There are so many castles in Wales that it can be hard to know which ones to visit. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Girl About Travel’s UK travel guide lists down the most famous castles in Wales and explains why you should add them to your bucket list. From imposing fortresses perched on top of rocky hills to grandiose palaces that date back centuries, get ready to be blown away.
Wales: A Castle-building Nation
Before getting to our list of castles, it’s important to understand the context in which they were built. Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world!
This is partly because of its strategic location – between England and Ireland – and also because of its turbulent history. Since the country was frequently invaded and conquered by its neighbors, castles were seen as a necessary defense against enemy attacks.
The Normans built the first castles in Wales in the late 11th century, and many more followed over the next few centuries. It’s estimated that there are around 600 castles in Wales!
If you’re done with England and have checked out all the things to do in Scotland, here are our top picks for the castles in Wales you absolutely have to see in your life:
1. Caernarfon Castle – one of the most famous castles in Wales
Starting off our list is Caernarfon Castle, located in the northwestern town of the same name. Situated in a picturesque spot on the banks of the River Seiont, this imposing castle was built by Edward I in the late 13th century as a seat of power for the English monarchy.
Caernarfon Castle is one of the most recognizable castles in Wales, thanks to its unique polygonal towers and imposing gatehouse. It’s also a World Heritage Site, and was used as a filming location for the 1981 movie Excalibur!
Caernarfon Castle was also used as a model for other castles built by Edward I in Wales, including Conwy and Beaumaris castles.
Things you can do at Caernarfon Castle:
- Climb up one of the towers for stunning views of the castle and surrounding town
- Explore the royal apartments and learn about life in medieval times
- Visit the castles’ two museums – the Regimental Museum of The Royal Welch Fusiliers and The Edward I Experience
- Stroll around the castle grounds and enjoy the beautiful gardens
2. Conwy Castle – a medieval masterpiece
Next on our list is Conwy Castle, located in the town of Conwy on the north coast of Wales. It was also Edward I who commissioned the building of this castle in the late 13th century, and it was constructed between 1283 and 1289.
Like Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle was built as a seat of power for the English monarchy to subdue the Welsh people. It’s an imposing fortress with eight massive towers and two barbicans (defensive gatehouses). Now that’s what I call a castle!
A moat surrounds the castle, and you can still see the remains of the drawbridge that would have been used to cross it. Conwy Castle is also a World Heritage Site and is considered one of the finest examples of medieval military architecture!
Things you can do at Conwy Castle:
- Climb to the top of one of the towers for panoramic views of the castle, town, and surrounding countryside
- Explore the castle’s many rooms and chambers, including the Great Hall, royal apartments, and dungeons!
3. Beaumaris Castle – the “perfect” castle
Sometimes dubbed “the most perfect castle in Britain”, Beaumaris Castle is located on the Isle of Anglesey off the north coast of Wales. It was also built by Edward I, and construction began in 1295.
The castle is built in a concentric design, with two rings of defensive walls and towers. The beauty of this castle lies in its symmetry – all the towers are of equal height and size, and the walls are perfectly straight.
Despite its beauty, Beaumaris Castle was never completed due to a lack of money and manpower. As a result, Beaumaris Castle never saw any major military action and remains largely intact today!
Things you can do at Beaumaris Castle:
- You can explore the castle’s many rooms and chambers, including the great hall, royal apartments, kitchens, and more
- Climb to the top of one of the towers for breathtaking views of the castle, town, and surrounding countryside
- Visit the castle’s museum to learn about its history and construction
4. Cardiff Castle – a castle with a difference
What sets Cardiff Castle apart from other castles in Wales is its location – right in the heart of the capital city, Cardiff!
The castle has a long and complex history, with the first fortifications built on the site by the Romans in the late first century AD. Today’s castle was mostly constructed in the 11th century by Norman invaders and later transformed into a luxurious Victorian palace in the 19th century.
Today, Cardiff Castle is one of Wales’ top tourist attractions, and it’s easy to see why! The castle grounds are beautiful, and there’s so much to see and do.
Things to do at Cardiff Castle:
- Explore the castle’s many rooms and chambers
- Visit the castle’s two museums – The Cardiff Story and The Castle Apartments Museum
- Photo-ops aplenty! Cardiff Castle is one of the most photogenic castles in Wales.
5. Chepstow Castle – the oldest castle in Wales
What’s a castle list without including the oldest castle in Wales? This list includes Chepstow Castle, built by the Norman invaders in the late 11th century when the first castles were built in Wales.
Over 900 years old, Chepstow Castle is located in the town of Chepstow on the banks of the River Wye, and it’s a beautiful castle with plenty of history. Several medieval lords used the castle as a seat of power and later served as a prison during the English Civil War.
Over the centuries, Chepstow Castle has been used as a garrison, prison, and even a private home. Today, the castle is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors worldwide!
Check out Chepstow Castle to know more!
Things to do at Chepstow castle:
- Go on a tour of the castle’s many rooms and chambers
- Explore the castle grounds, which include a Norman church, medieval gardens, and more
- Visit the castle’s museum to learn about its history
6. Harlech Castle – a castle with breathtaking views
Harlech Castle is another of Wales’ castles built by Edward I during his conquest of Wales in the late 13th century. The castle is located on a rocky outcrop in Harlech, a town on the coast of northwest Wales.
The castle has an eventful history, serving as a garrison for Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion against England and later as a prison during the Wars of the Roses.
Today, Harlech Castle is open to the public and is one of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. The castle’s location affords it breathtaking views of Snowdonia National Park – definitely worth a visit!
Harlech Castle Trivia:
- Harlech Castle is the only castle in Wales with a Welsh name – Castell Arddu.
- The castle was used as a filming location for the 1964 film ‘Zulu’, starring Michael Caine.
7. Criccieth Castle – a picturesque castle on the coast
Criccieth Castle is a 13th-century castle located in the town of Criccieth, on the coast of northwest Wales. The castle was built by Llywelyn the Great as part of his effort to consolidate power in Wales.
Over the centuries, the castle changed hands several times between Welsh princes and English kings before being captured by Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion in the early 15th century.
Today, Criccieth Castle is open to the public and is one of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions. The castle’s location – perched atop a rocky outcrop overlooking Cardigan Bay – makes it one of the most picturesque castles in Wales!
Criccieth castle trivia:
- The castle’s name com8es from the Welsh words ‘crug’ and ‘caeth’, meaning ‘fortified hill’.
- The castle was used as a filming location for the 1971 film ‘Dr. Zhivago’, starring Omar Sharif.
8. Pembroke Castle – the castle with a rich history
Around the same time that Criccieth Castle was built, Llywelyn the Great also built Pembroke Castle – another of Wales’ castles with a rich history.
The castle is located in the town of Pembroke on the southwest coast of Wales. It served as a seat of power for several medieval lords before being captured by Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion in the early 15th century (yup- the same rebellion that captured Criccieth Castle!).
Pembroke Castle later served as a prison during the English Civil War. Today, Pembroke Castle is open to the public and is one of Wales’ most popular tourist attractions.
Its appearance has changed little since the Middle Ages, making it one of the most well-preserved castles in Wales!
Pembroke Castle Trivia:
- The castle is home to a colony of white storks – rare birds native to Africa but have made Pembroke Castle their home for centuries.
- The castle was used as a filming location for Me Before You, a romantic drama starring Emilia Clarke and Sam Claflin.
Final Thoughts
Wales is a country with a rich history, and its castles are a reflection of that. If you’re ever in Wales, visit some of these castles – you won’t regret it!
