Top Castles to Visit in Wales
For a small country, Wales certainly goes big with its castles. There are more than 100 castles today—down considerably from the 600 or more built throughout the country’s history—but still enough to make knowing where to start difficult. To help you out, here are seven of the best castles, whether you like them old and craggy, recently renovated, or simply historically significant.
Cardiff Castle, Cardiff
To be the castle of a capital city, you must have something special, and Cardiff’s mix of Roman walls, medieval motte and bailey, and 19th-century Gothic mansion certainly fits that criterion. Explore the magnificent Victorian decor crafted by architect William Burges through an access-all-areas tour.
The deep-colored murals, gold-covered panels, and intricate carvings reflect grandeur and power, which was exactly what the third Marquess of Bute, the world’s richest man at the time, intended. You can also climb the keep for city-wide views, check out a deadly trebuchet, and find the hidden war shelters within the castle walls.
Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
Built in the 13th century on top of a 200ft steep-sided cliff, Harlech Castle has the best vantage point over its namesake town and wonderful vistas towards Snowdonia National Park. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the castle features impregnable concentric walls that were a key part of its highly defensive structure, making it the last remaining Lancastrian stronghold in the Wars of the Roses.
There is an abundance of historic features on display at Harlech, many visible from the ramparts. Look out for the stairway extending down the cliff, the new floating bridge leading to the award-winning visitor center, the four corner towers, and the water gate facilitating deliveries across the moat.
Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
A castle focusing on style over substance, Raglan Castle is an impressive fortress that was once home to Henry Tudor. Nowadays, the remains include high towers, decorative lookouts, medieval bay windows, and a water-filled moat.
Climbing the castle is best for those who are steady-footed. At the top of the towers, you can see for miles over the Monmouthshire countryside, just like the first inhabitants would have done. To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the day as it tends to get busy.
Powis Castle and Garden, Welshpool
You cannot visit this medieval castle and garden without being awestruck. While the castle is magnificent, the Italian and French-inspired grounds are equally impressive. Rare and exotic plants, vibrant flowers, and lead statues adorn the terraces below the castle, which rests on a massive rock.
Though the original decor is not intact, the interior remains lavish. Hand-painted murals, gold-framed portraits, and elaborate cupboards are plentiful. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the Clive Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, tapestries, and treasures from India and the Orient.
Cyfarthfa Castle, Merthyr
Located in the former iron capital of the world, Merthyr Tydfil, Cyfarthfa Castle is a relatively modern structure built during the Industrial Revolution. Set in 160 acres of gardens, the castle overlooks lush greenery, wooded parkland, and a lake, with quaint towns in the distance.
More of a mansion than a fortress, the locally quarried stone walls lend it a powerful and stately appearance. Inside, visitors can explore the kitchen, bakehouse, reception rooms, and cellars while also delving into a small museum featuring Welsh historical items, art, and artifacts from ancient civilizations. Don’t miss the tea room, known for its delightful cream teas.
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Any castle enthusiast will want to check out the colossal Caernarfon Castle. This north Welsh World Heritage Site originally consisted of a simple motte and bailey structure before its transformation in the 1280s by Edward I during his Welsh campaigns. Unusual for castles of the era, there are bands of colored stones in some walls and polygon-shaped towers, likely reflecting King Edward I’s intention to personalize the castle.
Visitors today can explore nearly all areas of the castle, including winding stairways, narrow corridors, eerie cellars, grass-covered wards, a wide water-filled moat, and numerous towers. Additionally, there’s a café offering views over the castle grounds, a Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, and regular events such as re-enactments and ghost walks.
Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
The largest castle in Wales and the second largest in Britain, Caerphilly Castle dwarfs its namesake town on the edge of the South Wales Valleys. Built in the 13th century by Gilbert de Clare, an Englishman seeking to conquer Glamorgan, the castle features concentric walls within walls, surrounded by artificial lakes and spacious rooms.
The strength of the defenses was so formidable that they successfully repelled the attack of 10,000 men during a siege in 1316. Conveniently located in the heart of Caerphilly, visitors can easily explore the site, beginning with a bridge over the filled moat. One of its most notable features is the southeast tower, which leans more than the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The castle hosts various events throughout the year, including the popular Caerphilly Big Cheese food festival, attracting over 100,000 visitors.
