Castles in North Wales - Conwy Castle

Castles in North Wales

Search Cottages
Find out more
Inspiration / North Wales / Things To Do / Castles in North Wales

Castles in North Wales

North Wales is renowned for its rocky coastline, impressive mountains, and pristine beaches. But, it’s also home to a remarkable array of ancient castles.

Wales is known as the “castle capital of the world” with more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe. In Wales, you will find more than 600 castles, with 100 castles still fully standing today.

North Wales is fortunate to have a collection of medieval castles and follies of the 18th century, in addition to over 1,000 Iron Age hill forts. Castles in North Wales were frequently built on high terrain to help in their defence. Today, this attribute offers them an excellent platform for highlighting the country’s natural beauty.

This is especially true in North Wales, where the majestic Snowdonia mountain range frequently serves as a tremendous background. One of the finest examples of castles in North Wales is Castell Dinas Bran. Sitting above the town of Llangollen, this medieval castle enjoys a prominent hilltop site with stunning views across Denbighshire.

Other notable North Wales castles include Chirk Castle, Dolwyddelan Castle and Gwrych Castle!

Find even more striking castles in North Wales…

  • Caernarfon Castle

    Castle Ditch
    Caernarfon
    LL55 2AY

    03000 252239

    Built by Kind Edward I in the 1280’s, the designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site is an impressive structure that draws visitors to the town throughout the year, wanting to learn about its fascinating past.

    view more information
  • Castell Dinas Bran, Wrexham

    Castell Dinas Brân

    Llangollen
    Denbighshire
    Wales
    LL20 8D

    Come and explore this icon of medieval Powys! You can find Castell Dinas Brân between Wrexham and Llangollen, and it’s a eye-catching sight.

    view more information
  • Chirk Castle

    Chirk Castle

    Chirk Castle
    Chirk
    Wrexham
    LL14 5AF

    01691 777701

    Chirk Castle was built in the late 13th century to keep the Welsh under English rule. The imposing structure’s watch towers allowed lookouts to keep a strategic eye on the Welsh hills and valleys around it. The castle later became a family home and unexpected artistic centre, with music and art filling the vast rooms and hallways.

    view more infomation
  • Holidays in Conwy

    Conwy Castle

    18 Lower Gate Street
    Conwy
    LL32 8BE

    Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Snowdonia Mountains, Conwy Castle is one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe. The castle is exceptionally well preserved, allowing visitors to see medieval royal apartments, tread in the footsteps of kings as they ascend the towers and look out at the magnificent views that surround them.

    view more information
  • Criccieth castle

    Criccieth Castle

    Castle Street
    Criccieth
    LL52 0DP

    03000 252239

    Allow Criccieth Castle to capture your imagination. This stunning castle ruin sits atop the rocky headland between two beaches and boasts magnificent views across Cardigan Bay. Built by two illustrious Welsh kings, Llywelyn the Great and Lylwelyn the Last, Criccieth is a must-see for those interested in Welsh history.  

    view more information
  • Denbigh Castle
    Image Credits: Errol Edwards - (CC BY-SA 3.0)

    Denbigh Castle

    Castle Hill
    Denbigh
    LL16 3NB

    03000 252239

    Cross the drawbridge and enter the gatehouse as you listen to the sounds of the portcullis thundering down behind you along with the clatter of horses’ hooves and the footsteps of marching soldiers. Thanks to modern-day technology, Denbigh Castle is brought to life for its visitors.

    view more information
  • Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis

    Dolbadarn Castle

    A4086
    Caernarfon
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    LL55 4UB

    01443336000

    Standing in an elevated position, overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, Dolbadarn was once a vital part of the defence of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Built in the late 12th or early 13th century, the tower stood watch over the route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley. This castle is a truly fascinating slice of Welsh history.

    view more information
  • Dolwyddelan in Snowdonia National Park

    Dolwyddelan Castle

    Dolwyddelan Castle
    Dolwyddelan
    A470
    LL25 0JD

    01690 750366

    Dolwyddelan Castle is a commanding Welsh stronghold amidst the Snowdonia National Park scenery. It is a great spot for you and your family to explore and uncover the history of Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great.

    view more information
  • Ewloe Castle, North Wales
    Image Credits: Clint Heacock - CC BY-SA 3.0

    Ewloe Castle

    61 Maes Deri
    Deeside
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    CH5 3BZ

    Unlike many of Wales’ castles which were often built high upon headland, Ewloe is built deep in the woodland. Today the setting feels magical and idyllic, but the castle and surrounding land was once the scene of clashes between the English and the Welsh.

    view more information
  • Aerial view of Flint Castle

    Flint Castle

    Castle Rd
    Flint
    North Wales
    United Kingdom
    CH6 5PE

    Visit the castle made famous by one of Shakespeare’s finest works. Flint Castle was the first castle to be erected as part of Edward I’s campaign against Llywelyn the Last and appeared in the play Richard II. The castle is dominated by its great tower and surrounded by a moat, making it the perfect refuge during a siege.

    view more information
activityarrow_downarrow_leftsmall-rightarrow-top-rightbikeguidescamerachild-friendlycircularclockCottagecrossdangerdestinationpindownloaddropdown-arrowemailFamilyfinish-flagflagfloraflowergroupHeartinfo-altdidyouknowInspirationlinearlocationmap-pinmapparkingpawphonerulersearchshare Facebook Google Plus Instagram LinkedIn Pinterest Twitter YouTube ui-24px-glyph-2_grid-45popularsun-cloudtexturef-check-glyph-16toggleVideoWalkingwheelchair