Usk Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Usk Castle is a partly ruined medieval castle in Monmouthshire, South Wales. Built soon after the Norman conquest, it played a role in controlling the Welsh Marches and witnessed conflict during the Glyndŵr Rising.
Although mostly in ruins, several towers and walls remain standing. The site is now privately owned but open to the public on select days.
Quick Facts
Built: c. 1120
Type: Norman motte-and-bailey later rebuilt in stone
Condition: Partial ruin with standing towers and curtain walls
Location: Usk, Monmouthshire, South Wales
Ownership: Private (open to the public seasonally)
Heritage Status: Scheduled Ancient Monument
Access: Footpath from Usk town centre
Grid Reference: SO 375 008
Brief History
Usk Castle was first built shortly after the Norman conquest of England, around 1120. Richard FitzGilbert de Clare, a prominent Norman lord, is believed to have been responsible for its construction. The original design was a timber motte-and-bailey, a common early Norman fortification style.
The castle changed hands multiple times due to its strategic position in the Welsh Marches, an area marked by frequent conflict between Norman lords and Welsh rulers. In the 12th and 13th centuries, the wooden structures were gradually replaced with stone defences, including curtain walls and towers.
During the Glyndŵr Rising (1400–1415), a major Welsh rebellion led by Owain Glyndŵr, Usk Castle was attacked and partially destroyed in 1405. Following the rebellion, the castle was repaired and retained as a residence rather than a military stronghold.
In the late medieval period, the castle passed into the hands of the Herbert family. By the 16th century, it had fallen out of use and gradually declined into ruin. Some parts were repurposed for agricultural and domestic use, and a house was later built within the grounds.
Features and Layout
Usk Castle occupies a commanding position above the town, with surviving sections revealing its original layout. The site includes remnants from both the early motte-and-bailey phase and later stone additions.
Curtain Walls: Several sections remain, especially on the south and west sides. These walls once enclosed the main bailey.
Gatehouse: Though partly collapsed, the remains of the gatehouse show its original defensive function.
Towers: Four towers survive in varying condition. The southern Dovecote Tower, built in the 13th century, is one of the best preserved.
Motte: The motte, or mound, still exists but is less prominent due to later landscaping.
Gardens and Modern House: A later-period house, built from some of the original stone, now stands within the castle grounds. The surrounding gardens are planted with herbs, flowers, and native trees.
Graffiti and Masonry Marks: Some internal stones bear medieval masons’ marks and later graffiti carved by visitors over the centuries.
Did You Know?
A surviving carved stone panel from the castle depicts a medieval knight. It is believed to represent a member of the de Clare or Herbert families.
Images
Legends and Stories
Usk Castle, like many Norman strongholds, has gathered local tales over the centuries. While fewer legends are attached to it compared to more prominent Welsh castles, several stories persist in regional tradition and modern tourism reviews.
One recurring account, shared by local guides and visitors on platforms such as TripAdvisor, speaks of unexplained lights and shadows seen near the southern tower at dusk. Some believe these are linked to the soldiers who died during the 1405 attack by Owain Glyndŵr’s forces.
Another story, passed down through local oral tradition and sometimes mentioned during community heritage events, involves the “White Lady of Usk.” She is said to appear near the gatehouse, dressed in white, and walking silently along the ruined wall. The legend suggests she may have been a noblewoman awaiting the return of her husband from battle.
Although these stories are not formally documented in academic histories, they remain part of the castle’s living folklore and are sometimes mentioned by local volunteers during open days.
Visiting
Usk Castle is a privately owned site open to the public on selected days. Here is the latest visitor information sourced directly from the official website and tourism guides:
Opening Times (2025)
Sundays and Bank Holiday Mondays from April to September, between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm. Outside this period (October to March), visits are by appointment only.
Admission
Adults are charged £4; children and members of the Usk Castle Friends organisation are admitted free.
Usk Castle Friends membership costs approximately £10 individual or £18 family and offers free entry and access to events.
Note: Certain discounted Cadw ticket schemes (e.g., £1 tickets) apply only at Cadw-managed sites and not at Usk Castle, which is privately operated.
Directions & Access
Located on Monmouth Road (A472), just north of Usk town centre (NP15 1SD). Visitors park in a free car park and follow a public footpath to the site. A steep driveway up to the middle track allows car access for visitors with mobility issues, leading to a level bridal path entrance suitable for accompanied wheelchairs.
Facilities & Risk
Visitors explore at their own risk. Expect narrow paths, steep stairs, and uneven or slippery surfaces when wet. The Castle House and gardens remain private; public access is limited to marked areas.
Dog Policy
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads. Please bring a mess bag and dispose of waste properly—visitors may be fined otherwise. Chickens roam freely, so dogs must be kept under control.
All funds from visitors support the maintenance and conservation of the historic Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Nearby Attractions
Here are notable places to visit near Usk Castle, all within easy walking distance or a short drive:
Usk Rural Life Museum
Housed in a former malt barn on New Market Street. This volunteer-run museum explores local rural life from the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Priory Church of St Mary
A Grade I listed medieval parish church, originally part of a Benedictine nunnery founded in the 12th century, featuring 15th‑century porches and a fine rood screen.
Sessions House
A Victorian courthouse built in 1877 by architect Thomas Henry Wyatt. Now restored, it hosts community events and town council meetings.
Old Town Hall
Dating from 1771, this neoclassical Grade II listed building once served as market hall, court and fire station. Today it houses the local Royal British Legion club.
Town of Flowers & Usk in Bloom
Usk has won Wales in Bloom upwards of 35 consecutive years and regularly hosts Open Gardens weekends in June.
Cefn Ila Woodland
Located a few minutes’ drive outside Usk, this woodland managed by the Woodland Trust offers peaceful walks through native trees and pastures.
You may also explore the Three Castles region, featuring nearby historic castles such as Raglan, Skenfrith, White and Grosmont. These sites lie within Monmouthshire and are often included on local heritage trails.
Visitor Tips
Arrive early if visiting on a Sunday or bank holiday, as parking and entry can become busy by midday
Bring snacks or water, as there are no food outlets or shops within the castle grounds
Wear sturdy footwear – paths are uneven, and the ground may be slippery in wet weather
Dogs are welcome, but keep them on leads and watch for roaming chickens
Photography is allowed, but drone use is prohibited without permission
Check the Usk Castle website in advance to confirm opening dates or event bookings
No toilets on site – public toilets are available in Usk town centre nearby
FAQs
-
Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours exploring the castle grounds and reading the historical panels. Longer visits are possible if you include the gardens or bring a picnic.
-
Partially. The castle is on uneven terrain and includes steep paths, but there is a level track from the car park to the entrance. Wheelchair users should be accompanied due to slopes and grassed areas (uskcastle.com).
-
Yes. Private visits and group tours are available by appointment during the off-season (October to March). Contact the castle via the official website to arrange a visit.
-
Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads. Owners must bring mess bags and remain alert for chickens and wildlife on site.
-
Yes. Children are welcome, but parents should supervise closely due to steep stairs, high walls, and uneven surfaces.
Wrapping it Up
Usk Castle is a well-preserved example of a Norman stronghold that later evolved into a fortified manor. Its remaining towers, curtain walls and medieval features offer insight into centuries of conflict and change in the Welsh Marches. Though not managed by Cadw, it remains accessible to the public on select days and contributes to the historical identity of the town of Usk. With its quiet setting, visible medieval masonry, and surrounding gardens, it makes a rewarding stop for history enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Sources
Visit Monmouthshire
Visitor information including opening times, admission and access details
https://www.visitmonmouthshire.com/things-to-do/usk-castle-p1502891
UskCastle.com
Official site with details on opening days, fees, access, and dog policy
https://uskcastle.com/visitors-usk-castle/
Wikipedia
Historic overview: construction, ownership, medieval history, current status
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Usk_Castle
The Castles of Wales (castlewales.com)
Historical details on Norman origins, architectural development, known events
https://www.castlewales.com/usk.html
Usk Castle (uskcastle.com)
Background history and context of the castle, ownership and events
https://uskcastle.com/about/
Mortimer History Society
Ownership lineage under the Mortimers, castle events and chronology
https://mortimerhistorysociety.org.uk/the-mortimers/mortimer-castles/usk-castle/
Cardiff Castle is a medieval and Victorian-era site in the centre of Cardiff, the capital of Wales.