Oystermouth Castle is celebrating with a family fun day on Saturday 16th July after completing its first phase of conservation works.
Oystermouth Castle, Mumbles
On a forty foot high limestone ridge overlooking the pretty village of Mumbles sits Oystermouth Castle. It's one of 600 castles in Wales, but there aren't many which come with better views than this one!
The first phase of works at Oystermouth Castle is due to finish in July, and the castle is celebrating with a medieval fun day on Saturday 16th July.
The free event will take place from 12noon until 6.00pm and will include a range of activities for the family including falconry displays, live medieval music, fire juggling, archery demonstrations, fun and interactive medieval themed shows, story telling and junior archaeology digs.
People will have an opportunity to be one of the first to see inside the castle too, including Alina's Chapel and the new glass bridge.
The castle and grounds will be open until 30 September 2011. Exhibitions and a programme of events will bring the castle to life, and will unravel the stories of those who once lived there.
Conservation work will be on going for the next three years.
Swansea Council is leading the conservation of Oystermouth Castle for future generations to enjoy thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Assembly Government through Cadw and the European Regional Development Fund.
To keep up to date on what's happening and to find out more about the works taking place, go to www.swansea.gov.uk/oystermouthcastle.
About the Castle...
Founded just after the Norman Conquest back in the 12th Century, and having had several additions in later centuries, the castle has had quite a past, and some would say is lucky to still be standing. (Well actually, it's been burnt to the ground three times!).
Since last September, this handsome medieval castle has been undergoing significant conservation works, and for those who live in Mumbles or have passed by in recent months will know, there has been quite a bit happening at the castle to bring it back to life.
Over the centuries, the severe impact of the weather has contributed to the castles demise. It has enjoyed the sea air for quite a while after all! Specialist repair over the winter has included clearing encroaching vegetation, and painstakingly replacing sections of lime mortar and re-pointing stone. Other works has included provision of visitor facilities, an educational space and a 30-foot high glass bridge within Alina's Chapel which will be opened to the pubic for the first time. A re-think of the visitor route has improved access to the castle (which was built to keep people out!), making the most of the castles dramatic location.
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Oystermouth Castle re-opens with a medieval fun day 
