The home of around 400 castles, 100 of which remain standing in some form today, Wales is not surprisingly referred to as the "Land of Castles". Here are some of the finest castles to be found in the country.
Caernarfon Castle
Perched on the banks of the river Seiont where it runs into the Irish Sea, Caernarfon Castle dominates the walled Royal Town after which it is named. Its size alone makes Caernarfon the most famous castle in Wales, but the castle has the distinction of being the place where the Prince of Wales is invested. Built by Edward I of England, following his conquest of the county Gwynedd in North West Wales in 1283, Caernarfon is both a military stronghold and a royal palace. The castle is also home to the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales' oldest regiment.
Caerphilly Castle
Caerphilly is one of the largest surviving medieval castles in the western world. Located in South Wales, this impressive13th century moated-fortress was built by Gilbert de Clare, one of Henry III’s most powerful barons, as protection from invasion by Llywelyn ap Gwynedd, the last prince of an independent Wales. The extensive use of water for a defense, along with its enormous size, makes Caerphilly the earliest concentric castle (a castle within a castle) in the United Kingdom. The castle comes equipped with a leaning south-east tower, thanks to Cromwell’s attempts to blow it up, and the ghost of a French princess who is said to haunt the castle.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is built on a rock promontory overlooking the Conwy Estuary in the ancient town of Conwy, which is situated on the north coast of Wales. It is not surprising that Conwy has been designated a World Heritage Site as it is one of the best medieval sites in Britain, not to mention remaining medieval walled towns in existence. The castle and defenses were built in the 13th century by Edward 1 during his conquest of Wales, Conwy being one of Edward i’s key Welsh fortresses. Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view from the castle battlements as well as a stroll along the walls of the ancient town, which maintain three of the original gateways.
Beaumaris Castle
A designated World Heritage site, Beaumaris is one of the more beautiful castles in Wales, fully equipped with both moat and swans. Built on the Island of Anglesey in 1295, Beaumaris was not just the largest castle in Wales built under Edward I, but the last one. Castle construction was never fully completed, making it the great unfinished masterpiece of James of St. George, the king’s military architect. Beaumaris is considered the finest example of medieval military architecture in the United Kingdom.
Harlech Castle
Another of Edward I’s concentric castles, Harlech in Gwynedd is most noted for its massive twin-towered gatehouse. Another World Heritage site, Harlech is a splendid example of medieval architecture and is set in such a perfect natural setting so as to make this castle unforgettable. Perfectly situated on a rocky cliff overlooking both dunes and beach into the Irish Sea, the view from Harlech is breathtaking. The fortress was under numerous sieges and assaults since its inception in the late 13th century. The long siege of Harlech during the War of the Roses inspired the song “Men of Harlech.”
Pembroke Castle
Situated on the banks of the Pembroke River estuary in West Wales, the impressive fortress of Pembroke remains for the most part intact. Built over a natural cavern, the first castle was founded in the 11th century by Roger of Montgomery, but then came under William Marshal’s control in 1189. Marshal, one of the most powerful men in Britain at the time, spent almost 30 years turning Pembroke into the impressive stone fortification that we see today. Pembroke Castle is the birthplace of Henry Tudor, father to the infamous Henry VIII, and grandfather of Elizabeth I.
Carreg Cennen
This ruined castle is so dramatically situated that few other castles in Wales can compare to it. Carreg Cennen stands on a limestone hilltop overlooking the beautiful Welsh countryside and Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park. What remains of the castle today is mostly from Edward I’s historic period of castle-building in Wales, but the Welsh Princes of Deheubarth built the first castle at Carreg Cennen. There is also archaeological evidence that both Romans and prehistoric peoples lived on this site. A natural cave runs beneath the castle which houses a fresh water spring. The cave is open to the public, but visitors will need to rent a flashlight.
Want to Read More Articles on Travel in Britain? See The Best Castles in Scotland or The Best Ancient Sites in the British Isles or The Best Churches in Scotland
Michelle MacNeill - Michelle MacNeill has an extensive media background, including hosting both radio and television shows. She holds a bachelor's degree with ...
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