14 Castles in North Wales - Sykes Inspiration

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 18^th 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…

Ognyan Petrov - CC BY SA 4.0

Gwrych Castle

A547
Abergele
LL22 7TL

Gwrych Castle is a privately owned manor house and Grade I listed castle, dating back to the 19th century, close to Abergele in the county of Conwy. It is the setting for the 2020 series of I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here!
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Harlech Castle

Harlech Castle
Harlech
Gwynedd
LL46 2YH

Harlech Castle is an imposing Welsh fortress overlooking the town and the sandy dunes that rest far below. For a historical thing to do in Snowdonia, visit the breath-taking Grade I-listed medieval castle!
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Powis Castle and Gardens

Powis Castle and Garden
Welshpool
North Wales
United Kingdom
SY21 8RF

01938551944

Powis Castle was built in the mid-13th century by Welsh prince, Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn. Famous for its mild climate, fertile soil and gently rolling hills, the kingdom of Powys was once known as ‘the paradise of Wales’ and was the perfect spot for such a magnificent castle. Bequeathed to the National Trust following family tragedy, all can now enjoy the beauty of Powis Castle.
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Valle Crucis Abbey

Valle Crucis Abbey
Llayntysilio
Llangollen
LL20 8DD

030002 52239

Visit one of the best-preserved and most atmospheric medieval abbeys in Wales. Famed for its lavish banquets served with silver vessels and with ale ‘flowing like a river’, you’ll find evidence of its decadent past at every turn.
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Castles in North Wales

Gwrych Castle

Harlech Castle

Powis Castle and Gardens

Valle Crucis Abbey