Want to visit Ogmore Stepping Stones and Castle?
You are in the right place- I was born and raised a 10-minute drive away and I visit or pass by here every few weeks!
This spot with Ancient ruins, river views and little crowds make it one of my favourite locations in my hometown. So If you are looking for a truly unique day out that doesn’t cost a penny, stop here for an hour or two.
This historic site near Bridgend, South Wales is a hidden gem that is absolutely worth visiting.
Use my local knowledge and tips to plan the best trip to the epic riverside Stepping Stones and Castle.
Planning A Trip To Wales? Use The Resources Below!
► Accommodation– I Recommend Booking.Com
► Local Tours– I Recommend Viator.Com
► Car Rental– I Always Use DiscoverCars.Com
Where are the stepping stones in Ogmore?
If you are exploring South Wales, the stepping stones are a great spot to spend an hour or two.
You will find Ogmore Stepping Stones right by Ogmore Castle on the River Ewenny.
Just walk to the edge of the Car park towards the water and you will see the stones sitting in the River.
The easiest way to get there is to take the M4 to Bridgend then take the B4265 to Ewenny.
📍 Use the Postcode: Ogmore Castle, Bridgend CF32 0QP for the best directions from your starting point.
It is also a great day trip from Cardiff and you can easily get here by train or bus in 30-60 minutes.
Is Ogmore Castle free?
A visit to Ogmore Castle is completely free!
There is also no need to pre-book so You can just turn up. This is rare for most Castles in Wales so it definitely makes worth visiting here worth it.
The Stepping Stones and Castle are usually a pretty quiet spot. However on a sunny day, it can become a bit more crowded.
It’s worth noting that because it is so close to the beach, you can get hit by all types of weather here. So make sure you wear suitable clothing for your visit.
Ogmore stepping stones opening times
This is one of the best Vale of Glamorgan Castles to stop by because of the epic stepping stones!
There are no gates or barriers so you can access the historic stepping stones 24/7. However, do not visit in the dark as the area is not well-lit- and you risk falling into the river.
It is also a good idea to avoid visiting when there has been high rainfall because you wont be able to reach the stones as the area floods.
Is there free parking at Ogmore Stepping Stones and Castle?
You will find a completely free car park where you turn right down the track past the horse riding stables.
Just be warned, it is pretty prone to flooding so you won’t be able to access it when it’s been raining heavily.
The car park can only take between 10-12 cars, so on a busy day you might struggle to park
. However, this is really rare and there are plenty of other parking options nearby if you can’t find a space.
If you are looking for more Castles to Explore in Wales, There are plenty of free or toured options from all over the UK- even London!
Are dogs allowed on Ogmore Castle?
The Stepping Stones and Ogmore Castle are both dog-friendly (I bring my down here all the time).
This is the perfect place to take your dog for a walk and for a splash in the river.
You will often see horses by the castle and stepping stones as there is a riding stable very close by.
So if you have an anxious dog or one that isn’t the best at recall, it’s best to keep your dog on a lead.
Also as it’s Wales, there could be a few sheep on your visit too.
Things to do by Ogmore Stepping Stones and Castle
There are plenty of things to do at Ogmore Castle and in the surrounding area that will make your trip amazing. Here are some of the best things to do:
✔️Ogmore-by-sea
✔️Southerndown Beach
✔️Methyr Mawr Sand Dunes
And If you want to visit more Castles when you are in the Bridgend area, here are some of the must-visit Castles:
✔️Coity (free entry)
✔️Newcastle (free to visit)
✔️Candleston Castle (free for visitors)
✔️Dunraven Castle (free admission)
What happened at Ogmore Castle?
Ogmore Castle has had its fair share of action over the years.
It was built in the 1100s with Coity and Newcastle for Norman protection.
The castle was attacked by the Welsh in 1116 but wasn’t destroyed. It was In the early 15th century during the Owain Glyndŵr uprising that Ogmore Castle received a lot of damage.
Can you cross the river Ogmore?
There is no better way to explore the Welsh Waters than stepping into them like this.
For anyone wanting to do this on their visit, there are several spots where you can cross the river Ogmore safely.
Ewenny River, where you find the stepping stones and castle, is a tributary of the River Ogmore.
You can easily cross the Ewenny River via the stepping stones. However, if there has been heavy rainfall the river gets more dangerous to cross and the stepping stones disappear.
Can you walk from Ogmore Castle to the beach?
Yup- but most people drive!
It is a 5-minute drive from the Castle and stepping stones to Ogmore Beach.
There is plenty of parking at Ogmore Beach but you have to pay.
If you are looking to save some money and admire the Welsh Landscape, you can walk. It’s actually a really nice walk on a sunny day but if it’s raining heavily or there are winds, I do not recommend it.
However, don’t let the Welsh weather put you off too much!
This walk is incredibly scenic and takes about 6 miles (10 km). If you are planning this walk, keep a close eye on the tidal times.
The Stepping Stones and Castle at Ogmore-by-Sea: Final Thoughts
This part of Wales is incredibly scenic, has lots to do and is full of history.
It also helps that it is in an amazing riverside location near the beach and free to visit!
This ruined castle near Porthcawl is in a great location to explore other epic places nearby (like Porthcawl Beach) and is super easy to reach from Cardiff Airport by car or train.
However, for the best experience, don’t visit in the dark or when there is heavy rainfall. The castle is hard to access in these conditions and you won’t be able to get some great photos of the area.
I hope this article helped plan your trip! Here are some more relevant posts for visiting Wales:
✔️ Can Americans Drive In The UK?
✔️ Where To Stay In Cardiff, Wales Best Areas & Hotels
✔️ The Best British Airways Cabin Bag For Your Next Flight
✔️7 Best Lodges With Hot Tubs In North Wales
Lowri Thomas is the founder of Many Other Roads. She lives and travels in Europe and has explored more than 40 countries. She is joined on her travels with her dog Scout and they explore Europe mostly by road. Born in Wales, she also shares the best things to do in Wales, UK and beyond. She helps over 50,000 people per month plan epic Europe adventures and road trips.
