Oxwich Castle
Castle Ruined coastal castle on Gower Peninsula, Wales
Ruined 14th‑century manor on the Gower Peninsula overlooking Oxwich Bay; popular with walkers and photographers who combine ruined walls with the nearby beach and coastal paths.
Oxwich Castle is a 16th-century fortified manor house on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. It is a notable Tudor-period domestic fortress now preserved as a ruin.
The ruinous walls, surviving ranges and fragments of domestic buildings show the footprint of a substantial manor rather than a purely military fortress. The site sits close to Oxwich Bay and the adjacent dunes and marshes, making it a short visit combined with coastal walks and beach views. Interpretation panels explain the building phases and the manor’s layout.
Built and occupied in the Tudor period for the Mansel family, the house was a fortified domestic complex rather than a full-scale medieval castle. It fell into disuse and partial ruin in later centuries and is now conserved as a historic ruin.
Located on the south-facing shore of the Gower Peninsula near Oxwich Bay, in West Glamorgan, South Wales. The site is within the coastal landscape of the Gower Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Access: The site is a largely 16th-century fortified manor house in ruins cared for by Cadw; check Cadw for current access and opening information.
- Setting: Sits immediately inland from Oxwich Bay and the Oxwich Burrows dune and marsh nature area, offering close coastal views from the site and nearby paths.
How to Get to Oxwich Castle #
Oxwich Castle is on the Gower peninsula near Swansea. Drive along the B4247 and follow local signage to Oxwich Bay; there is a car park nearby and footpaths to the castle. Public transport to Gower is limited; buses run to nearby villages from Swansea, but a car is most convenient.
Tips for Visiting Oxwich Castle #
- Visit at sunset for dramatic light on the ruins and the surrounding Oxwich Bay.
- Stick to the marked paths on the headland to protect archaeological features and nesting birds.
- If exploring the interior, check opening times and ticketing with Cadw or the local National Trust office.
Best Time to Visit Oxwich Castle #
Late spring through early autumn for best walking weather and access; shoulder seasons offer quieter visits.
Weather & Climate near Oxwich Castle #
Oxwich Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 3°C to 20°C. Abundant rainfall (1087 mm/year), wettest in November.
January
January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (68 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 6°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (129 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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