Did you know there are over 600 castles in Wales? We are said to have more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. North Wales is home to some really special castles, wherever you choose to go on holiday in Wales you won’t be too far from a historic site. However, at any of our Caravan & Lodge Parks you are not too far away from the following top 5 castles to visit in North Wales:
1. Gwrych Castle While the 13th century seemed to be the golden time for castle architects in Wales, you can find fortresses from other periods, too. Gwrych Castle is a 19th-century country house in North Wales that makes for a memorable sight. The castle is situated in the small town of Abergele and is visible from the A55 expressway. The castle was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford- Hesketh between 1812 and 1822. Today the castle is owned and run by The Gwrych Castle Preservation fund, the trust runs the castle as an attraction, whilst carefully restoring sections of the castle. The most exciting news to date is the Castle is home to the 20th Anniversary show I’M A CELEBRITY, GET ME OUT OF HERE. The presenter's Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly have swapped the Australian Jungle for Gwrych Castle in North Wales! The series will see the celebrities tackle the elements, trials, and the possibility of ghostly encounters in this truly wonderful castle.
The castle has been used on the ITV show I’m a celebrity
Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Conwy LL22 8ET
2. Penrhyn Castle
This huge, awe-inspiring Neo-Norman castle was built in 1819-35 situated on Bangor’s eastern edge. It was originally a medieval fortified manor house, founded by Ednyfed Fychan. In 1438, Ioan ap Gruffudd was granted a licence to crenellate and he founded the stone castle and added a tower house. Samuel Wyatt reconstructed the property in the 1780s.
The ground floor windows evidence domesticity, not defence was the architect’s priorities, and similar home comforts enhance its charm: a walled garden and lovely informal gardens add to the fairy tale atmosphere. Penrhyn is cared for by the National Trust, who have it in fine order.
Penrhyn Castle, Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4HT, 01248353084
3. Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is a magnificent medieval fortress that still towers over Conwy after 700 years. Thanks to restored spiral staircases you can walk a complete circuit around the battlements of Conwy Castle.
In the distance rise the craggy mountains of Snowdonia and spread out below you are the harbour and narrow streets of Conwy – still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard (1.3km) ring of town walls.
It is simply breath-taking, especially when you consider that King Edward I and his architect Master James of St George built both castle and walls in a barely believable four years between 1283 and 1287.
Conwy Castle takes its place alongside Edward’s other great castles at Harlech, Beaumaris, Caernarfon as a World Heritage Site.
Standing on the battlements your eyes are drawn away from the castle itself to Telford’s suspension bridge and the walled town, and the more distant breath-taking views - the sea in one direction, mountains the other.
Conwy Castle, Conwy, LL32 8AY 01492 592358
4. Criccieth Castle
Criccieth Castle is located on a rocky peninsula overlooking not one but two beaches. Boasting views over the town and across to Cardigan Bay. This 13th-century castle can be found in local tales and poems, including the work of Iolo Goch, a Welsh bard that mentioned the ‘bright fort high on a rock’.
If you love to be beside the seaside Criccieth Castle is the one for you. Discover its history and make the most of its view before heading to the beach and enjoying a day out in the quaint little town of Criccieth.
Criccieth Castle, Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
5. Caernarfon Castle
Edward I was not messing around when he built this polygonal 13th-century castle on a former Roman fort. The mighty Caernarfon Castle remains one of the most visually arresting sights you will ever see and does not disappoint. Having included all the mod cons for its day like toilets, running water and glass in the windows, this vast building is spectacular.
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years and cost a staggering £25,000.
Even after 700 years it still stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle.
Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY
No matter how old we get, castles will never fail to enchant us. Why not make a weekend of visiting the castles in North Wales and book a short break in one of our luxury lodges Please call us on 01248 600486 or click here for more information.
