Oxwich Castle is a stately Tudor relic that stands atop a hill on the Gower Peninsula. Dating back to the 16th century, the manor house once accommodated a noble family and their servants. Appreciate views of the surrounding wooded headland and Oxwich Bay Beach from this hilltop castle.
Gaze up at the partly ruined castle and imagine how it might have looked in its prime. Tour the site and its various passages and chambers. It once contained an imposing hall and stylish gallery. Marvel at the six-floor tower that still stands today. It is thought to have housed the servants.
Visit the room upstairs that has been recreated with old furniture, including costumes and a straw bed. Note the range of Tudor foundations and the Elizabethan features that were added later. Enjoy a picnic at one of the tables with views of the forest and the sea.
Learn the intriguing history of the castle, which belonged to Sir Rhys Mansel, High Sheriff of Glamorgan in the 1500s. It fell into disrepair after the Mansels left in the 1630s and it was converted into a farmhouse.
The surrounding countryside is as stunning as the castle itself. Embark on coastal walks and take your family to the nearby Oxwich Bay Beach, often considered among Britain’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Walk among the dunes, wetlands and woodland in the nature park. Peruse the shops and restaurants and rent equipment for water sports such as water skiing, diving and sailing.
The castle is open for public visits from the start of April until the end of October. Visit during opening hours between morning and late afternoon, Wednesday through Sunday. Adults pay a small fee and children and families get discounts.
Oxwich Castle is 13 miles (21 kilometers) west along the coast from Swansea. The journey should take half an hour by car or more than 1 hour on a two-bus trip. Find the castle between Oxwich Field and the Greenways of Gower Premier Leisure Park. Nearby attractions include the beach and the Church of St. Illtyd.