Castles in Wales

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

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 of the Wars of the Roses, its history is as layered as its architecture.

The ruins of Montgomery Castle provide scenic views across the surrounding countryside. Built by the Normans in the 11th century shortly after their conquest of England, Montgomery Castle was strategically sited to control major routes along the Welsh-English border.

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, its strategic location on Anglesey allowed the English to project power across the sea lanes.

In the hills of the Snowdonia National Park lies a hidden gem of Welsh history - Dolbadarn Castle. This picturesque castle may not be as grand as some of its counterparts, but its scenic location and intriguing backstory make it a must-see for any history buff touring North Wales.

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 three floors containing a great hall, private chambers, and battlements.

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 witnessed over 700 years of British history

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 baronial masterpiece of military architecture, it symbolises the final subjugation of Gwynedd—its broken walls still proclaiming the triumph of English power over native resistance.

Caernarfon Castle, Edward I’s masterpiece of conquest, towers above the River Seiont, its banded walls and polygonal towers echoing Constantinople’s imperial grandeur. Built to crush Welsh resistance, it served as military bastion, seat of English law, and stage for royal pageantry—proclaiming unassailable dominion over Gwynedd for over seven centuries.

Caernarfon Castle stands as a brutalist masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Built by Edward I to cement English rule in North Wales, its unique polygonal towers and banded masonry mirrored the walls of Constantinople. This formidable fortress remains a symbol of royal power and the traditional seat of the Prince of Wales.

Rhuddlan Castle, begun in 1277 by Edward I, was the first of his Iron Ring fortresses. Its diamond plan, round towers, and river dock secured the Clwyd valley, symbolising English conquest. Today its haunting ruins stand as testament to ruthless ambition and the enduring imprint of medieval power on Welsh soil.

Caernarfon Castle, Edward I’s imperial masterpiece begun in 1283, rises above the River Seiont with banded walls echoing Constantinople. Built to crush Welsh independence, it served as administrative capital and symbol of conquest. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains one of the most visited and evocative castles in Wales.

Conwy Castle, begun in 1283 by Edward I, is one of Wales’ most complete Edwardian fortresses. Its eight great towers, concentric walls, and town defences secured the Conwy valley after Llywelyn’s fall. Today this UNESCO World Heritage Site remains a breathtaking symbol of medieval conquest and architectural genius.

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 back in time, offering a powerful reminder of the past while celebrating the resilience of a town that has grown and thrived within its ancient walls.