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. From imposing fortresses to atmospheric ruins, here we’ve picked out four of the best castles to visit in Conwy.
Any one of these makes a great day out for Conwy residents and visitors alike – and if you are indeed visiting from elsewhere, it’s well worth looking into camping as an accommodation option. The fabulous scenery of Conwy makes a beautiful backdrop for an outdoor stay, and camping will often help you to reduce the cost of your break too. Check out Pitchup’s full collection of Conwy campsites below, with prices starting from as little as £10 per night.
Conwy Castle
There’s only one place to start, of course – Conwy Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that’s 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 Eryri (Snowdonia). There's also an exhibition detailing the castle’s history to help you envisage its life across the ages.
Opening hours for Conwy Castle vary across the year, so it’s always worth checking the latest details online before your visit.
Deganwy Castle
The story of Deganwy Castle dates back over 1000 years, but time has taken its toll and sadly not much of the structure survives today.
The first fortification at Deganwy Castle was built here in 1080, before later being 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. However, 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 the castle isn’t fully intact 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.
Getting to Deganwy Castle is nice and easy – it’s only about 10 minutes' walk from the town’s railway station, on a route that also features on our list of the best Conwy walking trails.
Bryn y Castell
The small and isolated hillfort at Bryn y Castell lay undiscovered for many centuries before being excavated in the 1980s. Since then, archaeologists have unearthed various structures and artefacts that have helped them piece together the origins of this site.
It’s now thought that the fort here dates back to some time between 50BC and 50AD, and was an important site for iron production. The site has been partially reconstructed now, so visitors can gain some idea of what it might have looked like in its heyday.
It’ll take around half an hour to climb up to Bryn y Castell from the road, 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 Eryri/Snowdonia National Park. The hillfort is also part of the Snowdonia Slate Trail, designed to showcase the area’s heritage as well as its stunning scenery.
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 sublime scenery as much as the sense of history. This 13th-century fortification is thought to have been built by Llywelyn the Great, and 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. Best of all, it’s free to visit, so it’s a fabulous choice for a family day out that will fire up young imaginations.
Planning your Conwy break
If you’ve still got a thirst for more of the history of North Wales, set your sights a little further afield and explore the castles of Denbighshire, or cross the Menai Bridge for Anglesey’s best historic sites. Or, if you’d like a different kind of day out, how about a trip to one of Conwy’s best beaches, or choosing one of the many outdoor activities in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park?
Whatever you choose to fill your days with, Conwy makes an excellent choice for a short break or a longer holiday. Choosing outdoor accommodation is a fantastic way to make the most of your scenic surroundings, whether you’re in the market for wild camping, a luxury cabin with a hot tub or anything in between. Take a look at Pitchup’s full range of Conwy campsites to find the place that suits your style.