Clytha Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Clytha Castle is an ornamental Gothic-style folly near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire. Built in the late 18th century, it was not constructed for military defence but as a decorative building with sentimental significance.
It forms part of the Clytha Park Estate and is a prominent example of the picturesque movement in architecture. The structure is now under the care of the Landmark Trust, which offers it as a holiday let.
Quick Facts
Location: Near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales
Built: 1790
Builder: William Jones
Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
Original Purpose: Memorial folly
Current Use: Holiday accommodation (Landmark Trust)
Heritage Status: Grade I listed building
Managed By: Landmark Trust
Nearest Town: Abergavenny
Access: Not open for general public touring; bookings required for stays
Brief History
Clytha Castle was built in 1790 by William Jones of the Clytha Park Estate. He commissioned the structure as a memorial to his wife, Elizabeth Jones, who had died in 1787. The castle was intended not for defence but as a sentimental landscape feature in keeping with the picturesque ideals of the period.
The design is attributed to John Davenport, an architect known for his work in the Gothic Revival style. The building forms part of a planned vista, aligned along a ridge with views over the Usk Valley. It reflects the 18th-century fashion for follies—ornamental buildings created to enhance the aesthetics of country estates.
Clytha Castle remained part of the Clytha estate for generations. In the 20th century, it fell into disrepair until it was restored by the Landmark Trust in the 1970s. The Trust now maintains the castle and offers it as a unique self-catering holiday stay.
Features and Layout
Clytha Castle is a symmetrical stone structure built in the Gothic Revival style. It features crenellated battlements, corner turrets, and arched windows. The main building forms a central block with two circular towers at each end, connected by curved screen walls.
The structure is purely ornamental. It was never designed for defence or residence. Despite this, it includes internal rooms suitable for occupation today. The Landmark Trust has restored the interior for modern use while preserving historical details.
One distinct feature is the castle’s alignment along a landscaped ridge. This was designed to maximise views of the surrounding countryside, especially the Black Mountains and the River Usk. The approach road, lined with trees, also serves as a visual axis that reinforces the building’s symmetry.
Inside, visitors will find gothic-style fireplaces, arched doorways, and compact but functional living areas. Some internal details, such as window glass and floor tiles, reflect modern restoration choices by the Landmark Trust.
Did You Know?
Clytha Castle contains graffiti dating from the 19th century, carved into the stone by estate workers and later visitors. These marks remain visible and are preserved as part of the building’s layered history.
Images
Legends and Stories
Clytha Castle does not have a strong folklore tradition, but one enduring story concerns its creation. According to estate records and Landmark Trust commentary, William Jones commissioned the castle in memory of his wife, Elizabeth. A Latin inscription on the building reads:
“This building was erected in the year 1790 by William Jones of Clytha in pious memory of his most excellent wife, Elizabeth, who died in 1787.”
This dedication has led some local storytellers to describe the castle as a “monument to grief”. While not a legend in the traditional sense, the emotional origins of the building have inspired visitors and writers.
Some guests who have stayed at the property via the Landmark Trust have mentioned a “quiet and melancholic atmosphere”, particularly at night. These accounts are anecdotal and usually come from user-submitted reviews on the Landmark Trust website and booking platforms.
Source: Reviews from past visitors on the Landmark Trust property page and booking sites such as Coolstays and Canopy & Stars mention the emotional tone and isolated setting of the castle.
Visiting
Clytha Castle is not open to the public for tours. You may stay there by renting it through the Landmark Trust.
Opening times & Booking
Access: Available as self-catering holiday accommodation via the Landmark Trust.
Arrival: From 4 pm.
Departure: By 10 am.
Ticket prices
The property is not ticketed, it is a holiday rental. Booking prices vary by season.
Directions & Parking
Situated just off the A40 between Abergavenny and Raglan, near Clytha in Monmouthshire, southeast Wales.
There is a National Trust car park nearby off the Bettws Newydd road from the B4598.
Facilities
The Landmark Trust restored the interior with modern kitchens and bathrooms, while retaining historic features.
Linen, towels, and welcome tea, sugar, and a pint of milk are provided.
No television is provided.
No electric-vehicle charging unless pre-booked request is made, and a small charge applies where available.
Dog policy
Up to two dogs are permitted, at £20 per stay per dog. They must remain off furniture and under control. Assistance dogs are accepted free of charge.
Nearby Attractions
Clytha Park
This estate features a Greek Revival country house and formal gardens. While the house is not generally open to public tours, it may be visited by heritage groups by appointment.
Clytha and Coed y Bwnydd walk (National Trust)
A 7.5‑mile circular walk offering valley and woodland scenery, passing Clytha Castle. Dogs are welcome under close control; note there are several stiles.
The Clytha Arms pub
Located on the A40 near the castle. A traditional country pub and a convenient stop before or after exploring.
Raglan Castle
A substantial medieval fortress east of Clytha, offering visitor facilities and guided tours, a short drive away.
Abergavenny and Usk
Nearby market towns with historic castles, cafés, and amenities.
Visitor Tips
Book early via the Landmark Trust to secure preferred dates
Bring a dog—up to two are allowed with advance notice and a small fee
Stock up before arrival—no shops nearby; the property is self-catering
Use the Landmark Trust directions rather than relying solely on GPS
Explore on foot—waymarked walks include scenic routes through the estate
Request EV charging in advance if needed
Tea, milk, and sugar are provided on arrival
No TV or Wi-Fi—ideal for a quiet retreat
Towels and linens included—no need to bring your own
Photography allowed—the towers and ridge views are popular subjects
FAQs
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You can book directly through the Landmark Trust website:
https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/properties/clytha-castle -
No. It is not open for public day visits or tours. Access is limited to overnight guests who have booked accommodation through the Landmark Trust.
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Yes. Up to two dogs are allowed per booking for a fee of £20 per dog. Assistance dogs are welcome free of charge.
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Mobile coverage varies by network and may be weak. There is no Wi-Fi or television at the property. The Landmark Trust aims to preserve a retreat-style environment.
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There are no facilities on site. The nearest pub is The Clytha Arms, and shops can be found in Abergavenny or Raglan, both a short drive away.
Wrapping it Up
Clytha Castle is a rare example of an 18th-century Gothic Revival folly built for emotional, not strategic, reasons. Though not open for public touring, it offers a unique historic stay through the Landmark Trust. Its architectural features, connection to the picturesque movement, and role as a personal memorial give it significance beyond its decorative appearance. Visitors today can experience the solitude and scenery once intended to honour a private loss.
Sources
Landmark Trust – Clytha Castle
Provided booking information, architectural details, and dog policy
https://www.landmarktrust.org.uk/properties/clytha-castle/
National Trust – Clytha and Coed y Bwnydd Walk
Described local walks and site access information
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/sugar-loaf-skirrid-and-usk-valley/clytha-and-coed-y-bwnydd-walk
Wikipedia – Clytha Castle
Supplied historical context, architectural background, and builder information
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clytha_Castle
Visit Monmouthshire – Estate Walk PDF
Provided access details and nearby parking reference
https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/dbimgs/2-clytha-estate-final.pdf
The Arbuturian – Travel Feature on Clytha Castle
Added visitor impressions and surrounding attractions
https://www.arbuturian.com/travel/travelfeatures/clytha-castle
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