Visiting Oystermouth

The earliest castle on the site was burnt by the Welsh in 1285, probably built by William de Londres regarded as the first holder of Oystermouth.  The present remains all date from the reconstruction after the Welsh Risings of 1287.  The castle is somewhat irregular in place, with a gatehouse, an open courtyard and a keep, all connected by high curtain walls without towers.  The gatehouse did possess two circular towers but they have been demolished.  The keep contains the domestic buildings.  To the left were the great hall and principal apartments.  To the right, on the top floor of the three-storeyed building was the chapel, which still preserves its piscina and traceried window.  

From the castle, or even better,  from the 250-feet summit of the hill behind the headland, you can enjoy the whole panorama of Swansea Bay.  It is even more impressive at night with the shore lighted reflected on the full tide.  Immediately to the west of the headland are two small coves known as Bracelet Bay and Limeslade Bay.  Beyond them the cliff-path leads round to Langland Bay,  This is the start of the most scenic cliff wales in Wales - the south coast of the Gower Peninsula.