Historic Sites & Castles

This collection explores the layered history of the Gower Peninsula and Swansea, spanning from the Neolithic era to the maritime 19th century. It features medieval fortifications like the 12th-century Oystermouth Castle and the sand-engulfed ruins of Pennard Castle. Ancient heritage is represented by the 5,000-year-old Arthur’s Stone and the Parc le Breos burial chamber. On the coast, the skeletal remains of the Helvetia shipwreck at Rhossili offer a glimpse into the region's seafaring past, while urban ruins mark Swansea’s Norman foundations.

Loughor Castle

Loughor Castle is a ruined, medieval fortification located in the town of Loughor, Wales.

Swansea Castle

Swansea Castle is located in the city centre of Swansea, Wales, UK. It was founded by Henry de Beaumont in 1107 as the caput of the lordship…

Parc le Breos Burial Chamber

Parc Cwm long cairn, also known as Parc le Breos burial chamber, is a partly restored Neolithic chambered tomb, identified in 1937 as a…

Oystermouth Castle

A 12th-century Norman stone castle overlooking Swansea Bay. It features a 14th-century chapel and rare surviving medieval wall paintings.

Pennard Castle

Ruined 12th-century castle overlooking Three Cliffs Bay. The site was abandoned in the 14th century after being repeatedly overwhelmed by encroaching sand dunes.

Helvetia

The skeletal timber remains of a Norwegian barque wrecked on Rhossili Beach during a gale in 1887. The wreck is visible on the sand at low tide.

Arthur's Stone

Also known as Maen Ceti, this Neolithic burial chamber on Cefn Bryn dates to roughly 2500 BC. It consists of a 25-ton quartz conglomerate capstone.