Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire Wales A Complete Guide

No, Kidwelly Castle is not owned or managed by the National Trust. Instead, it is managed by Cadw, which is the historic environment service of the Welsh Government. Cadw is responsible for the conservation and protection of many historical sites and monuments in Wales, including Kidwelly Castle. The National Trust is a separate organisation that looks after a wide range of historic properties, gardens, and countryside areas across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, but Kidwelly Castle is not part of their portfolio.

Kidwelly is located near the coast in Carmarthenshire, Wales. While the town itself is not directly on the shoreline, it is in close proximity to the sea, and there are several beaches within a short driving distance.

One of the closest beaches to Kidwelly is Cefn Sidan Sands, which is part of Pembrey Country Park. It is a beautiful and spacious sandy beach that stretches for miles along the coast. Visitors to Kidwelly can easily access Cefn Sidan Sands, which offers a great place for beach walks, picnics, and enjoying the sea views.

Other nearby beaches include Llansteffan Beach, which is located a little further to the west, and the popular coastal town of Tenby, which is to the south-east of Kidwelly.

So, while Kidwelly itself is not directly on the beach, the town's location near the coast allows easy access to some of the stunning beaches that Wales has to offer.

The Black Cat of Kidwelly is a legendary ghost story associated with Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire, Wales. According to local folklore, the ghost of a black cat is said to haunt the castle.

The legend tells the story of a witch who was executed during the medieval period for practicing dark magic. As the story goes, the witch's spirit returned to haunt the castle in the form of a black cat. This spectral cat is believed to bring bad luck to anyone who encounters it or crosses its path.

The Black Cat of Kidwelly has become part of the local folklore and adds to the castle's mysterious and spooky reputation. While there is no concrete evidence of the ghostly cat's existence, it remains a popular tale told by locals and is often shared with visitors who explore the historical ruins of Kidwelly Castle.

Kidwelly is a town located in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is not classified as a village; it has a larger population and more developed infrastructure than a typical village. As a town, Kidwelly has various amenities, shops, and services, making it a more significant settlement in comparison to smaller villages in the area. Kidwelly's historical significance, including its castle and coastal location, also contributes to its status as a town rather than a village.

The oldest castle ruins in Wales are believed to be those of Deganwy Castle. Deganwy Castle was a medieval fortification located in the town of Deganwy, Conwy County Borough, Wales. It is thought to have been built by the Welsh ruler Maelgwn Gwynedd in the early 6th century, making it one of the earliest castles in Wales.

However, it's important to note that Deganwy Castle's ruins are now minimal, and only earthworks and remnants remain. Due to its ancient origins, the site holds significant historical importance, but as a standing structure, it might not be as visually impressive as later medieval castles that followed in the centuries to come.

As with many archaeological sites, the information and interpretations about the exact dates and origins can sometimes be subject to ongoing research and updates. Nevertheless, Deganwy Castle is recognized as one of the earliest known castle sites in Wales.

The title of the oldest surviving stone castle in Wales goes to Chepstow Castle. Chepstow Castle is located in the town of Chepstow in Monmouthshire, Wales. It was built by the Norman lord William fitzOsbern in 1067, making it the oldest stone castle in Wales that still stands today.

The construction of Chepstow Castle began shortly after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066 and was strategically positioned to assert Norman control over the region and the River Wye. The castle's stone construction set it apart from earlier wooden fortifications, making it a significant and lasting architectural achievement for its time.

Chepstow Castle remains an impressive example of Norman military architecture, and its survival over the centuries has made it a popular historical site and tourist attraction in Wales.

Wales is home to many historically significant castles, each with its own unique importance. However, if we were to identify one castle as the most important in Wales, it would likely be Conwy Castle.

Conwy Castle is located in the town of Conwy in Conwy County Borough, Wales. It was built by King Edward I of England between 1283 and 1289 as part of his campaign to assert English control over Wales after the conquest of the region. The castle was strategically positioned by the Conwy River and the coast, playing a vital role in maintaining English dominance in the area.

Conwy Castle is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture in the UK. It features massive curtain walls, towers, and a double-towered gatehouse, all constructed with formidable defensive capabilities. The castle's strategic location and impressive design made it an essential stronghold for English forces during the time of its construction.

Moreover, Conwy Castle is part of the "Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd" UNESCO World Heritage Site, which also includes the town walls of Conwy and several other nearby castles like Caernarfon Castle and Harlech Castle. This designation further highlights the historical and cultural significance of Conwy Castle in Wales.

Due to its historical importance, architectural splendour, and recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Conwy Castle is often regarded as one of the most important castles in Wales and is a popular destination for history enthusiasts and tourists alike.