Newcastle

Newcastle Castle overlooks the town centre of Bridgend in South Wales, originally established around 1106 as a Norman ringwork by Robert Fitzhamon. The stone castle was substantially rebuilt around 1183 by the de Clares family, who added the distinctive curtain wall and twin-towered gatehouse that define the site today. The portal entrance represents some of the finest secular Norman architecture in Wales. Managed by Cadw and free to visit year-round, the castle offers stunning views of the River Ogmore valley and surrounding landscape. Despite losing military significance by the late 16th century, Newcastle remains one of Wales' best-preserved 12th-century secular buildings.