3 Best Landmarks in Bridgend

“Ogmore Castle is a Grade I listed castle that was one of three built in the early 12th century to defend the region, alongside Coity Castle and Newcastle Castle. Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, manages Ogmore Castle. A notable feature of the castle is the deep ditch around the inner ward. Ogmore Castle is designed to fill with seawater at high tide. Although primarily used in earlier centuries as a court of justice and a prison, the castle is now a substantial ruin and a local landmark around the area.”

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“Castell Coety was built by Payn de Turberville and withstood two sieges during the Owain Glynd?r rebellion. Payn de Turberville was one of Glamorgan's legendary Twelve Knights. The castle is a Grade I listed building, with construction beginning in the late 11th century. Extensive reworking of Castell Coety occurred in the 14th century, including the addition of a domestic area. The Gamage family, who managed the castle, undertook a complete renovation of the living space in the 16th century. Castell Coety is now under Cadw's care.”

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“Newcastle Castle is built on a low hill on the west side of the Ogmore River and is a relatively large but lesser-known Norman fortification. William de Londres initially constructed the castle as a ringwork in 1106, and it was occupied until the late 16th century. However, the castle was in ruins for over 300 years. Newcastle Castle is known for its excellent stonework, especially the Norman doorway. The north and east sides of the castle are naturally protected by steep, partly wooded slopes, while to the west, the exterior of the curtain wall now forms the boundary of the gardens of a row of modern houses. The first fortification on the site was a simple ringwork castle with a courtyard surrounded by a timber fence; a small stone keep was likely added at the centre a few decades later. Newcastle Castle welcomes visitors with free admission.”

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