3 FREE CASTLES to visit in Wales!

21 Jan

Wales offers rich history and breath-taking landscapes, a lot of which are within a short drive of each other! Wahoo!

From the cool Elvish-charm of Abergavenny Castle to the rugged charm of Dinas Castle, and the sprawling (also Elvish) ruins and pet-friendly grounds of White Castle, each site offers a unique adventure.

Let’s go!

Abergavenny Castle

At number one is Abergavenny Castle. Not only is it very central to the town, with ample parking and a flat walk into the castle grounds, it also has a free museum inside!

If you have children to entertain, Abergavenny castle offers not only a free place to eat your sandwiches in the sunshine, but also free costume dress up and a real Victorian kitchen! It’s so easy to park in town, bring your own sandwiches or pick some up at the local bakery and then enjoy roaming the grassy castle grounds with plenty to keep everyone entertained and lots of space to roam around. Please note that dogs are not allowed in the castle grounds at all, so your fluffy friends will have to stay home.

Dinas Castle

Dinas Castle isn’t one for the faint of heart, it is very different to Abergavenny, in that it is not easy to get to, and there isn’t an awful lot of castle to see when you get to the top of the hill that this castle sits on (stay with me).

However, the length of time that this hill has been inhabited, and it’s strategic positioning in the greater landscape of the Black mountains and the Usk Valley makes it such an interesting castle. Plus, combining the vigorous walk with dinner at the Dinas Castle Inn at the bottom of the hill makes for a lovely Sunday.

White Castle

White Castle is a short drive out of Abergavenny. It offers huge ruins with plenty of space for running and playing.

Dogs are welcome too so it’s perfect for the whole family! It is very flat and only a short walk from the carparking so it is accessible for all, and picnic benches make lunch much more enjoyable too. The only thing I’d recommend is making sure that you choose a dry day to explore as there isn’t much (or any) cover.

Whether you want a lovely day of exploring or a vigorous hike through ancient landscapes, these castles offer something for everyone. Please don’t forget to have a look through our growing list of castles across Wales!

Have a look at some more castles!

Castles

Dolforwyn Castle - Castell Dolforwyn

Dolforwyn Castle was constructed in 1273 by Llewelyn ap Gruffudd . The prince needed to consolidate his hold on southern Powys to demonstrate his authority over the untrustworthy Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, and check the growing strength of the Marcher Lord Roger Mortimer.

Ewloe Castle

One of the lesser known castles built by native Welsh Prince, Llewelyn ap Gruffudd.

Flint Castle - Castell y Fflint

The first of King Edward I’s castles to be built in Wales! It is the first structure of his formidable Ring of Iron. Flint Castle was strategically placed at the Eastern doorway into North Wales with access to supplies from the sea. It was constructed by Edward I’s infamous mason, James of St George who constructed many of Edward I’s castles.

Caerleon Castle

Did you know Caerleon has a castle? Nestled in the charming town of Caerleon, South Wales, Caerleon Castle stands as a remarkable testament to the country's rich history. Caerleon has a very long history and boasts the UK’s most intact amphitheatre! (but that’s for another blog post…)

Clifford Castle

A lovely, privately owned castle, in it’s hay day back in 1102, the Doomsday Book notes that Clifford Castle belonged to Ralph Tosny and there was a small settlement here complising of 16 houses. A deer park and a Cluniac Priory were founded here, although Clifford never expanded past its village size due to the urban competition from near by Hay-on-Wye.

Cardigan Castle - Castell Aberteifi

Cardigan Castle was constructed by Norman invaders at the end of the 11th century, establishing it as a significant fortification in Wales. It was captured by the infamous ruler, Lord Rhys ap Gruffydd in 1171.

Rhuddlan Castle - Castell Rhuddlan

Rhuddlan Castle was the first of the revolutionary concentric, or ‘walls within walls’, castles designed by master architect James of St George.

Castell Dinas

Castell Dinas is one of my favourite castles. Despite the fact there really isn’t much masonry to see, the hill that the castle sits upon is so recognisable as an ancient celtic hillfort.

Grosmont Castle

This is another of the ‘Three Castles’, it was built by Normans who named it ‘Gros Mont’, meaning ‘Big Hill’. The original timber castle was rebuilt in stone by Hubert De Burgh after he was made custodian of the Welsh Marches in 1201.

Kidwelly Castle

This castle originated as a Norman wooden ringwork. This formidable stronghold was constant attack by the Welsh and was captured many times, including by the Gruffydd ap Rhys.

Pembroke Castle/ Castell Penfro

This castle was built in 1093 by Roger of Montgomery and it is one of the few castles that was never captured by the Welsh.

Carreg Cennen Castle

Like many other Castles, this was built on a prehistoric and roman settlement. Apparently a cache of Roman coins have been found on the site, as well as four sets pre-historic human remains.

Caergwrle Castle

The last castle to be built by a Welsh prince, Caergwrle Castle was built in 1278 - 82 by Dafydd ap Gruffydd, brother of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd.

Castell Llanfair / Builth Castle

Some evidence suggests that the castle was possibly constructed over an earlier Roman Fort. The early castle was a ‘motte and bailey castle, the most common form of Norman fortification, probably built by Phillip de Breos in about 1100.

Skenfrith Castle

Entering the castle from the carpark you walk up some steps that lead into the castle ground. The first thing to strike you is the round tower that sits in the centre.

Conwy Castle

Walk along the top of the town walls of Conwy Castle and take a stroll around the most intact medieval royal apartments in Wales!

White Castle

The largest and most impressive of the Three Castles. Visit White Castle and see for yourself the impressive moat and gate house with its textbook medieval architecture.

Bronllys Castle

Located in Marches territory, this castle was originally built in the late 12th Century, when it would have started as a wooden keep built on a bailey put in place by Norman Robert Fitz Pons.

Cilgerran Castle

In the 12th century the original wooden keep was rebuilt in stone and mortar and it never again fell to the Welsh, despite many attempts by Llewellyn up Gruffydd and Owain Glyndwr.

Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle is one of 10 castles that make up the Ring of Iron. A chain of fortifications built by Edward the 1st to try to control the Welsh kings of Gwynedd and following the conquest of Wales, to try to quell any threat of uprising.

Tretower Court & Castle

Tretower Castle is a captivating medieval stronghold located in the village of Tretower, Powys, Wales. Built in the 13th century, the castle played a vital role in guarding the strategic route through the Brecon Beacons.

Abergavenny Castle

Abergavenny Castle is a historic landmark located in the town of Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, Wales. With its origins dating back to the 11th century, the castle holds a significant place in Welsh history.

carrianne Lloyd-Ralph

3 FREE CASTLES to visit in Wales!

Abergavenny Castle

Dinas Castle

White Castle

Have a look at some more castles!

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