Llys a Chastell Tre-tŵr / Tretower Court and Castle — Attraction in Llanfihangel Cwmdu with Bwlch and Cathedine

There is a large car park with room for a large campervan in the additional parking area accessed through the main car park. This area curves around to a gate which gives access back onto the road. There is a pedestrian gate adjacent the additional parking at the road end which gives access to the toilets, restaurant and ticket reception. There are picnic tables here. We purchased a guide book for £3.50 as the Vaughan family is of interest to us. There are tales of murder associated with the family members and Tretower is of significant historical interest. There is an electronic guide that you can pick up if you wish. I think what is so nice is that the staff are so helpful. We had difficulty finding where to park and a very nice gentleman showed us where to park and told us a little about the tower. Much of it has been restored carefully by CADW. The tower itself has been stabilised but remains a ruin. I would say that I was able to negotiate the stairs one step at a time but some staircases looked more difficult that others. Probably unsuitable for wheelchair users other than on the ground floor. Free entry for disabled and carer. I did not go in the tower but took many photographs externally. The interior banquet hall has been decked out very nicely. You can sit at the high table and for a moment imagine yourself as it might once have been. The high table is slightly elevated. On the whole an interesting experience with a game of coits available in the courtyard across the road for...

Tretower Court and Castle, or Llys a Chastell Tre-Twr is one of Cadw's best sites. Tretower is Welsh for Town of the Tower. The castle was originally a small motte and bailey, in a less than strategically sensible valley. In the 12th century, the castle was fortified in stone as a shell keep and the motte was lowered. The 13th century saw the construction of the large round tower in the centre of the shell keep. In the 14th century, the castle passed from the Norman lords Picard to the Bloets of Raglan. During Glyndwr's rebellion, the castle was garrisoned but by the end of the century, the newly built court was becoming the focus. By the 15th century, the Vaughan family were in control of the court. It is a fantastic example of a medieval manor, complete with herb garden and orchard. Many of the rooms in the north range are empty to use for weddings but would have been the main residential area. The ground floor, including the kitchen, buttery, servery and great hall are decorated as they were in 1460. At the height of the War of the Roses, Tretower was a Yorkist household, and there are white rose motifs all around. The court and castle was the mustering point for the archers of Brecon before they marched off to the Battle of Agincourt. Entry to the site is charged, but pays for upkeep. Regularly, there is a troop of reenactors that work at Tretower, who are very friendly and incredibly...

Hark, noble travelers, to yon Tretower Court and Castle, A tale of grandeur and history, I now unshackle. In Wales it stands, 'neath the azure sky, Llys a Chastell Tre-tŵr, where time doth fly.

With walls of stone that touch the heavens high, This ancient fortress doth reach for the sky. Its history, a tapestry of ages past,

Tretower Court, a manor of elegance rare, Where nobles once gathered, their stories to share. In the midst of rolling hills, it finds its place, A destination for all, in every case.

As the morning sun doth gently kiss the land, Stroll through the gardens, hand in hand. With flowers in bloom, a fragrant delight, 'Tis a scene of purest and loveliest light.

Within the castle's walls, history's whispers do dwell, In chambers and halls, tales to tell. Of knights and lords, their valor and might, In battles and feasts, 'neath the starry night.

Oh, Tretower Castle, a fortress so grand, A sentinel of history, in this ancient land. From dawn till dusk, explore its stone, And in its echoes, find secrets unknown.

To Tretower Court and Castle, a work of art. So, journey forth, let your adventure unfurl, In this wondrous place, where...