Top Things to do in North Wales
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Things to do in North Wales, Wales: The Best Castles
Discover the best top things to do in North Wales, United Kingdom including Harlech Castle, Gwydir Castle, Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Beaumaris Castle, Penrhyn Castle, Chirk Castle, Castell y Bere, Castell Dinas Bran, Dolbadarn Castle.
Restaurants in North Wales
1. Harlech Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,762 reviews
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again. No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By gparneix - Palm Coast, United States
Harlech Castle (Welsh: Castell Harlech), located in Harlech, Gwynedd, Wales, is a medieval fortification, constructed atop a spur of rock close to the Irish Sea. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. UNESCO considers Harlech to be one of "the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe", and it is classed as a World Heritage site.
2. Gwydir Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 170 reviews
This castle was built in the 14th century and is considered one of the finest Tudor house in Wales.
Reviewed By 487malcolmj
I have always wanted to visit Gwydir Castle since reading owner Judy Corbett's book 'Castles in the Air' over 15 years' ago. Sometimes the reality of a place doesn't live up to your mind's expectations but this was definitely not the case at Gwydir Castle. It is a fascinating time capsule of a place with beautiful stone buildings, a wonderful setting and intriguing gardens - complete with wandering peacocks! The quality of the ongoing conservation repair works is of the highest standard; so good that they are not easy to discern at first glance as owner Peter Welford pointed out to me. Massive credit to the owners for rescuing this marvellous place and opening it to the public for all to experience and enjoy. Allow plenty of time to visit as Gwydir Castle is unique and really quite spellbinding.
3. Caernarfon Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,011 reviews
After all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By WendyH291
The castle is huge, be prepared for a lot of climbing up steep narrow stairs to negotiate walking right around the castle battlements. There is an interesting short film to watch giving the history of the castle which is worth watching and quite a big museum which is devoted to the history of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers . The views from the towers over the town and the water are very good. We enjoyed walking around the town afterwards.
4. Conwy Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,503 reviews
Advance booking required Built in the late 13th century and reputed to be haunted by a past resident, this picturesque castle was built for King Edward I and is a perfect example of the "concentric castle" design. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By esorlegin - Conwy, United Kingdom
An amazing 800 year old castle. The more you know about the history of North Wales and the Celts, the more you will appreciate the role this castle played in Welsh history (British/Welsh history 101 : Celts invaded by Romans, Invaded by Vikings, Saxons, Angles etc. Invaded by the French Norman’s etc etc. Each invasion pushed the Celts back into the mountains reducing their lands) Try and visit in dry weather as the stone steps up the towers can be a bit slippery. One tip - last weekend of September there is free admission!!!
5. Beaumaris Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,960 reviews
Advance booking required. A World Heritage Site, Beaumaris Castle has a perfect concentric design, is surrounded by a water moat, and has stunning views over the Menai straits and Snowdonia mountain range. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for specific times and days, including closures.
Reviewed By catm494 - Liverpool, United Kingdom
we visited at the bank holiday Sunday they had a bouncy castle in the grounds and all families where roaming round letting the kids run free and where all safe . There is a moat around castle the kids loved , great day out and well worth a visit as close to the shops and cafes something for both adults and kids
6. Penrhyn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,428 reviews
This 19th-century neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait. It's crammed with fascinating items, such as a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria, elaborate carvings, plasterwork and mock-Norman furniture. In addition, it has an outstanding collection of paintings.The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum.The 24.3 hectares (60 acres) of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden.
Reviewed By Scooteraande - Bergen, Norway
Visited this castle on recommendation from mother in law - beautiful grounds it is set in - when I first saw it I was not impressed with the outside appearance however this was soon changed when I went inside the house - what a beautiful maintained property by the national trust -the staff were excellent and explained about the appearance of the outside of the building due to the limestone - staff were very helpful and informative and the history of the castle was very interesting and how it came to be - built on the back of wealth and finally being surrendered due to death duties - the national trust works tirelessly to maintain and restore for our future generations - also plenty of information boards around the house nice to know all the belongings in the house were in the house when it was left. My husband and I had coffee twice in the coffee shop which was clean friendly staff light and airey - the connected railway museum is very informative in relation to local history - the gardens and grounds are beautiful to walk and stroll around in - staff yet again very informative this is a beautiful castle and a beautiful setting well worth a visit x
7. Chirk Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,411 reviews
Reviewed By FaigsI - Morecambe, United Kingdom
I must congratulate all those concerned in making the state rooms at Chirk Castle look like they had stepped out from a fairytale. Decorated to the highest standard with interest around every corner, we spent a memorable afternoon looking around at all the decorated trees and what a splendid walk up the drive from the car park. Fairy lights across the trees and Christmas Carols playing. Well worth a visit for everyone. Magical
8. Castell y Bere
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 79 reviews
Reviewed By BobKonecny
After a bit scary drive on single lane tracks you come to the small parking area. Then hike through the woods up the hillside. Castell-y-Bere, was an impressive fortress built by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd in the early 13th century on this rocky outcrop to guard his valley cattle farms. These ruins enable you to envision that time as you can still see cattle farms in the valley below. Definitely worth a visit for the visual and cultural experience
9. Castell Dinas Bran
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 555 reviews
Reviewed By martinh620 - Poole, United Kingdom
Deff worth the steep walk , breath taking views over Llangowen , & surrounding country side. Take a picnic & sit a admire. You will not be dissapointed.
10. Dolbadarn Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 412 reviews
Reviewed By 401alisonp - Northwich, United Kingdom
Lovely little walk to the rear of the Royal Victoria Hotel, nice views when you get to the top of tower.
