River and it remained in the possession of the family until 1298. It was taken over by the crown in 1399 from the Duchy of Lancaster. The castle was abandoned sometime between 1530 and 1631.  The Court House (situated to the north of the outer bailey) was still in use until 1803. Points of interest include an early medieval cross shaft fragment on a plinth within the castle ruins and the remains of an early limekiln. The stepping-stones in the river can be crossed when the river is low. There is free parking at the site – check ahead for opening times. Definitely a great castle site to visit in the Vale of Glamorgan For more information about visiting the area see the Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Ogmore-By-Sea.

Where is Barry Castle?

Barry Castle was built by the de Barri family as their manorial home around the 12^th century.  It was first built in drystone or timber and surrounded by a bank and a ditch. Although listed as a castle it fits the defensive description of a fortified manor house. By the 13^th century it had been built in stone and in the first half of the 14^th century it was extended further to include a hall and a gatehouse. By 1536-9 it was in ruins.

Sometime between 1558 -1603 a small cottage was built in its shell and by the end of the 16^th century this structure had become a tavern. This house was still standing in the 18^th century and was known as ‘Castle House’. The site is located in Barry and is free to access and is an open site with a couple of interpretation boards but there are no facilities and parking is on the main road nearby. For more information about visiting the area see the Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Barry.

Visiting St Quentin Castle

St Quentin’s Castle is located near Cowbridge. The castle is first mentioned in 1234 and is believed to have been established around 1102. The stone castle was probably built by Gilbert de Clare in the early 14th century. In the centre of what was once a large fortress is an earthen mound with the remains of a thick-walled building on top of it, which may be all that’s left of an earlier keep. The twin towered gatehouse still stands and makes quite an impression. It was ruinous by 1741.

Another great castle site to visit in the Vale of Glamorgan. The site is free to visit with a small car park next to the site. For more information on times and access click here.

Where is Old Beaupre Castle?

Old Beaupre Castle is located near St Hilary and is actually a medieval manor house which was modified during the Tudor period. The original house was an L-shaped building, now located within the inner courtyard, built circa 1300 and from this period until the 18th century it was owned by the Basset family. It really is an impressive structure with some beautiful stone carving including the gatehouse porch.

The site is free to access. Access is via stiles and a kissing gate across a grass path from the road (limited parking). No access via the farm lane. For more information on accessing the site click here.

East Orchard Castle

East Orchard Castle is located near Aberthaw. It was a manorial estate that included a chapel, barn and dovecote. Its main building phase is dated to the 14th century with later additions. The main house was dismantled in the 18th century. The site is located just off the public footpath running from the B4265 road, near Aberthaw Cement Works. There is a small lay by in which you can park, a map or route is necessary to navigate the walk to the site. There are steps and stiles on route. Be aware the road is a fast one caution is advised when parking. It is also advised that you take care on the site as the building are old and in derelict condition. This is not one of the easiest castle sites to visit in the Vale of Glamorgan.

For more information about visiting the area see the Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Aberthaw

If you have enjoyed this short guide on the Castle sites in the Vale of Glamorgan why not look at The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to the Top Castles to Visit in Bridgend