Medieval Castles in Wales

Dolbadarn Castle beside Llyn Padarn in Snowdonia
Updated October 01, 2026

Dolbadarn Castle

The imposing ruins of Dolbadarn Castle reveal much about its important strategic role in medieval times. At its heart stands the tall stone keep, which had t...

The medieval town walls of Conwy
Updated September 24, 2026

Conwy Town Walls

Conwy's majestic town walls are one of the finest examples of medieval defensive architecture in all of Wales. A visit to Conwy’s walls allows for a step bac...

Denbigh Castle gatehouse
Updated September 24, 2026

Denbigh Castle

Denbigh Castle, raised by Henry de Lacy after Edward I’s conquest of 1282, crowns the Vale of Clwyd with its magnificent gatehouse and mural towers. A baroni...

Flint Castle, the first of Edward I's Welsh castles
Updated September 24, 2026

Flint Castle

Flint Castle, first of Edward I’s Iron Ring, rose in 1277 to dominate the Dee Estuary. Its concentric walls, massive towers, and tidal dock secured English c...

Gwrych Castle near Abergele in North Wales
Updated September 24, 2026

Gwrych Castle in North Wales

Gwrych Castle offers a unique glimpse into the past. It serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural landmarks for future generations to app...

Bodelwyddan Castle in Denbighshire
Updated September 24, 2026

Bodelwyddan Castle

Bodelwyddan Castle crowns a North Welsh hill, its Gothic towers and battlements a romantic nineteenth-century creation by Joseph Hansom for Sir John Hay Will...

Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire
Updated September 24, 2026

Ruthin Castle

Ruthin Castle is a medieval castle located in the town of Ruthin, Wales. Perched atop a hill overlooking the Clwyd Valley, its imposing walls and towers have...

The site of Prestatyn Castle
Updated September 24, 2026

Prestatyn Castle: Secrets of Its Past Revealed

Discover the forgotten history of Prestatyn Castle, a "frontier fortification" with a remarkably brief life. Built by Normans and razed by a Welsh "dream tea...

Castell Coch near Cardiff
Updated September 24, 2026

Castell Coch

For centuries, Castell Coch served as the stronghold of the Coch rulers of northern Cardiff. It withstood assaults during wars with England, including when E...

Cardiff Castle with the Welsh flag flying
Updated September 24, 2026

Cardiff Castle: 2,000 Years of Welsh History

Cardiff Castle, at the heart of Wales’ capital, spans over 2,000 years, from Roman fort to Norman stronghold and Victorian Gothic fantasy. Built by FitzHamon...

Chirk Castle in Wrexham
Updated September 24, 2026

Chirk Castle

Chirk Castle is one of the most famous medieval castles in north Wales, with a long and storied history spanning over 700 years. Today the castle is known fo...

Penrhyn Castle near Bangor
Updated September 24, 2026

Penrhyn Castle

Penrhyn Castle crowns a hill above the Ogwen Valley, its neo-Norman towers a romantic nineteenth-century creation by Thomas Hopper for the Pennant family. Bu...

Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey
Updated September 24, 2026

Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle stands as one of the last and greatest medieval castles built in Britain. Constructed by Edward I to consolidate his conquest of North Wales...

The ruins of Montgomery Castle
Updated September 24, 2026

Montgomery Castle

The ruins of Montgomery Castle provide scenic views across the surrounding countryside. Built by the Normans in the 11th century shortly after their conquest...

The ruins of Ewloe Castle in Flintshire
Updated September 24, 2026

Ewloe Castle

Ewloe Castle provides a tangible connection to the momentous Welsh struggle for independence in the Middle Ages.

The ruins of Castell Dinas Bran above Llangollen
Updated September 24, 2026

Castell Dinas Brân

Castell Dinas Brân is more than just a ruin on a hill. It is a symbol of Welsh resilience, a place where history and legend intertwine, and a reminder of the...

Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire
Updated September 24, 2026

Raglan Castle

Beyond its awe-inspiring architecture, Raglan Castle played an integral role in regional power struggles. It withstood sieges, reinforced family prestige, an...

Caerphilly Castle and its water defences
Updated September 24, 2026

Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle, the largest in Wales, was raised by Gilbert de Clare in 1268–71 as a baronial masterpiece. Its concentric walls, four great towers, and va...

Swansea Castle
Updated September 24, 2026

Swansea Castle

Swansea Castle, gaunt sentinel above the River Tawe, bears witness to nine centuries of strife and survival. From Henry de Beaumont’s timber motte in 1106 to...

Harlech Castle above the coast of Gwynedd
Updated September 24, 2026

Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle stands as a monument to both military power and national pride. From Edward I’s domination of Wales to Glyndwr's rebellion and the long siege ...

The ruins of Castell y Bere in Gwynedd
Updated September 24, 2026

Castell y Bere

Castell y Bere may not be as famous as the imposing castles of Caernarfon or Conwy, but it holds a special place in the story of Wales.

Kidwelly Castle in Carmarthenshire
Updated September 24, 2026

Kidwelly Castle

Kidwelly Castle, one of the most stunning and well-preserved medieval fortresses in Wales, stands proudly near the Gwendraeth River in Carmarthenshire.

a map of Wales illustraing the number of castles
Updated September 24, 2026

Why Are There So Many Castles in North Wales?

North Wales has so many castles because it was fiercely contested ground. Its mountains and coastline demanded fortification, while Edward I’s conquest produ...

The Castle That Moved a River: Rhuddlan Castle
Updated September 24, 2026

The Castle That Moved a River: Rhuddlan Castle

Rhuddlan Castle was more than a fortress, it was a bold statement of power. Built by Edward I, it reshaped the River Clwyd, imposed English law on Wales, and...