North Wales has some of the most well-preserved castles in the whole of Europe, with breath taking scenery and fascinating history to discover and we are lucky enough to be located close to a number of truly spectacular ones.
Here is our pick of the top 6 castles in North Wales, all within a short drive from Bryn Llys.
Castles
Beaumaris ( click link for website )
Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales and a fortress of immense size with its formidable defences including a water-filled moat with its very own dock flanked by its outer walls with 300 arrow loops.
Conwy (click link for website)
Conwy is a town rich in history, with much of it still preserved within the 13th century castle walls. If you are feeling brave you can still follow in the footsteps of the guardians of old, for most of the wall walk is open to the public and offers amazing views down over the town, dock and Conwy estuary.
Caernarfon (click link for website)
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. This fortress and palace on the banks for the river Seiont and Menai Straits in more recent times it was here in 1969 that Prince Charles was invested.
Harlech (click link for website)
Harlech Castle is perched on a rocky bluff with breathing taking views over the beaches and sea to the Lleyn Peninsula and mountains of Northern Snowdonia. Park at the bottom and challenge yourself to walk up one of the steepest streets in the UK!
Dolbadarn (click link for website)
Dolbadarn Castle stands at the southern end of Llyn Padarn acting as a guard to the famous Llanberis Pass. Its simplistic design remains in solid condition to this day and is a great detour and view point on a circular walk around the lake.
Cricceth (clink link for website)
Criccieth is truly a castle to capture the imagination. Situated on a rocky headland between two beaches it commands astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay back towards Harlech Castle.
Penhryn (click link for website)
More of a 19th-century fantasy castle compared to the others but just as impressive. This enormous neo-Norman castle sits between Snowdonia and the Menai Strait on the outskirts of Bangor less than 10 minutes drive from us. It’s crammed with fascinating items, and also has an outstanding collection of paintings. The restored kitchens are a delight and the stable block houses a fascinating industrial railway museum and a model railway museum.
The 60 acres of grounds include parkland, an exotic tree and shrub collection as well as a Victorian walled garden.