Top 9 Castles around St. Weonards
Best castles around St. Weonards offers a journey through Herefordshire's rich history, featuring both well-preserved structures and ancient earthwork remains. The area, situated in the scenic Wye Valley region, provides a backdrop for exploring fortifications from various historical periods. Visitors can discover sites ranging from medieval fortified manor houses to Norman motte castles. This region is characterized by its historical landmarks and varied landscapes.
Best castles around St. Weonards
- The most popular castles is Skenfrith Castle, a castle that was redeveloped in 1219. It is a National Trust property with free entry and is set in a riverside location.
- Another must-see spot is Grosmont Castle Ruins, a historical site and castle. This Norman castle, one of the "Three Castles of Gwent," was originally an earth-and-timber stronghold later replaced in stone.
- Visitors also love Monmouth Town Centre, a settlement that includes Monmouth Castle, the birthplace of King Henry V. The town also features a medieval stone gated bridge.
- St. Weonards is known for its medieval fortified manor houses and Norman motte castles. This variety allows visitors to explore different types of historical fortifications and their evolution over centuries.
- The castles around St. Weonards are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and 17 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 1, 2026
Skenfrith Castle
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Monmouth Town Centre
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Notable landmarks in the town include its medieval stone gated bridge, the last of its kind left in Britain, and Monmouth Castle, the birthplace of King Henry V in 1386.
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Grosmont Castle Ruins
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The original earth-and-timber stronghold was built on a "gros mont" (French for ‘big hill’) and later replaced in stone.
Access is free, year round.
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Kentchurch Court and St. Mary's Church
Highlight • Historical Site
The historic Kentchurch Court is a Grade I-listed building that dates back to the 14th century. It has seen many revamps, not least in the late 18th century when it was given a gothic remodelling by John Nash.
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The Kymin Roundhouse and view over Monmouth
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Tips from the Community
Monmouth is a charming historic market town that sits right on the confluence of Rivers Wye and Monnow. It's noted for its 13th-century gated bridge and being the birthplace of Henry V. The River Wye separates the town of Monmouth to the east from Wyesham to the west and provides a scenic wonderland for many river activities. I have finished many a DOE gold award canoe trip at this point.
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Grosmont Castle is maintained by Cadw, and at the moment there is a lot of work going on with the refurbishment of the timber footbridge spanning the castle ditch, i.e., the entrance. Therefore, the castle is closed between February 2026 and September 2026. It is still worth a visit as you can still walk around it and get some impression of mediaeval life from viewing this grand structure.
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Skenfrith Castle is a beautiful ruined castle owned and run by the National Trust in the quaint village of Skenfrith. It's a lovely valley setting next to the River Monnow, and right next door is the equally charming St Bridget's Church. The castle was originally established by the Normans in the wake of the invasion of England in 1066 to protect the route from Wales to Hereford. In 1135, a major Welsh revolt took place, and in response, King Stephen brought together Skenfrith Castle and its sister fortifications of Grosmont and White Castle to form a lordship known as the "Three Castles", which continued to play a role in defending the region from Welsh attack for several centuries. It is obviously a ruin now, but the walls are still substantial, and the fulcrum of the place is the imposing, commanding keep. This is a three-storey, 12-metre-high circular keep built around 1219–1244 by Hubert de Burgh. There is good parking there and plenty of green space for picnics and parking. There is also no charge for entry. A great place to visit, along with nearby Grosmont and White Castle.
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A very fine church is beautiful surroundings. More info here - https://stmaryskentchurch.org/
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This 13th century Norman Castle is set in a beautiful riverside location. It's managed by the National Trust and has free parking and free entry. It's also a good starting point for exploring the area.
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The Kymin is an 18th-century round house and naval temple on a prominent hill, set within 9 acres (4 ha) of grounds. It's a fair slog from Monmouth but you are rewarded with wonderful views over the Wye Valley and the town below as you climb. Once you reach the top, the views are breathtaking and there are benches to stop and soak it all in. Absolute bliss. The site is owned by the National Trust.
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A temple that was inspired by Britain’s naval supremacy at the height of the British Empire and built in 1800. This was inspired by Nelson's victory in the Battle of the Nile in 1798. Nelson came to see it in 1802 with Lady Hamilton and her husband Sir William. That must have been an interesting weekend!
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Frequently Asked Questions
What types of castles can I explore around St. Weonards?
The St. Weonards area offers a diverse range of historical fortifications. You can find medieval fortified manor houses, such as Treago Castle, which is still a private residence, and Norman motte castles like St. Weonards Tump, which primarily consists of earthwork remains. Other sites include the well-preserved Skenfrith Castle and the ruins of Grosmont Castle.
Are there any family-friendly castles to visit near St. Weonards?
Yes, Skenfrith Castle is a great option for families. It's a National Trust property with free entry and a beautiful riverside location, offering space for children to explore. Grosmont Castle Ruins are also considered family-friendly.
What historical sites are there besides traditional castles?
Beyond standing castles, the region features significant historical sites. Kentchurch Court is a Grade I-listed building with a history dating back to the 14th century, featuring gothic remodelling. St. Weonards Tump is a Bronze Age burial mound repurposed as a Norman motte, offering a glimpse into multiple historical periods through its earthwork remains.
Can I visit Treago Castle?
Treago Castle is a private family residence and is not regularly open to the public. However, it occasionally hosts special events like wine tastings or charity gatherings, which offer unique opportunities to see inside this historic home. For specific event information, it's best to check local listings or the castle's official channels if available.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around St. Weonards offers various outdoor activities. You can find numerous routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For example, there are moderate to difficult cycling routes like the 'Grosmont Castle Ruins – Skenfrith Castle loop' and hiking trails such as the 'Garway Hill loop'. You can find more details and routes on the Cycling around St. Weonards, Running Trails around St. Weonards, and Hiking around St. Weonards guide pages.
Are there any castles with free entry?
Yes, Skenfrith Castle, managed by the National Trust, offers free entry. The ruins of Grosmont Castle also have free access year-round.
What is unique about Monmouth Town Centre in relation to castles?
Monmouth Town Centre is notable for including Monmouth Castle, which is historically significant as the birthplace of King Henry V. The town also features a medieval stone gated bridge, the last of its kind in Britain, adding to its historical charm.
What is St. Weonards Tump?
St. Weonards Tump is a large mound immediately south of St. Weonards churchyard. It dates back to the Bronze Age and was later repurposed by the Normans as a motte for a small wooden castle. Today, it is a well-preserved earthwork mound, offering a glimpse into ancient and medieval history.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in the St. Weonards area?
The castles and historical sites in the St. Weonards area can be enjoyed year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring ruins and walking the surrounding trails, while autumn provides beautiful scenery. Some sites, like Skenfrith Castle and Grosmont Castle Ruins, are accessible year-round.
Are there any viewpoints or scenic spots near the castles?
Yes, The Kymin Roundhouse and view over Monmouth offers breathtaking views over the Wye Valley and Monmouth town. While not a castle itself, this National Trust site is a prominent hill with an 18th-century roundhouse and naval temple, providing excellent panoramic vistas after a climb.
Where can I find parking for castle visits near St. Weonards?
For Skenfrith Castle, there is free parking available on-site as it is managed by the National Trust. For other sites, parking availability can vary, and it's advisable to check local signage or specific site information upon arrival.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles in this region?
Visitors appreciate the rich history and varied landscapes. The komoot community has shared over 17 photos and given more than 30 upvotes for the castles around St. Weonards, highlighting the appeal of exploring both well-preserved structures and ancient earthwork remains, often set in scenic locations like the riverside setting of Skenfrith Castle.
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