Norman ruins, garden art, and stunning scenery at Usk Castle in southeast Wales
Usk (Brynbuga in Welsh) is a town of just under 3,000 people in southeast Wales. It is located along the River Usk, a salmon fishing river. It developed as a small market town and is a regular winner of the Wales in Bloom contest. And it has a secret castle waiting to be discovered.
Usk was an overnight stop for us on a short trip into south Wales. In the morning, we planned to head directly to our next destination in the Brecon Beacons with a visit to Raglan Castle along the way. We knew there was a castle in Usk, but it did not receive the same amount of tourism coverage as other sites in the area, including Raglan. We almost left town without seeing the castle and that would have been a shame. The ruins were impressive, the grounds beautiful and peaceful, and the views stunning.
Entrance to Usk Castle
Usk Castle and town were likely laid out around 1120. The first mention of the castle is from 1138. Today the castle is privately owned. It is open to the public most days during daylight hours for self-guided tours. We passed through a stone archway to enter the grounds. On a shelf inside the entrance we found a money box for donations and a pot of pebbles. We were to take a pebble from the pot and place it into a wooden bowl, the owners’ way of counting visitors.
Usk Castle Gatehouse wall
Usk Castle Garrison Tower
Signboards provide information about the history of Usk Castle. Topiary and wooden sculptures are found throughout the grounds. Rather than detract from or clash with the ruins, they blend nicely with their surroundings and add to the serenity of the site.
Tithe Barn with view of Usk town in background
The view
You only need thirty to forty-five minutes to tour Usk Castle, although you may want to linger longer and enjoy the scenery and serenity. In addition to being open to the public during daylight hours, Usk Castle is available to rent for weddings and other events.
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32 Comments
jacquiegum
December 27, 2015 at 1:04 pmAnother treasure you’ve brought to my inbox, Donna! I’ve never heard of Usk, but how lovely. I am always amazed that the owners of these historical sites allow and encourage visitors in order to preserve the history and make it a living thing.
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 8:39 amJacquie, it is a bit amazing that private owners preserve history in this way. But wouldn’t it be cool to own your own castle? You’d likely feel you had to share it!
Tag Along Deb
December 27, 2015 at 1:53 pmHow lovely! Clever way to count visitors and I love the topiary.
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 8:41 amDeb, it was an unusual and clever way to count visitors. The topiary was a bit of a surprise. It was nicely done and fit into the landscape.
Anita and Richard @ No Particular Place To Go
December 28, 2015 at 2:46 amSo green and I imagine the views were stunning – I’d love to see it when the flowers are blooming in Usk but the contrast of the deep greens and reds of the foliage was also beautiful. The castle of Usk may be off-the-beaten path but it’s definitely a place worthy of a visit. Lovely! Anita
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 8:45 amAnita, the fall colours were lovely, but I imagine Usk Castle would be quite beautiful in summer when flowers are in bloom.
carolcolborn
December 28, 2015 at 9:19 amI love the grounds and the gardens that complement the ruins. I am glad that a private owner is keeping the history and tradition alive. I was thinking my daughter could have been married there instead of in Guthrie Castle in Scotland!
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 7:35 pmCarol, Usk castle would be a beautiful spot for a wedding but I’m sure your daughter’s wedding at Guthrie Castle was lovely too. Getting married at a castle sounds so romantic!
Rebecca (Bex)
December 28, 2015 at 10:23 amWhat beautiful pictures! I’ve been to Usk, but never made it to the castle…it looks charming, as does the Grounds.
Thanks for sharing.
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 7:36 pmRebecca, it was beautiful. I’m glad we decided to stop before leaving town.
Noel Morata (@emorata)
December 28, 2015 at 10:30 amEven as ruins it is striking, I love the red vines adding contrast to the stonework of the ruins, beautiful
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 7:37 pmNoel, it was striking. I too loved the red vines.
Shelley
December 28, 2015 at 11:53 amI’ve never heard of Usk or its castle but the area looks so picturesque! I love how the ruins blend beautifully into the landscape.
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 7:38 pmShelley, the ruins did seem to blend into the landscape. It was a very peaceful spot.
yashajoy
December 28, 2015 at 12:57 pmAlways lovely to find something like this which is off the main tourist routes. Did you have it to yourself, or were there other visitors there. It looks like a lovely place to meander about.
Donna Janke
December 28, 2015 at 7:39 pmYasha, there was another couple who left shortly after we arrived. We were alone for the rest of our time there. It was lovely to meander around on our own in the misty morning.
MoreTimeToTravel (@MoreTime2Travel)
December 29, 2015 at 7:22 amLooks like you discovered a lovely secret that has preserved its history!
Donna Janke
December 30, 2015 at 8:32 amIt was very lovely.
A Taste for Travel
December 29, 2015 at 4:08 pmUsk Castle truly is a hidden secret in Wales. I’d love to return to Wales and explore more of its history and architecture ( and food!)
Donna Janke
December 30, 2015 at 8:41 amI’d like to get back too and explore more of Wales.
The GypsyNesters
December 29, 2015 at 6:38 pmWhat a cool place! Love the gardens and vines growing on the castle walls.
Donna Janke
December 30, 2015 at 8:42 amThe gardens created a great ambiance.
Rachel Heller
December 30, 2015 at 3:06 amUsk sounds like a great short stop as you explore south Wales. I love wandering medieval ruins like that and imagining what it was like when it was new.
Donna Janke
December 30, 2015 at 8:43 amRachel, I too usually enjoy imaging what ruins were like when new and did that in other sites. At Usk, I found myself more just soaking in the current mood and beauty.
Ursula Maxwell-Lewis (@YouTravel)
December 30, 2015 at 1:26 pmDonna, I love Wales, but this is an area yet to be explored. I’ve heard of Usk, and am always fascinated by haunting ( or haunted!} old ruins. Result of an overactive imagination! Will add it to the itinerary on my next visit.
Donna Janke
January 2, 2016 at 7:45 amUrsula, haunting is a good word to describe Usk Castle. Lots to spark the imagination.
Kristin Henning
December 31, 2015 at 11:44 amWhat a great find to visit Usk Castle! The luck of the Welsh was with you:)
Donna Janke
January 2, 2016 at 7:46 amThanks Kristin.
Rose Mary Griffith
January 2, 2016 at 6:56 amOn our first trip to Wales in 2014, we discovered that it truly is the land of Castles. That trip we were on the western shore and toured big sites like St David’s. The trip this spring, my sister and I will be seeking out these hidden gems. Donna, thanks for showing us another place to put on the list!
Donna Janke
January 2, 2016 at 7:57 amRose Mary, this was first trip to Wales, but I got the feeling it has lots of hidden gems. Enjoy your upcoming trip.
Patti Morrow
January 4, 2016 at 3:30 pmUsk Castle is so picturesque and interesting! Loved the views, too!
Donna Janke
January 5, 2016 at 8:30 amThanks Patti