Castles in Wales

A Land of History

From the coastlines of North Wales to the rolling hills of the south, each castle has its own unique story to tell. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply in search of breathtaking views, castles in Wales offer an unparalleled journey through centuries of epic history and grandeur.

The Castles of Wales

The Welsh landscape is dotted with castles, each with its own unique story.

Castles in North Wales

The northern mountains and coastline of Wales guarded invasion routes from Ireland and England, making this region prime real estate for medieval castle builders.

• Caernarfon Castle – Massive, intimidating stronghold built by King Edward I to subdue the Welsh. Imposing polygonal towers modelled after the walls of Constantinople. Site of Prince of Wales investitures since 1911.
• Conwy Castle – Imposing fortress overlooking the River Conwy estuary. Eight large round towers connected by a curtain wall. Designed by master castle architect James of St. George for Edward I’s conquest of Wales.
• Flint Castle – Built by King Edward I, Flint Castle played a pivotal role in his conquest of Wales. Its strategic location made it a key player in many a historical event.
• Denbigh Castle – On a hill overlooking the Vale of Clwyd, is a blend of natural beauty and architectural prowess. The views from its battlements are simply breathtaking.

Mid Wales

The central valleys and hills of Wales were important medieval territories contested by rival Welsh kingdoms and Norman Marcher lords.

• Powis Castle – Originally built in the 13th century by the Gwenwynwyn family, extensively remodeled in the 19th century by Robert Clive. Beautiful terraced gardens with stunning views over the valley. Home to one of the finest medieval castle collections.
• Dolbadarn Castle – atmospheric ruins of a stone keep and tower built in the 13th century by Llywelyn the Great. Dramatically situated below the peaks of Snowdon, overlooking Llyn Padarn lake. Built to protect an important mountain pass.

Castles in South Wales

The southern coast and borders of Wales were vulnerable to raids from overseas. Nobles and monarchs built castles to project power and protect settlements.

• Castell Coch – the ‘Red Castle’, looks like it’s been plucked straight out of a fairytale. Its conical turrets and Gothic details are a visual delight.
• Cardiff Castle – site of an ancient motte and bailey castle renovated into an elaborate Victorian Gothic mansion for the Marquesses of Bute. Elaborate interiors and extensive grounds with Roman walls in the heart of the capital city.
• Pembroke Castle stands tall and proud, with its massive round keep being a standout feature. It’s a testament to medieval engineering and design.

From formidable strongholds of Edward I to romantic ruins in picturesque settings, the castles of Wales invite visitors to experience centuries of legend and history in one of Europe’s most beautiful countries. Come walk with ghosts of knights and princes, and glimpse the epic landscapes that inspired the bards of medieval Wales!