Pennard Castle — Attraction in Great Britain

Pennard Castle, Near Three Cliffs Bay, Wales

(From the Information Boards) Built in the late 13th or early 14th century Originally, a ringwork fortification was built on the site in the 12th century. It is thought that it was built by Henry Beaumont, 1st Earl of Warwick, when he became the first Lord of Gower. The castle was then rebuilt in the late 13th century, probably by the powerful William de Braose, upgrading it largely in alignment with the original ringwork.

Pennard Castle was built to make a statement of power and exists as another symbol of the Norman lordship of the area. However, by 1650 it was described in a survey as desolate and ruinous, and the land around it "wholly besanded by meanes of the nearnesse thereof unto the sea".

The castle site was excavated in 1961, and within the walls were found the remains of two service rooms, a communal hall and a retiring room. The roof was thought to be thatched as there was no evidence of other roofing material during the excavations. The excavation site was then reburied to prevent further damage to...

A great place for views over the spectacular valley of Three Cliffs Bay, with the meanders of the Pennard Pill (the river) stretched out below you. To see the Three Cliffs themselves you need to take one of the many paths heading down or to your left as you look down upon the valley. The ruins of the small castle are a great place for picnics and children's games, but be careful of steep drops! A reasonable 20 mins walk to the Castle with not too much of a climb can be made by starting from near the shop on Linkside Drive, and across the common. (But please don't park directly outside the shop if you're off walking). Pennard Golf Club and the Soutugate Club both welcome non members for a welcome drink or food afterwards. For a great coffee or ice cream head a bit further round the cliffs to the wonderful Three Cliffs...

Beautiful ruined castle on a hill above Three Cliffs Beach, free of charge. Did a round trip walk to the beach from the visitor centre. Come out of yhe centre, cross the road to the sign for the path through a wooded area. To the right leads to a gentle path down to the beach. If you cross the stepping stones across the river at the beach, you can walk up through the sand dunes to the castle, from there, take the left hand path down through the trees just before you would cross the golf course and that takes you back to your starting point on the path from the other direction. Besutiful views....