Castles

Wales is renowned for its castles and North Wales has many to choose from. You will find them typically dotted along the coastline or on hills inland. Some were built by the Welsh others by the English. 

 

Visitors often visit Conwy, Caernarfon, Criccieth, Dolwyddelan and Beaumaris Castles, yet there are plenty more in abundance to explore. The Welsh Government heritage organisation provides a wealth of information on each castle and can help you plan your visit http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk. Or the National Trust also looks after some of the castles found in North Wales, such as Penrhyn; http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

 

Conwy Castle

 

Built for Edward I, by Master James of St George, the castle is amongst the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. It is located in the lovely coastal town of Conwy.

Dolwyddelan Castle

 

A castle which holds a commanding position on a remote hilltop in the Snowdonia National Park. Built by the Prince of Gywnedd, Llewelyn the Great, in the Twelfth Century. 

 

Beaumaris Castle

 

According to the Cadw website Beaumaris is the "most technically perfect castle in Britain". Built by Edward 1 in the 13th Century, it is nestled in the beautiful town of Beaumaris on Anglesey.

Caernarfon Castle

Edward I wasn’t messing around when he built this polygonal 13th century castle on a former Roman fort.

Part of the coastal world heritage site, the mighty Caernarfon remains one of the most visually arresting sights you’ll ever see. Exhibition rooms also feature at a landmark to stir the senses.

Criccieth Castle

Built originally by Llewelyn the Great, this very Welsh of princes included a very English style of gatehouse.

Edward I’s forces took the castle some 50 years later, undertook their own improvements and remodelled a tower for stone-throwing engines. Criccieth Castle may also have given the name to the town rather than the other way round. Its suggested origins are ‘crug caeth’ – ‘crug’ (hill in Welsh), ‘caith’ (captives) – the name given to the jail on the hill, a function once held by the castle.

 

 

 

View of our photo gallery

• Conwy Castle
• Dolwyddelan Castle
• Beaumaris Castle
• Caenarfon Castle
• Criccieth Castle