Usk Castle
Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00
About Usk Castle
Privately owned ruined castle and grounds.
Open all year, from 10am until dusk.
Occasionally closed for weddings and events- check our calendar for special events.
Donation on entry appreciated to maintain this beautiful place for future generations.
Usk Castle Description
Usk Castle stands on a hill overlooking the town of Usk, on a site already used for many centuries to guard the river crossing, the castle was first mentioned in 1138, and the Norman gatehouse was built around the 12th century by the de Clare family.
The castle was strengthened by William Marshall, who had proved himself in tournaments sufficiently to marry Isabella, a de Clare heiress.
He was famous for his skill in castle building – Pembroke, Chepstow to name just a few - so the design for the Garrison Tower at Usk, where the wall-walk passes the tower to give it greater protection, was likely to be his work. The Battle of Usk in 1405 marked the beginning of the end for the Welsh rebellion, when the English forces surprised the besieging Welsh, pursued them across the river and defeated them.
The castle then remained in ruins for several centuries, the gate house being used for many purposes including a school at one time.
Usk Castle came into private stewardship in 1905 and has since been a family home, yet lovingly conserved and open for all to enjoy.
Reviews
A production of Twelfth Night is to be held at the Castle in July 2020- the company are looking for local people to be involved in some of the acting, costume making, props etc. If you are interested please get in touch with them directly on the details below. Feel free to share with anyone who may be interested.
Something I have always wanted to see happen at the Castle! Wish I could go!!
*doors open 7.30-film starts at 9pm* Epic Outdoor Cinema are pleased to announce that our first screening of the year is at the amazing Usk Castle and we will be screening the most popular #film of the year...Bohemian Rhapsody! Where better to show off Queen...than a Castle?!
Join us on the 25th May 2019.
... Tickets are on sale now!!!
www.epicoutdoorcinema.co.uk
#bohemianrhapsody #outdoorcinema #outdoorfilms
See More
Hosted by Usk Castle Friends- Starting at the memorial hall with a guided tour of the castle at 2.30pm. Usk Castle friends free Non members £5 Students £3 tickets available from Barry Morse
The magnolias are out...
A beautiful double rainbow this afternoon over Usk
Interesting fact from Usk Town
Many of you may have met Myfanwy who mows the lawn at the castle- this morning she had two healthy lambs- Val and Tyne! ❤️❤️ 🐑 #devonclosewool #valentinesday
Working late into the night to fell some 12ft trees for collection today. We still have plenty of home grown trees, freshly felled and ready to collect. Call Tom on 07506099241 if you have any specific requirements or need delivery. #homegrown #welsh #christmastrees
More trees on their way to the Castle #christmastrees. #welsh
Where our Christmas trees come from.
Thanks to all who came to visit the reindeer today. The calves had a lovely time playing in the keep, and after taking Father Christmas safely through Usk, they are heading back to the Cairngorms.
🎄 Home-grown Christmas trees, mistletoe and handmade wreaths for sale at the castle from today through to Christmas Eve. All locally grown and made🎄 If you have any specific requirements, or would like a tree delivered please call Tom on 07506099241.
Don’t forget the reindeer are here from 2pm Sunday. Any donations very much appreciated.
On a grey autumnal day, here is some gorgeous footage of the castle from a Forrest Brown team building day which took place at the castle and campsite earlier in the year.
The Cairngorm reindeer herd are visiting soon for the annual Usk Reindeer parade. The reindeer will be relaxing at the castle from 2pm for you to visit before the parade if you wish- see details below.
We are lucky enough to know this place and its owners, lucky enough to partake in meals with the Humphryes and camp in the grounds of the castle. Simply magical, a place that should be treasured and respected because so many good things happen here, the energy is alive due to the efforts of those who keep it. I'd recommend it to all families and history enthusiasts.
Usk castle is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, the openness and warmth shown to me and my friends by the owners was amazing and the knowledge of the heritage of the castle is outstanding
Usk Castle enlightens the local community and wider world with a place adults and children alike can truly escape, among the memories of a former time.
Brought back from ruins, the owners have transformed the castle into bustling life, an idyllic venue among the flowers and trees of the Welsh valleys.
To all the "normal" people of this great country, please ignore the bigoted reviews of the people that refuse to show their faces and walk around like IRA and ISIS terrorists. Because they don't agree with something they feel it necessary to tarnish businesses, farmers, restaurants, markets etc etc. They send death threats to children. Please visit this wonderful place and make your own balanced decision.
This place is so special to my family and many others, grew up visiting this magical place. The owners respect the heritage of the castle and it’s surrounding countryside and look after it so that everyone else can enjoy making memories here too, for a long time to come. Stunning gardens crafted with love and knowledge that only people with a true and meaningful appreciation for British wildlife can have.
The most magical place. I stumbled across this sleepy castle ruin one weekend a few years ago. I placed my rock on the shelf in order for my visit to be recorded and walked into a rustic fairytale. The family who dwell within the ruins and house are so wonderful and welcoming. If I were to place all the stones, for every time I’ve visited since, I don’t think the shelf would hold up! From weddings to teddy bear picnics this is the venue to wow and amaze your guests. A must see for anyone visiting the area.
Such an interesting castle, with lots of history. A very knowledgeable family look after it and are always there to help. It makes a lovely day out for families, nice big open spaces for children to run around.
Well worth a visit.
Such a stunning location and I can truly say I have a beautiful and joyous time every time I visit. I've had the pleasure of working at a number of the well organised and quirky events that are held regualrly though I find it hard to call it work with the amount of fun I have every time. The Humphreys family are a wonderful bunch, keep up the good work. Xx
Stunning location that I had the good fortune to visit and enjoy many times growing up and still to this day, it has hosted many community activities , weddings and the odd game of mob to boot. Lovingly cared for by the owners who are fantastic people to the last. Anything to suggest the opposite on this page is ‘fake news’ to quote another ill informed moron as these individuals clearly are .
So many people have used magic to describe Usk Castle, and I think there's a reason. There's so much history here, steeped in the walls and hushed in every nook and cranny. The fact it's privately owned and maintained, but still open for the public, speaks volumes about the owners. Thank you Humphreys family, for preserving this piece of heaven for us all to enjoy.
One of the most enchantingly beautiful castles in Wales, one of the best views of Monmouthshire and one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. And your hosts are quite simply the best people one could ever wish to meet.
One of my favourite places in Wales! A beautiful place to relax and take time out.
We got married here and everything was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble and the humphries couldn’t be more helpful and friendly.
My go to place for peace and reflection. Also, a family tradition to buy our Christmas Trees from here and still have to cut at least two foot from the bottom because we want a big tree 🌲 🤗
I often take my daughter here on lovely walks in the beautiful grounds . Fabulous owners and Usk is a beautiful town with this fabulous place as a centre piece . I've also been to many events here and have been overwhelmed by the wonderful settings and services
I am lucky enough to have grown up in Monmouthshire near this castle since, well, since R&R morphed into the Beatles, and I have enjoyed all kinds of music, from Gospel to Garage through Goa, Grunge, Glitch and Grime in its grounds since. One of the border castles to pura Wallia, this one is in private hands and owned by a wonderfully whimsical family, who have cared for it over generations with a flair for design and gardening and a great interest and sensitivity towards history and archaeology. This has meant the place has kept its charm and mystique unlike many other castles in the area (and there are many), which have had to bow to the pressure of economics and now exude a perfunctory, municipal look, with lawns and paths kept trim and tidy by Cadw and of course by other hard-working organisations and volunteers. This castle has character in spades, we are lucky it is open to everyone. Book a party here - you won’t forget it!
Gorgeous location. The family really look after it and try to bring lots of events and special occasions to the grounds creating magical memories for many people.
If you haven't visited there is so much that's on offer.
Beautiful Usk Castle and the wonderful family who have looked after it so selflessly for generations are one of the icons of our country. I have been enjoying this stunning historic place for 20 years or more. It has so many interesting facets and has not turned into a processed tourist attraction. It makes a peaceful place in your heart full of smiles. Usk Castle is a place that takes away the stress of a difficult busy life. Visit, and contribute, and feel part of something really special, you won't regret it.
An absolutely stunning venue. I have lost count of the events I have hosted and attended at Usk castle. It is a treasure that I almost don’t want to share...I love it that much!!
Stunning views! An oasis of calm and a much needed escape. It’s worth checking out the fabulous Castle Knights as you can even stay over the night in the castle grounds!! I can’t wait to return!!
An absolutely stunning castle with beautifully maintained grounds. Well worth the trip for a potter around and very family friendly.
Quite unsure as to what fault anyone could find with this place! Family running it were nothing but polite and accommodating when we visited. Suspect the people leaving bad reviews were disgruntled long before they even set foot in Usk �
We are lucky enough to know this place and its owners, lucky enough to partake in meals with the Humphryes and camp in the grounds of the castle. Simply magical, a place that should be treasured and respected because so many good things happen here, the energy is alive due to the efforts of those who keep it. I'd recommend it to all families and history enthusiasts.
Usk castle is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, the openness and warmth shown to me and my friends by the owners was amazing and the knowledge of the heritage of the castle is outstanding
Usk Castle enlightens the local community and wider world with a place adults and children alike can truly escape, among the memories of a former time.
Brought back from ruins, the owners have transformed the castle into bustling life, an idyllic venue among the flowers and trees of the Welsh valleys.
To all the "normal" people of this great country, please ignore the bigoted reviews of the people that refuse to show their faces and walk around like IRA and ISIS terrorists. Because they don't agree with something they feel it necessary to tarnish businesses, farmers, restaurants, markets etc etc. They send death threats to children. Please visit this wonderful place and make your own balanced decision.
This place is so special to my family and many others, grew up visiting this magical place. The owners respect the heritage of the castle and it’s surrounding countryside and look after it so that everyone else can enjoy making memories here too, for a long time to come. Stunning gardens crafted with love and knowledge that only people with a true and meaningful appreciation for British wildlife can have.
The most magical place. I stumbled across this sleepy castle ruin one weekend a few years ago. I placed my rock on the shelf in order for my visit to be recorded and walked into a rustic fairytale. The family who dwell within the ruins and house are so wonderful and welcoming. If I were to place all the stones, for every time I’ve visited since, I don’t think the shelf would hold up! From weddings to teddy bear picnics this is the venue to wow and amaze your guests. A must see for anyone visiting the area.
Such an interesting castle, with lots of history. A very knowledgeable family look after it and are always there to help. It makes a lovely day out for families, nice big open spaces for children to run around.
Well worth a visit.
Such a stunning location and I can truly say I have a beautiful and joyous time every time I visit. I've had the pleasure of working at a number of the well organised and quirky events that are held regualrly though I find it hard to call it work with the amount of fun I have every time. The Humphreys family are a wonderful bunch, keep up the good work. Xx
Stunning location that I had the good fortune to visit and enjoy many times growing up and still to this day, it has hosted many community activities , weddings and the odd game of mob to boot. Lovingly cared for by the owners who are fantastic people to the last. Anything to suggest the opposite on this page is ‘fake news’ to quote another ill informed moron as these individuals clearly are .
So many people have used magic to describe Usk Castle, and I think there's a reason. There's so much history here, steeped in the walls and hushed in every nook and cranny. The fact it's privately owned and maintained, but still open for the public, speaks volumes about the owners. Thank you Humphreys family, for preserving this piece of heaven for us all to enjoy.
One of the most enchantingly beautiful castles in Wales, one of the best views of Monmouthshire and one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. And your hosts are quite simply the best people one could ever wish to meet.
One of my favourite places in Wales! A beautiful place to relax and take time out.
We got married here and everything was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble and the humphries couldn’t be more helpful and friendly.
My go to place for peace and reflection. Also, a family tradition to buy our Christmas Trees from here and still have to cut at least two foot from the bottom because we want a big tree 🌲 🤗
I often take my daughter here on lovely walks in the beautiful grounds . Fabulous owners and Usk is a beautiful town with this fabulous place as a centre piece . I've also been to many events here and have been overwhelmed by the wonderful settings and services
I am lucky enough to have grown up in Monmouthshire near this castle since, well, since R&R morphed into the Beatles, and I have enjoyed all kinds of music, from Gospel to Garage through Goa, Grunge, Glitch and Grime in its grounds since. One of the border castles to pura Wallia, this one is in private hands and owned by a wonderfully whimsical family, who have cared for it over generations with a flair for design and gardening and a great interest and sensitivity towards history and archaeology. This has meant the place has kept its charm and mystique unlike many other castles in the area (and there are many), which have had to bow to the pressure of economics and now exude a perfunctory, municipal look, with lawns and paths kept trim and tidy by Cadw and of course by other hard-working organisations and volunteers. This castle has character in spades, we are lucky it is open to everyone. Book a party here - you won’t forget it!
Gorgeous location. The family really look after it and try to bring lots of events and special occasions to the grounds creating magical memories for many people.
If you haven't visited there is so much that's on offer.
Beautiful Usk Castle and the wonderful family who have looked after it so selflessly for generations are one of the icons of our country. I have been enjoying this stunning historic place for 20 years or more. It has so many interesting facets and has not turned into a processed tourist attraction. It makes a peaceful place in your heart full of smiles. Usk Castle is a place that takes away the stress of a difficult busy life. Visit, and contribute, and feel part of something really special, you won't regret it.
An absolutely stunning venue. I have lost count of the events I have hosted and attended at Usk castle. It is a treasure that I almost don’t want to share...I love it that much!!
Stunning views! An oasis of calm and a much needed escape. It’s worth checking out the fabulous Castle Knights as you can even stay over the night in the castle grounds!! I can’t wait to return!!
An absolutely stunning castle with beautifully maintained grounds. Well worth the trip for a potter around and very family friendly.
Quite unsure as to what fault anyone could find with this place! Family running it were nothing but polite and accommodating when we visited. Suspect the people leaving bad reviews were disgruntled long before they even set foot in Usk �
We are lucky enough to know this place and its owners, lucky enough to partake in meals with the Humphryes and camp in the grounds of the castle. Simply magical, a place that should be treasured and respected because so many good things happen here, the energy is alive due to the efforts of those who keep it. I'd recommend it to all families and history enthusiasts.
Usk castle is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been fortunate enough to visit, the openness and warmth shown to me and my friends by the owners was amazing and the knowledge of the heritage of the castle is outstanding
Usk Castle enlightens the local community and wider world with a place adults and children alike can truly escape, among the memories of a former time.
Brought back from ruins, the owners have transformed the castle into bustling life, an idyllic venue among the flowers and trees of the Welsh valleys.
To all the "normal" people of this great country, please ignore the bigoted reviews of the people that refuse to show their faces and walk around like IRA and ISIS terrorists. Because they don't agree with something they feel it necessary to tarnish businesses, farmers, restaurants, markets etc etc. They send death threats to children. Please visit this wonderful place and make your own balanced decision.
This place is so special to my family and many others, grew up visiting this magical place. The owners respect the heritage of the castle and it’s surrounding countryside and look after it so that everyone else can enjoy making memories here too, for a long time to come. Stunning gardens crafted with love and knowledge that only people with a true and meaningful appreciation for British wildlife can have.
The most magical place. I stumbled across this sleepy castle ruin one weekend a few years ago. I placed my rock on the shelf in order for my visit to be recorded and walked into a rustic fairytale. The family who dwell within the ruins and house are so wonderful and welcoming. If I were to place all the stones, for every time I’ve visited since, I don’t think the shelf would hold up! From weddings to teddy bear picnics this is the venue to wow and amaze your guests. A must see for anyone visiting the area.
Such an interesting castle, with lots of history. A very knowledgeable family look after it and are always there to help. It makes a lovely day out for families, nice big open spaces for children to run around.
Well worth a visit.
Such a stunning location and I can truly say I have a beautiful and joyous time every time I visit. I've had the pleasure of working at a number of the well organised and quirky events that are held regualrly though I find it hard to call it work with the amount of fun I have every time. The Humphreys family are a wonderful bunch, keep up the good work. Xx
Stunning location that I had the good fortune to visit and enjoy many times growing up and still to this day, it has hosted many community activities , weddings and the odd game of mob to boot. Lovingly cared for by the owners who are fantastic people to the last. Anything to suggest the opposite on this page is ‘fake news’ to quote another ill informed moron as these individuals clearly are .
So many people have used magic to describe Usk Castle, and I think there's a reason. There's so much history here, steeped in the walls and hushed in every nook and cranny. The fact it's privately owned and maintained, but still open for the public, speaks volumes about the owners. Thank you Humphreys family, for preserving this piece of heaven for us all to enjoy.
One of the most enchantingly beautiful castles in Wales, one of the best views of Monmouthshire and one of the most beautiful gardens in the country. And your hosts are quite simply the best people one could ever wish to meet.
One of my favourite places in Wales! A beautiful place to relax and take time out.
We got married here and everything was perfect. Nothing was too much trouble and the humphries couldn’t be more helpful and friendly.
My go to place for peace and reflection. Also, a family tradition to buy our Christmas Trees from here and still have to cut at least two foot from the bottom because we want a big tree 🌲 🤗
I often take my daughter here on lovely walks in the beautiful grounds . Fabulous owners and Usk is a beautiful town with this fabulous place as a centre piece . I've also been to many events here and have been overwhelmed by the wonderful settings and services
I am lucky enough to have grown up in Monmouthshire near this castle since, well, since R&R morphed into the Beatles, and I have enjoyed all kinds of music, from Gospel to Garage through Goa, Grunge, Glitch and Grime in its grounds since. One of the border castles to pura Wallia, this one is in private hands and owned by a wonderfully whimsical family, who have cared for it over generations with a flair for design and gardening and a great interest and sensitivity towards history and archaeology. This has meant the place has kept its charm and mystique unlike many other castles in the area (and there are many), which have had to bow to the pressure of economics and now exude a perfunctory, municipal look, with lawns and paths kept trim and tidy by Cadw and of course by other hard-working organisations and volunteers. This castle has character in spades, we are lucky it is open to everyone. Book a party here - you won’t forget it!
Gorgeous location. The family really look after it and try to bring lots of events and special occasions to the grounds creating magical memories for many people.
If you haven't visited there is so much that's on offer.
Beautiful Usk Castle and the wonderful family who have looked after it so selflessly for generations are one of the icons of our country. I have been enjoying this stunning historic place for 20 years or more. It has so many interesting facets and has not turned into a processed tourist attraction. It makes a peaceful place in your heart full of smiles. Usk Castle is a place that takes away the stress of a difficult busy life. Visit, and contribute, and feel part of something really special, you won't regret it.
An absolutely stunning venue. I have lost count of the events I have hosted and attended at Usk castle. It is a treasure that I almost don’t want to share...I love it that much!!
Stunning views! An oasis of calm and a much needed escape. It’s worth checking out the fabulous Castle Knights as you can even stay over the night in the castle grounds!! I can’t wait to return!!
An absolutely stunning castle with beautifully maintained grounds. Well worth the trip for a potter around and very family friendly.
Quite unsure as to what fault anyone could find with this place! Family running it were nothing but polite and accommodating when we visited. Suspect the people leaving bad reviews were disgruntled long before they even set foot in Usk �
More about Usk Castle
Tuesday: 09:00 - 19:00
Wednesday: 09:00 - 19:00
Thursday: 09:00 - 19:00
Friday: 09:00 - 19:00
Saturday: 09:00 - 19:00
Sunday: 09:00 - 19:00