Seabank Hotel

Ogmore Castle

by uglyscot

We followed brown castle symbols and found this wonderful spot by the river Ewenny. It is about two and a half miles south west of Bridgend.
There are warnings about sudden floods and the danger to parked cars, but we took the risk. The castle is on a slightly elevated area above where stepping stones ford the river. The castle officially closes at 4pm, so I just made it in time. The building is ruined but enough remains to show that the Norman keep was once three storeys high, about 40 feet. To reach the keep there is a bridge over a ditch that has stone barriers but allows the ditch to flood at high tide.
The great hall was at the lower level , with an ornate fireplace and windows and would have had a trap door to reach the basement. Stairs led to the living quarters of the family. A well preserved latrine adjoins the living area.There is another 12 century structure of which only the cellar remains. An inner court has steps leading down to a vaulted passage. some with arches. It seems as if new buildings were erected as and when they were needed. This included another great hall, and a gatehouse adjacent to the keep. If extra accomodation was needed it would have been included
The castle was built by the De Londres family, but after changes in ownership is now part of the Duchy of Lancaster.
It was so quiet and peaceful, and I was the only visitor, though a number of people made the crossing and walked over to the other bank.
Unfortunately my camera batteries had run out so I bought a throwaway camera .
Just beside the castle is an old white house with thatched roof, still in occupation.

Mmm Interesting Town

by LeeWills

"Shopping"

Well the town it self has gone down hill of recent years. You're better off going to the Mcarthur Glen complex on the outskirts of town for any clothing. Town now is mainly charity shops and mobile phone shops. Parking can be a real pain at peak times, but there's quite good bus links and there's a train station in town for links to nearly everywhere.