Longtown Castle
Hereford, Herefordshire
A thick walled round keep on a high mound in the Olchon valley, free and open, with Offa's Dyke Path on the ridge above for a real walk with your dog.
A proper Marches castle in proper Marches country. Longtown has a powerful thick walled round keep from around 1150, the round form being characteristic of the Welsh borders, standing on a large earthen mound inside a stone walled bailey. It was built to hold this valley against Welsh raids, and the position tells you why: it looks straight out at the Black Mountains.
While you climb the mound for those views, your dog gets a valley that rewards a dog owner far more than the guidebooks suggest. The Olchon is quiet, green and steep sided, Offa's Dyke Path runs along the ridge above, and there is real walking straight from the village in almost any direction.
Free and open. Note the keep itself is currently closed for conservation work, though the rest of the site remains accessible, so you can still walk the bailey and climb the mound. No dog rules are published, so keep your dog on a lead around the earthworks where the drops are steep, and be aware of grazing stock in the surrounding fields. Limited off-road parking and no facilities.
At a Glance
- Site Type
- Medieval & Tudor
- Entry
- Free
- Members
- Free for English Heritage members
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Planning Your Visit
Opening times and prices were checked on 26 August 2026 and are subject to change, and some sites close for events or over winter. Confirm on the English Heritage site page before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Longtown Castle dog friendly?
Longtown Castle is free and open, and there are no published rules restricting dogs on site. The wider area is a great spot for dog owners too — the quiet Olchon valley and Offa's Dyke Path running along the ridge above offer real walking straight from the village in almost any direction.
Are dogs allowed at Longtown Castle year round?
The site is free and open with no seasonal restrictions mentioned, so you and your dog can visit at any time of year. The Olchon valley and surrounding walking routes make it well worth the trip whatever the season.
What should I know before visiting Longtown Castle with my dog?
The keep itself is currently closed for conservation work, though you can still explore the bailey and climb the mound for the views across to the Black Mountains. Keep your dog on a lead around the earthworks where the drops are steep, and be mindful of grazing stock in the surrounding fields. There are no facilities on site and only limited off-road parking, so come prepared.
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