The 21 Best UK Festivals for 2024
It’s that time of the year again! That’s right, festival season is back… and this year, many events are...
Castles in Wales are incredible architectural feats, and range from medieval fortresses that tell the tale of war to masterpieces that paved the way for building design.
Wales, the ‘Castle Capital of the World’, has more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. In fact, there are more than 600 Welsh castles to discover, 100 of which are still fully standing.
When you visit a castle in Wales, follow in the footsteps of medieval Welsh princesses and English kings, or discover castles built by victorious Normans, who invaded in 1066!
Continue reading to discover the best Welsh castles…
North Wales Castles
Castles in South Wales
Castles in Mid Wales
Welsh Castles Map
First on our Welsh castles guide is Harlech Castle, casting a regal shadow over the beach and town.
This commanding medieval castle was complete in 1295 and built for Kind Edward. Home to the longest siege in British history, this North Wales castle’s impassable walls are still as impressive today as they were 700 years ago.
Enjoy the awe-inspiring views of the rugged coast and the dramatic mountain peaks from the castle, which fell to the Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr, during the last major rebellion against English rule.
Round off an afternoon of exploring the castle by heading to one of North Wales’ best beaches, Harlech Beach, which is a four-mile-long stretch of sand.
View accommodation in Harlech and plan your next UK holiday.
Chrik Castle was built as a symbol of power. Completed in 1310, it is another monument from King Edward I’s reign.
This North Wales castle is over 700 years old, and it may surprise you to hear that it’s still lived in today. With a grand castle to explore and 5.5 acres of award-winning gardens at your back door, it’s not a bad place to call home!
Look forward to exploring the elegant state rooms of this Welsh castle before tiptoeing around the dungeon or spending a summer’s afternoon exploring the parkland.
Afterwards, head into the city of Wrexham, where there are lots of things to do and places to eat and drink!
Find your perfect places to stay in Wrexham today!
Located on the Isle of Anglesey is the famous castle of Beaumaris, considered to be the greatest unfinished masterpiece of Edward I.
It was the King’s final stamp on the North Wales coastline to complete his ‘iron ring’ of royal strongholds. Architect Hames of St George took advantage of the blank canvas of marsh beside the Menai Strait. Unfortunately, money and supplies quickly ran out, so the castle was incomplete!
Visit this castle in North Wales and admire its perfectly symmetrical ‘walls within walls’ design and noteworthy round drum towers. Take your time exploring the surrounding landscape and notice how the castle blends in harmoniously.
Use our Anglesey travel guide to discover more Beaumaris gems!
With stunning walled gardens, a sweeping lawn and impressive ivy-clad turrets, it’s little wonder that this feat of architecture made our list of best castles in Wales!
Boddlewyddan Castle is surrounded by breath-taking beauty; overlooking the Clywdian Mountains, it is just a stone’s throw away from Snowdonia. Here, you can catch glimpses of some of the most famous mountains in Wales!
You can spend your day exploring 200 acres of Victorian parkland, where you will find 500-year-old Mulberry Trees and striking views of the Welsh valley. Afterwards, head inside the castle to eat in the Elwy Lounge or the Mulberry Coffee Lounge.
This Welsh castle is perfect for a relaxing day out amidst the North Wales countryside.
Use our North Wales travel guide to plan your next visit to this part of Wales!
Criccieth Castle never fails to impress, with its position crowning a rocky outcrop that dramatically overlooks Tremadog Bay.
The history of the castle dates to the 13th century when Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) created the immense gatehouse flanked by D-shaped stone towers. Some 50 years later, the English King, Edward I’s forces took the castle and undertook their own improvements.
Its fate was sealed in the 15th century by Welsh Prince Owain Glyndŵr, who burnt the castle during the last major Welsh rebellion against the English.
Today, you can explore the grounds at your leisure and admire the views across the North Wales coastline.
Browse a collection of Criccieth holiday cottages today.
Next in our guide is the magical Conwy Castle. Master James of St George built the castle between 1283 and 1287 for King Edward I to prove England’s presence and power in Wales.
The North Wales castle’s intimidating walls, two barbicans, eight mighty towers and impressive bow-shaped hall are instantly recognisable. The dramatic structure is still intact today, making it a true medieval marvel for all to enjoy. It’s little wonder that Conwy Castle made our guide of the most magical castles in the UK.
You can find this castle resting on the northern shores, a stone’s throw away from beautiful Snowdonia. It promises to be one of the many great things to do in North Wales for families.
Use our Conwy travel guide to begin planning your North Wales visit.
Dolwyddelan Castle enjoys a rural position, deep within the Snowdonia National Park and stands as a memorial to Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great).
This castle was one of many castles built to command the mountain passes, and was a crucial stage in King Edward I’s relentless campaign against the Welsh.
By the 19th century, this Welsh castle became a romantic ruin, often the focal point of landscape artists’ work. Today, you can climb to the top of the keep to soak up the views of surrounding Snowdonia before heading to nearby Betws-y-Coed, where there are plenty of superb places to eat.
Browse this collection of accommodation in Snowdonia to find your perfect getaway!
Standing in 250 acres of gardens with far-reaching views over the coastline is our next castle in Wales. Famed for being the 2020 location for I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!, Gwyrch Castle is one to add to the must-visit list.
Lloyd Bamford-Hesketh started building this North Wales castle as a memorial to his ancestors, the Lloyds of Gwrych. The castle is in fact one of the first attempts at replicating medieval architecture in Europe.
However, today, the castle near Abergele is protected by The Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust to perverse the estate and its surrounding grounds.
Looking at getting your hands on your own castle accommodation? If so, how about a stay at your own version of I’m a Celeb’s Gwrych Castle?
Caernarfon Castle is one of Edward I’s more unusual Welsh castles as instead of the regular circular towers, this castle has a unique collection of polygon-shaped towers.
This impressive castle is a real brute with a very imposing appearance, so if you’re looking for something with a storybook feel, this is the castle for you.
Caernarfon Castle is one of the most recognisable castles, its grand appearance drawing in people from all over. It features striking towers, battlements and two entrances, one of which gives access to town.
Inside, you can explore exhibition rooms to stir the imagination and uncover the history of this mammoth castle!
Find your perfect Caernarfon cottage today!
Next, we are heading to the heart of the capital city to pay a visit to Cardiff Castle. With over 2,000 years of history, this South Wales castle had to make our list of best castles in Wales.
Step back in time as you explore its Roman origins with a contemporary twist of Gothic-style. Afterwards, discover the history of the noble families who once lived here, including the 2nd Marquess of Bute, then the richest man in the world.
Does this Welsh castle inspire you to make a visit to the city? Use our Wales travel guide to plan your journey to South Wales.
Browse this hand-picked collection of holiday cottages in Cardiff.
Our next castle in Wales is one of the greatest examples of medieval castles due to several factors, including its size. Caerphilly castle is the second largest castle in the UK after Windsor Castle, making it three times the size of the Principality Stadium, the home of Welsh rugby.
The castle was built by the English in the 13th century and is considered a revolutionary masterpiece of military planning. Built by the Lord of Glamorgan, this South Wales castle’s purpose was to prevent lowland South Wales from falling into the hands of Llywelyn the Last.
Today, the castle appears to float in the lake and has a leaning tower to rival Italy’s Pisa.
Discover South Wales accommodation to discover this magnificent part of Wales.
The appearance of Chepstow Castle has changed greatly over the years. Between 1067 and 1690, it was constantly adapting to keep up with the latest military architecture trends.
The castle was built by Earl William Fitz Osbern, a close friend of William the Conqueror, and was the first Norman stronghold in Wales.
Now home to the oldest castle doors in Europe, these 800-year-old wooden doors are a testament to Chepstow Castle’s endurance, just like many other castles that you find in Wales.
Positioned on the outskirts of Port Talbot in South Wales in Margam Castle, which is in fact not a castle! The large Victorian-era home sits on an 850-acre country estate, and was originally built to resemble a Gothic-style castle.
Christopher Rice Mansel Talbot commissioned the building after falling in love with the gothic architecture of Europe following a tour. The family remained on the estate until 1942 and the County Council took over in 1974.
Today, families come here to stroll the country park and catch glimpses of the deer that roam the grounds. The castle is also known for its ghost tours and walks, with rumours of Robert Scott, the murdered gamekeeper haunting the country house!
Tenby Castle is one of the more unique castles in Wales, due to its position on top of Castle Hill, surrounded by the sea! The rocky headland is connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus.
The Normans built the castle in the 12th century, and it was attacked by the Welsh in 1187 and 1260. Visitors to Tenby can visit the remains, which is just one small tower that overlooks the town and out to sea.
After visiting the castle, walk the 13th century town walls; the walls on the north side are partially complete, however, on the east side they run uninterrupted all the way to The Esplanade.
Looking for a beachside break? Look through Tenby accommodation today!
Next on our list of the best castles in Wales is Pembroke Castle, considered one of Wales’s most iconic castles!
The South Wales castle has a fascinating history that can be traced back to 1093, when the small inner bailey standing was built by Arnulf de Montgomery. You will find that all the rooms in Pembroke Castle are circular and that the castle keep is nearly 80ft high.
This Welsh castle is the only castle to be built over a natural cavern in Britain, and is the birthplace of Henry VII.
Discover Pembrokeshire cottages and secure your perfect stay!
If you are seeking romantic things to do in Wales, then look no further than Castell Coch.
Castell Coch, or Red Castle, nestles in the ancient beech woods of Fforest Fawr. This fairy-tale castle in South Wales is a dazzling masterpiece, sure to transport you into a Grimm Brother’s tale.
Its beautiful red sandstone exterior and impressive conical roofs give a glimpse of the grand splendour found within. Just one of the many hidden gems in South Wales.
Completing our guide to the best castles in Wales is the iconic gem of Powis Castle.
Built in 1200 to be a medieval fortress, this castle has been remodelled many times. This was to suit the ever-changing needs of the Herbert Family.
This Mid Wales castle is a very exciting structure with stunning staterooms and an old dungeon. Yet, almost as impressive are the beautiful gardens that surround it.
The garden at Powis Castle is one of the few Baroque gardens to remain intact since the 1680s. Boasting Italian and French influences, the garden is a delight for lovers of beauty! Spend your summer’s afternoon picnicking on the lawn, admiring the terraces’ orangey or finding the remaining lead statues.
Round off your day at the castle by visiting the Courtyard Restaurant and shop. Here, you will find a selection of homeware, gifts, and delicious treats!
If you have spotted a Welsh castle that you can’t wait to visit, book your holiday cottage with us today and prepare to be amazed by these impressive feats of architecture. Alternatively, discover castle accommodation and live like medieval lords and ladies for a week or so!
Image Credits: Robert Davies – (CC BY-SA 2.0); Ognyan Petrov – (CC BY-SA 4.0); kitmasterbloke – (CC BY 2.0); Mike Peel – (CC BY-SA 4.0); RJMorgans – (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Hi, I'm Georgina and I joined the team in November 2018. I've enjoyed UK holidays from a young age and have picked up lots of tips...
Read More About Author
Sign up to receive exclusive offers, competitions and the latest news to your inbox, and you'll be entered into our monthly prize-draw 3 times!
It’s that time of the year again! That’s right, festival season is back… and this year, many events are...
We already know that leap year occurs every four years, but did you know that the year is full...
Discover the essence of this region’s culture through its unique Yorkshire slang! From “‘ey up” to “nowt,” this blog...
Are you on the phone to our call centre? Your Customer ID is:
Get involved in the Discussion