With more ancient fortresses per square mile than anywhere else in Europe, Wales is Britain’s undisputed king of castles. Most of the structures date back to the reign of King Edward I, who built the castles to help him hold onto his newly acquired lands. Known today as Edwardian castles, the fortresses marked a new era in castle construction.
Instead of the classic motte-and-bailey design with its central keep and outer stockade, Edwardian castles feature rings of walls and multiple towers that make them look as if they were lifted out of a fairytale. That storybook quality makes castles in Wales particularly attractive as family vacation destinations, but people of all ages are sure to find them enchanting.
18. Dinefwr Castle
Overlooking the rolling River Towy, the Dinefwr Castle, is embellished in equally old nature. Old-growth forests wrap around the castle grounds, having been eloquently laid out in the 18th century.
The story of the castle returns us to the 1100s. The nearby forts hint at a domineering Roman presence. While on the estate, a 17th century manor house tells of the power of Dinefwr Castle held within Wales until recent times.
Such is the beauty of Dinefwr, it’s said if you were to squeeze the soil tight, out would flow the essence of Wales.
17. Laugharne Castle
Inspiring poets and travelers alike, it’s easy to fall in love with the resplendent beauty of Laugharne Castle. The lush surrounding green, ancient bridge across the trickling stream all mark a heralded foreground.
Successive battles between the Normans and the Welsh left this 13th-century castle in near ruin. It was then transformed into a Renaissance mansion befitting of Sir John Perrot.
After his execution for high treason, Perrot’s castle returned to a ruinous state. Albeit, slightly. But today you can see the remnants of the Grand Hall and the resounding towers.
16. Bodelwyddan Castle
Surrounded by lush countryside and distant peaks, Bodelwyddan Castle is enveloped in charming scenery. The castle itself is remarkably well maintained, with its origins tracing to the middle of the 15th century.
On the edge of Snowdonia, with so much encompassing beauty, you may be thinking, I wish we could stay here. Well, the good news is you can.
Separating it from other ancient castles, Bodelwyddan Castle has been transformed into an elegant hotel, providing you with unique access to the Middle Ages but also the world around it.
15. Carew Castle
On the Pembrokeshire Coast, Carew Castle’s rich past spans over 2,000 years. The first half tells the tales of knights, battles, and struggles. The second half features what we now see of the castle, from the late 1200s.
After the Norman conquest of England, Carew Castle became the center of their rule in the region. As you explore, you can learn about these stories, that of kingmakers and, later, civil war devastation.
Beyond the past is the castle’s present beauty. Set on the sprawling Millpond, the views are gorgeous. So too the Elizabethan mansion, and the 11th century Tidal Mill and ancient Celtic cross.
14. Margam Castle
Unlike many of the ancient castles in Wales, Margam Castle is a relatively modern addition. Built in 1835, this Tudor-Gothic home represents the wishes of Christopher Mansell. He wished to mark the history of Margam with a grand residence of its own.
The fantasy castle-home features a bombardment of turrets, battlements, cupolas, towers and gables. The architect, who was asked to let his imagination run wild, certainly did his job.
After being used by troops in WWII, it now lies in the hands of the public who can explore the castle and surrounding grounds. Beware, however, the castle may be haunted!
13. Dolbadarn Castle
Set in beautiful lonesomeness on the banks of Llyn Padarn, Dolbadarn Castle was a vital part of the defence of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. The castle dates back to the late 12th century, and was strategically placed to protect a route along the Llanberis Pass.
Today, this location marks the edge of Snowdonia National Park and offers visitors astounding views of the surrounding landscapes. Time has played its artistic hand on the castle, with its remains showing only the base and walls of Dolbadarn Castle.
Rather poignantly, however, is the striking tower that stands over the castle grounds as it has for centuries.
12. Chepstow Castle
It’s been almost 1,000 years since the last stone bricks were laid upon the Chepstow Castle. The 11th century stronghold lies in marvelous ruin today but remains one of the oldest stone castles in the entire UK.
Highlights from the ageless castle don’t end there. In fact, after admiring Chepstow from the surging River Wye, you’ll soon be standing in front of an ancient wooden door. At 800 years young, it’s the oldest of its kind in Wales.
Exploring the castle is akin to learning the history of stone. Such is the age of the castle, you can visually see how it evolved to handle improving armies and their weapons.
11. Powis Castle
As renowned for its gardens as the castle itself, Powis Castle presents visitors with a multitude of opportunities. The castle’s story begins in the early years of the 13th century as a medieval fortress.
The warm colors of Powis Castle’s facade boast an elegant design that doesn’t hide the structure’s imposing presence. Passed through the hands of lords and rulers in the centuries since, the interior is adorned with lavish accents, decor and period furniture.
Its gorgeous French and Italian-style surrounding gardens have developed a world-class reputation and make exploring the surrounding grounds as memorable as the interior.
10. Criccieth Castle
Resting atop a headland jutting out into Tremaddog Bay, Criccieth Castle demonstrates the influence that King Edward I had on Welsh fortress construction. Built by Llywelyn the Great in the late 13th century, the design included many features of Edwardian castles, including an outer wall, outward-facing arrow slits and murder holes in passageways.
The castle changed hands between the Welsh and English until the 15th century when it was burned during the last great Welsh rebellion. Visitors to Criccieth can wander through the ruins and explore exhibits about the history of Welsh castles.
9. Carreg Cennen
Perched on a rocky limestone hill in the town of Llandeilo in Carmartenshire, Wales, Carreg Cennen Castle is prized for the views it offers as much as for its ancient history. The 12th-century Welsh structure was built by Rhys of Deheubarth and was rebuilt in the 13th century by John Giffard on behalf of Edward I.
Although much of the castle was destroyed during the Wars of Roses, the ruins are well worth a visit. Visitors who climb their way to the hill’s summit are rewarded with breathtaking views.
8. Cardiff Castle
Built on the banks of the Taff River, Cardiff Castle has a history that dates back to Britain’s Roman occupation. Over the centuries, it has been transformed into a Norman keep, a medieval fortress and a Gothic residence. In the 1800s, the third Marquess of Bute turned the structure into a fairytale-like castle in the Gothic Revival style.
Today, the castle is operated by the city of Cardiff as a tourist attraction. Visitors can tour the castle’s sumptuous apartments, explore the Firing Line regimental museum and roam the beautifully landscaped parks around the castle grounds.
7. Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle in the county of Gwent was one of the last medieval castles in Wales, and the structure demonstrates how Britain’s fortresses eventually gave way to palaces. Although it was designed for defense when construction began in 1435, attention was also paid to human comfort with an array of luxurious apartments built around a scenic courtyard.
A climb to the top of the Great Tower offers views of the moat below and the surrounding countryside. Visitors can explore the cellars, which were built to hold hundreds of casks of wine, and can view medieval wood carvings still visible on the castle’s long gallery.
6. Pembroke Castle
Located in the county of Pembrokeshire in Southeast Wales, Pembroke Castle is the largest privately owned castle in Wales. It’s also one of the oldest and best preserved. Construction dates back to 1093 when the Earl of Shrewsbury took control of the town from the Welsh.
Famed as the place where Henry VII was born, Pembroke began to fall into decay in the 17th century but was fully restored during the early 1900s. Open to the public, the castle features staged tableaux that depict events in the castle’s history, battle re-enactments and falconry displays.
5. Caerphilly Castle
Situated on an island on a massive estate in the county of Gwent, Caerphilly Castle is considered the first true concentric castle built in Wales. The inner ward with its rounded corner towers is surrounded by an outer wall with an attached guardhouse.
Construction of the fortress began in 1268 by Earl Gilbert de Clare, who built the castle on the site of an ancient Roman fort. Although stone from the castle was later taken to build homes in the region, Caerphilly was restored by a coal baron during the Victorian Era.
4. Beaumaris Castle
King Edward I and his favored architect James of St. George had perfected the art of castle building by the time they began construction of Beaumaris Castle in 1295. Located on the Isle Anglesey in the county of Gwynedd, the beautifully designed concentric castle features a moat connected to the sea, round towers on every corner and staggered entrances and portcullises between the inner ward and outer wall.
Although the inner apartments of the castle were never constructed, the castle remains an imposing sight. Visitors are free to explore the grounds and wander through passages in the walls.
3. Conwy Castle
Located in the picturesque town on Conwy on the North Coast of Wales, Conwy Castle was built by King Edward I between 1283 and 1289. The castle is considered one of the finest works by architect James of St. George. Built to take advantage of its location on a rocky hill on the banks of the Conwy Estuary, the well-preserved castle features two fortified gateways, eight gigantic towers and massive great hall.
Knowledgeable guides offer one-hour tours that take visitors from the castle’s royal chambers and chapel up to the top of the battlements.
2. Harlech Castle
Built on the summit of a 60 meter (200 foot) high hill overlooking Cardigan Bay and the Llŷn Peninsula, Harlech Castle may be marked by centuries of battle and decay, but it’s still one of the most popular castles in Wales.
Built for Edward I in 1283, architect James of St. George took advantage of the site’s sheer cliffs on the northern and western boundaries to strengthen the castle’s fortifications. The castle was attacked almost as soon as it was completed and served as a fortress well into the 1600s. Today, visitors can roam the castle ruins and enjoy one of the finest views on the Cambrian coast.
1. Caernarfon Castle
Located on the mouth of the River Seiont in the town of Caernarfon, Caernarfon Castle is beautiful example of the Edwardian style of castle. Designed by the era’s premier architect James of St. George, construction of the castle began in 1283 with the building of a huge outer wall that encircled the entire settlement, much of which still stands today.
A series of towers and gates built along the castle’s inner wall offered added protection. King Edward’s son was born in Caernarfon and was dubbed the Prince of Wales, a title that the heir to the throne has been awarded ever since.
Amazing post and superb information of the castles in Wales. This is nice for someone who wants to visit Wales and just want to have a look at castles and their history. I like the ruins of Carreg Cennen. Conway Castle on the town of Conway is also not bad and looks like an imposing structure.
Thanks for the information.