Usk Castle — Attraction in Usk

25/11/22: Usk Weekend

Unlike most castles, Usk Castle has been a private family home since 1908.

Before this, it has been a farmhouse, a dame school, home to a fern collector and now is open to the public to share it’s beautiful, historic setting.

The Inner Ward of the castle is a large grassy area which has played host to many marquee receptions, picnics, plays, concerts and pageants.

The Castle House itself is a family home and is not open to the public except in May each year (see opening times). The gardens immediately around the house and tithe barn are private, but open once a year as part of the National Open Gardens scheme.

This English castle was built by a Frenchman on a previously fortified, possibly Roman, site which has prehistoric connections.

It was the site of the start of the Battle of Usk in 1405 and has been a ruin since 1536.

The boundary to Wales has moved many times. In 1955 Monmouthshire was added as an afterthought to Wales – ‘Wales and Monmouthshire’ was the official description. The debate continued until as late as 1972!

Following the Norman conquest, Richard ‘Strongbow’ de Clare was allocated lands on the Welsh borders and permitted to build a castle.

The Welsh rebellion started in 1400 by Owain Glyndwr was weakening by 1405 and the Battle of Pwll Melyn on the ridge beyond the castle was a further blow, signalling the end of the rebellion by 1406.

Following the death of William Herbert, Earl of Pembroke, at the Battle of Edgecote in 1469, the castle reverted to the crown. It was later leased to Roger Williams of Llangybi. He was prosecuted for taking castle stone in 1536 in order to built Ty Mawr, his...

As far as castles go, Usk Castle is not overly impressive but it is far more accessible than many others you can visit. It is in private ownership but most areas are open to the public with the private gardens being open a few times a year too.

What we liked about this place over other places visited was that it was totally old school (pre health and safety) where we were able to climb a few places that would normally be closed off at other fortifications. Some steps are uneven and steep but allows you to use your own mind to whether you feel comfortable clambering the ramparts and climbing the steps.

The owners have been sympathetic with the structure and have created plenty of areas to sit, relax and enjoy the day within cared for gardens with a picnic or packed lunch, signposted the areas and marked off interesting notables. There is also a magnificent view over the town of Usk.

The castle itself is of Norman structure but built, as many were, on top of earlier foundations, in this instance the Roman fort of Burrium. No notable mentions in history until it was recaptured by the de Clare family after it was captured by the Welsh.

We were lucky in that the private gardens were open and the tithe barn served some liquid refreshments and the most wonderful freshly baked Welsh cakes, but unless there is an event like this there are no other areas of refreshments. There are toilets which are large and clean but on the far side of the main castle grounds.

This is highly recommended as a visit due to the nature of accessibility as well as how beautiful the whole place is with the mix of wild habitats and...

Lovely castle, well kept, and great history. There are some incredible views all around for a full 360’ panoramic view. Wear sensible shoes for climbing the stairs and navigating the uneven ground. I loved the small guidebook provided by the site, with info on the site. We spent about 1hr there. It would be wonderful for a picnic on a nice day. If you’re in the area, absolutely would recommend.

It was £4 pp to get in. They do have a card machine but it wasn’t working, so paid cash. The castle does have limited opening times, and events (imagine the weddings there would be stunning!) so do check before travelling. There’s plenty of parking on site, and it’s easy to find. It’s an uphill walk to the entrance, and plenty of small & uneven steps.

I would say it’s not accessible (but they may have ramps but I didn’t see them, so advise checking). Some of the areas were accessed by steep spiral stairs which were very narrow, and the grass is uneven. There are no facilities on site, however, I recommend parking in Usk town centre (Maryport street north car park), there’s plenty of space, it’s free, and there are clean and...