North Wales is renowned for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its magnificent castles.
From towering medieval fortresses to romantic fairy-tale ruins, the region is a treasure trove for history lovers and castle enthusiasts!
Four of the castles - Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris and Harlech - are designated as a World Heritage Site because of their historical significance.
If you're planning a visit to Eryri | Snowdonia and North Wales, make sure to explore any of these captivating castles that showcase the area's heritage and splendor.
All of them are not far from our B&B - Crafnant House - which is just south of Conwy Castle!
Planning your holiday in North Wales?
Crafnant House is our boutique B&B in Trefriw in Eryri | Snowdonia!
Best Castles To Explore In North Wales!
So here are our recommendations for the best castells - castell is the Welsh word for castle - to visit on your holiday in Eryri | Snowdonia and North Wales.
They are listed in no particular order as it is difficult to pick a favourite, so maybe try and explore them all!
All are not far from each other so you can easily visit more than one in a day, so maybe stay in a central location and visit all of them over the course of a few days!
Castell Conwy | Conwy Castle
Dominating the medieval walled town of Conwy on the North Wales coast, Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive fortresses in Europe.
Built by Edward I between 1283 and 1289, this formidable castle features eight massive towers and a unique, double-ring of walls, making it a marvel of military architecture.
Visitors can climb the towers, walk the battlements, and soak in breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and Conwy Estuary, with Llandudno and the Irish Sea in the distance.
Also make sure you have time to explore the town walls, quayside and quaint streets in the town where you will find a great selection of independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Directions to Conwy Castle
The castle towers over the town so you can’t miss it!
There is a large pay and display car park on the south side of Conwy from where it is only a short walk to the castle.
Conwy Castle dominates the small town of Conwy - you can’t miss it!
Castell Caernarfon | Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle is another jewel in North Wales's crown and is revered for its sheer grandeur and historical significance.
This iconic castle, also commissioned by Edward I, is famous for its polygonal towers and its imposing presence at the mouth of the River Seiont.
Steeped in history and legend, a visit to Caernarfon Castle offers a glimpse into the pageantry and power of the medieval English monarchy.
It was used for the filming of the Netflix series “The Crown”, recreating the 1969 coronation of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales.
A recent £5 million redevelopment project at the castle has seen the majestic King's Gate having a rooftop deck installed, floors in its towers and a lift to allow visitors to reach parts of that have been inaccessible for centuries.
Directions to Caernarfon Castle
It is located in the heart of Caernarfon on the waterfront - again you can’t miss it!
Car parks are located nearby on the quayside and at Victoria Quay.
Jasmine and Bryn at the magnificent castle in Caernarfon!
Castell Beaumaris | Beaumaris Castle
Located on the Isle of Anglesey in the attractive town of the same name, Beaumaris Castle is the most technically perfect castle in Wales and a masterpiece of concentric design.
Despite its incomplete state - it was never finished due to a lack of money! - Beaumaris Castle's symmetrical beauty and strategic layout make it a must-see for enthusiasts of medieval military architecture.
The surrounding town of Beaumaris also offers charming streets and stunning views of the Menai Strait, with the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia in the background.
Directions to Beaumaris Castle
It is located in the heart of Beaumaris at the end of the main street.
A large car park is located nearby on the waterfront.
The moat surrounding the magnificent castle at Beaumaris
Castell Harlech | Harlech Castle
Set atop a dramatic cliff overlooking the Irish Sea and the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia, Harlech Castle is a testament to the military engineering of its time.
Again built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales, this fortress played a pivotal role in Welsh history.
The castle's commanding position and well-preserved ruins make it a site of both historical intrigue and breathtaking natural beauty.
It arguably has one of the most spectacular settings of all the castles in North Wales and is well worth a visit because of this!
Directions to Harlech Castle
Harlech is a small town and you will easily see the castle when approaching it.
A small car park is located at the front of the castle.
Be sure to explore all the nooks and crannies at atmospheric Harlech Castle.
Castell Criccieth | Criccieth Castle
Perched on a rocky peninsula overlooking the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay, Criccieth Castle boasts unrivaled views of the Llŷn Peninsula coastline.
This romantic and picturesque castle, with its twin-towered gatehouse, embodies the charm and mystique of Welsh medieval history, and was originally built by two of Owain Glyndŵr’s predecessors.
First Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) who a gatehouse and D-shaped stone towers before his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd added the outer ward, curtain walls and two more towers.
When Edward I duly invaded control of the castle passed to him before the powerful medieval Welsh prince Owain Glyndŵr destroyed it and the town of Crricieth was controlled by the Welsh once again.
Visitors can now explore the castle grounds and imagine its former glory as a noble residence and stronghold.
Directions to Criccieth Castle
The castle dominates one end of Cardigan Bay overlooking the beach at Criccieth.
On-street car parking is available nearby.
Bryn admiring the views from Criccieth Castle!
Castell Dolbadarn | Dolbadarn Castle
Nestled in the stunning slate landscapes of Llanberis in the heart of Eryri | Snowdonia, Dolbadarn Castle holds an air of ancient mystique and rugged beauty.
This small but evocative castle, built by Llywelyn the Great in the early 13th century, stands on the shores of Llyn Padarn and provides a captivating glimpse into the history of Welsh princes and their struggle for independence.
A lone tower remains of the castle, built to protect the Llanberis Pass - the route inland from Caernarfon on the coast to the Conwy Valley.
It is well worth visiting as the setting inland - surrounded by the mountains of Eryri | Snowdonia National Park - is spectacular and a marked contrast to other Welsh castles on the coast.
Directions to Dolbadarn Castle
The castle is found at the eastern end of Llyn Padarn - a large pay and display car park is available at the nearby National Slate Museum.
The spectacular setting of Castell Dolbadarn | Dolbadarn Castle - (c) CADW
Castell Dolwyddelan | Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle is perched dramatically on a hilltop near the village of the same name, picturesquely located near Betws-y-Coed on the road to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
This striking 13th-century fortress, associated with the legendary King Llywelyn the Great, is crafted from local stone meaning it blends seamlessly into the rugged surroundings.
Standing amidst breathtaking views of both mountains and valleys, Dolwyddelan Castle - just like Dolbadarn above - was built to protect a mountain pass.
By the early 19th century Dolwyddelan Castle was a romantic ruin popular with landscape artists.
The current incarnation is not all original though - the then Lord Willoughby de Eresby ‘restored’ the keep with medieval-style battlements which is what you see today.
Directions to Dolwyddelan Castle
The castle is found just off the A470 south of Betws-y-Coed, to the west of the village of Dolwyddelan.
The nearest parking is in a layby 500m away from which a public footpath leads to the castle.
The rugged keep of Dolwyddelan Castle
Other castles in North Wales that are also worth visiting are:
Flint Castle
Denbigh Castle
Rhuddlan Castle
For more information on these and other historic sites take a look at the CADW website - they are the organisation that manage and preserve most of our castles!
Summary
So whether you're fascinated by medieval history, architectural marvels, or simply the beauty of ancient edifices set amidst breathtaking landscapes, North Wales's castles have something to offer every visitor.
A tour of all of these remarkable castles promises an unforgettable journey through both the annals of Welsh history and the spectacular villages, towns and landscapes they are situated within.
So start planning your holiday now and when you stay with us at Crafnant House we’ll make sure you have the best Welsh castle adventure possible!
Planning a visit to the castles of North Wales?
Crafnant House is our B&B in the village of Trefriw, Eryri | Snowdonia.
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