Llanstephan
Llansteffan is situated on the Western side of the Towy estuary across from Ferryside. It has a long sandy beach and at low tide stretches round to Scott's Bay and Wharley Point where the estuaries of the Towy and Taf meet.
The village grew up at the foot of the Norman Castle, built to control the ferry crossing of the Towy at this point in 1100.
There was an Iron Age fort on the site and earthworks can be seen to the West of the castle. The castle was captured by Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1146 against the forces of Maurice FitzGerald and his brother William FitzGerald, Lord of Llanstephan and Lord of Emlyn respectively and effectively the leaders of the Anglo-Norman settlers of the region. The castle was later retaken by the Normans . Llywelyn the Great recaptured the castle for the Welsh in 1215. The castle was taken and captured by the forces of Owain Glyndwr and held against the English until 1403 when it was taken back into English hands by Sir John Pennes who was shortly himself captured but back in charge of the castle by 1408.
Llanstephan was a thriving borough and port in the past but never grew to more than a large village. There are cockle beds on this side of the river as well as at Ferryside.
The current village has a number of pubs and restaurants, a picturesque church and a wonderful beach and hotels.
There is good fishing in the estuary, as well as horse riding, sailing, quad biking, excellent walks and tennis.
The village grew up at the foot of the Norman Castle, built to control the ferry crossing of the Towy at this point in 1100.
There was an Iron Age fort on the site and earthworks can be seen to the West of the castle. The castle was captured by Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1146 against the forces of Maurice FitzGerald and his brother William FitzGerald, Lord of Llanstephan and Lord of Emlyn respectively and effectively the leaders of the Anglo-Norman settlers of the region. The castle was later retaken by the Normans . Llywelyn the Great recaptured the castle for the Welsh in 1215. The castle was taken and captured by the forces of Owain Glyndwr and held against the English until 1403 when it was taken back into English hands by Sir John Pennes who was shortly himself captured but back in charge of the castle by 1408.
Llanstephan was a thriving borough and port in the past but never grew to more than a large village. There are cockle beds on this side of the river as well as at Ferryside.
The current village has a number of pubs and restaurants, a picturesque church and a wonderful beach and hotels.
There is good fishing in the estuary, as well as horse riding, sailing, quad biking, excellent walks and tennis.
