Candleston Castle, Bridgend, United Kingdom

The castle, or rather a fortified court in Candleston, was founded in the 14th century on the initiative of the Cantilupe family. It could have been built on the site of an earlier building from the 13th century. At the end of the fifteenth century, it was renovated and rebuilt by Mathew Cradock, a constable of castles in Caerphilly and Kenfig, and around 1500 transformations were made in the range of the great hall. Further modifications were carried out in the 17th century, when a new range was added next to the hall building. The lands of the estate in the Middle Ages were covered with sand from nearby dunes and lost their value, but the building remained inhabited until the 19th century. The last person living in the court was Sir John Nichol. When in 1808 he built a new residence, Candleston was sold and used by new owners as a farm. Eventually it was abandoned at the end of the 19th century and fell into disrepair.

References:

medievalheritage.eu

User Reviews

David Nurse (2 years ago)
Fantastic place to visit. Very easy with the castle almost in the car park. No money taken in the car park machines, card payments. The road to the car park is narrow but there are many passing places please drive with extra care as there are a lot of hikers /walkers enjoying the area. The castle is not actually a castle but an old fortified Manor House. Lots of information and history are readily available online if you search. Be minded this is a ruin but there is much to see here. The surrounding area is great for walks, especially with dogs, walking is popular here. A short distance is also the large sand dune known locally as The Big Dipper.

Deian Lye-Vella (2 years ago)
Beware the car park! Full of pot holes, exposed tree roots and a toilet straight from… well, a time that was common with castles. The signage is minimal and unclear and if you miss them a hefty fine will be on it’s way to you in the post. With all those fines collected you’d think the car park would be in decent order but no. Shame really as the Castle and surrounding areas are lovely and certainly worth a a visit.

David bw Rees (2 years ago)
Amazing place full of history ?????????

k seamus (2 years ago)
Lovely secluded place for great walks. Car park is very bumpy so take it slow. Toilets on site. Castle ruins are worth an explore as are the sand dunes. If you are feeling energetic a walk to the beach is clearly marked.

Mig Long (3 years ago)
I'd give the castle 7/10 - interesting but a bit messy and quite small. But the area, including enormous sand dunes and amazing views is spectacular! Bring a sledge...

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