HERE are views of Oystermouth Castle many of you will never have seen before.
Showing the historic 12th century Swansea attraction from above, the footage and photos were taken by a drone in the build-up to the castle’s re-opening this weekend for the summer season.
The castle, which overlooks Mumbles, will be open to the public between 11am and 5pm every day from Saturday (April 1) until September 30.
Set within the castle grounds, an exhibition featuring photos of the landmark is marking the re-opening on Saturday in the Friends of Oystermouth Castle’s tent. Guided tours of the castle are also being made available at 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Swansea Council and the Friends of Oystermouth Castle run the attraction. Other forthcoming events among a summer of fun include a dungeons and dragons day on Saturday April 8, as well as a craft workshop for three to 11-year-olds between 11.30am and 3.30pm on Wednesday April 12.
Features of the castle include ancient artwork from the 14th Century, a 30-foot high glass bridge and private staircases leading from vaults to rooms once used as banqueting halls.
Erika Kluge, Oystermouth Castle Community Officer at Swansea Council, said: “The council works hard alongside the Friends of Oystermouth Castle, not just to maintain the historic attraction but also to arrange a number of family-friendly events every summer.
“Many thousands of people visited Oystermouth Castle last summer to enjoy a selection of activities, so we’re hopeful a similar figure will follow suit this year.
“The castle offers a first class visitor experience that’s as fun as it is educational. As well as boosting heritage tourism in Swansea, the success story of the castle’s use throughout summer months also supports our bid for UK City of Culture 2021 status.”
A major conservation scheme was recently carried out at Oystermouth Castle with funds from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government through Cadw and the European Regional Development Fund. The scheme was supported by the Friends of Oystermouth Castle.
Oystermouth Castle was originally built in 1106 after Gower was captured by the Normans. King Edward I, also known as Edward Longshanks and the Hammer of the Scots, briefly visited the landmark in December, 1284.
Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle for more information.
This post is also available in: Welsh