Our Pick Of Conwy Castles To Visit
It’s been said that Wales has the greatest number of castles per head of any country in the world – and while that may or may not be true, there are certainly some great castles to explore in the Conwy area. With five fortifications to visit in the town of Conwy and the surrounding area , it’s a good idea to book yourself into a nearby campsite for a couple of nights so that you can delve into the history of Conwy’s castles and town walls without feeling rushed.
Saunter around the great hall and outer ward at Conwy Castle, step back in time studying the ruins of Bryn y Castell or wander around the Grade I listed gardens at Gwydir. However you spend your time in these special places, you’re in for a brilliant day out against a marvellous backdrop of stunning Welsh countryside.
Here’s our pick of Conwy castles to visit on your next trip…
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a recognised UNESCO World Heritage Site and exceptionally well preserved for its age. It’s one of the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe and a must-do when you’re in the area.
Surprisingly, it only took four years for King Edward I and his architect – Master James of St George – to build this sensational monument between 1283 and 1287. And it’s safe to say that the high curtain wall and eight large towers are as awe-inspiring today as they would have been 700 years ago.
Visitors to the castle can climb the restored spiral staircases and walk a complete circuit around its battlements before stopping to admire the outstanding views across Conwy harbour and the mountains of Snowdonia.
If you’re tempted to visit this medieval castle, then as always please check the website for details on opening times and admission prices in advance.
Why not go for a stroll in nature after you’ve explored these revered ruins? Take a look at our pick of the best walks in Conwy for some ideas.
Gwydir Castle
Gwydir is actually a fortified manor house rather than a traditional castle but it made it onto this list because it’s a fantastic family-friendly day out. This spot in the extraordinary Conwy Valley is considered to be one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales.
The castle dates back to the 15th century and the current owners – Judy Corbett and her husband Peter Welford – purchased it in 1994, when the house and gardens were in disrepair. Hear the story of its restoration during your visit, or read about it in Corbett’s autobiographical book Castles in the Air– just follow the link on their website to make your purchase.
Before heading back to your campsite, take a stroll through the Grade I-listed 10-acre gardens and admire the many ancient trees that are planted here. One of the mighty cedars is believed to be between 600 and 1000 years old, making it potentially older than the castle itself.
Deganwy Castle dates back over 1000 years but unfortunately not much of it survives today. The first fortification was built here in 1080 and was later destroyed by the Welsh at the end of the 12th century.
Then, in 1213, Llewelyn the Great (a Welsh national hero) built a new fortress here but very little of it remains, as his sons decided to destroy the castle after their father’s death rather than handing it over to King John. According to local tradition, some of the stone from this structure was used to build the well-loved Conwy Castle.
Just because there’s not much left to see doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting though – you can still explore the remains of the castle walls and towers that were constructed by Henry III towards the end of the 13th century. And if you walk up the twin rocks that the castle would've once stood on (known as the Vardre), you’ll get some fantastic views across the countryside.
Like using your imagination to picture what was there before the ruins? Then you might want to make a trip to Beaumaris Castle – it’s known as ‘the greatest castle never built’ and is a 45-minute drive away on the island of Anglesey.
Extend your trip in Wales and stay at a campsite in Anglesey for a night or two.
Bryn y Castell
This small and isolated hillfort was once a significant site for the production of iron in the 13th century. The fortress that once stood here was thought to have been constructed by Llywelyn the Great– the same castle builder that left his mark on the sites of Deganwy and Dolwyddelan.
Over the last 200 years, the area has seen multiple excavations and lots of historical artefacts have been unearthed – such as glass beads, stone anvils and smelting furnaces.
It’ll take around half an hour to climb up to Bryn y Castell, but once you’re at the top, you’ll be treated to excellent views of Cadair Idris, an 893-metre mountain at the southern end of Snowdonia National Park.
Escape to a recommended campsite in Snowdonia and sleep under the stars.
Dolwyddelan Castle
Dolwyddelan Castle is a stunning mountain-pass fortress deep in the valleys of Snowdonia and a masterpiece that’s worth visiting for the views alone as it’s surrounded by absolutely sublime scenery.
It’s another 13th-century fortification thought to have been built by Llywelyn the Greatand the original two-storey tower here was made from local slate rubble and grit.
Quite a few additions have been made to the original castle over the years – a second two-tier tower was added by Edward I in around 1283 when he was repairing the fortification and in the 15th century, a third storey was added to the main keep.
The castle’s battlements were built in the 19th century by Lord Willoughby de Eresby (a title in the Peerage of England) and today, visitors can explore the romantic ruins and learn more about the rich history of this castle at an on-site exhibition.
Want to explore more of the county? Then browse our list of the top things to do in Conwy before heading home.