Kidwelly Castle is one of the finest and most well preserved castle ruins in Wales. The castle is situated on a prominent ridge overlooking the tidal River Gwendraeth. It is part of a chain of castles built along the coastal road during the Norman advance throughout Henry I's reign. This castle developed gradually over three centuries of Anglo-Norman/Welsh warfare. Its powerful defenses go back to the early years of the twelfth century.

The initial fortress was constructed of earth and timber in around 1106 AD. During the 1270's the castle was rebuilt in stone. The castle forms a rectangle with massive round towers at each corner. It evolved in the concentric design with walls within walls. Its great gatehouse consisting of twin towers of five levels took over one hundred years to complete. The gatehouse demonstrates all the features of medieval military power, featuring portcullis, murder holes, arrow loops, drawbridge, and dungeon pit.

The castle suffered much destruction on several occasions, in the ever-changing power struggles between the Welsh and English. It fell to the Welsh on a number of times in the late twelfth and thirteenth centuries. Each rebuilding brought the castle more in conformity with the architecture of the time.

As you visit, a walk around the exterior of the castle is recommended, as its dominating position within the town is best appreciated from outside.