Castles in Wales

Browse this list of castles to visit in Wales by Region (click here for a regional map) or alphabetically (start on this page).

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Abergavenny, Gwent Location map Abergavenny Castle One of the earliest Norman castles in Wales, Abergavenny dates to 1081. Four substantial towers remain, with a 14th century gatehouse and barbican. The motte is surmounted by a Victorian mock keep, built on the remains of the original 12th century version. During the late 12th century the castle was owned by William de Braose, one of the most notoriously cruel of the Norman Marcher Lords. Castle Street, Abergavenny, Gwent, Wales, NP7 5EE Location: on A40 Website: Abergavenny Castle Email: abergavennymuseum@monmouthshire.gov.uk Phone: 01873 854282 Cadw OS map reference: SO298 139 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd Abergwyngregyn Castle Founded by Hugh d'Avranches, Earl of Chester, in about 1090. Today, little remains beyond traces of the keep atop the motte. Abergwyngregyn, Gwynedd, Wales OS map reference: SH658 727 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Aberystwyth, Dyfed Aberystwyth Castle Late 13th century castle built by Edward I in his push to conquer Wales. The most interesting feature is the large north-west gate. Aberystwyth, Dyfed, Wales Website: Aberystwyth Castle OS map reference: SN578 815 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Barry, Glamorgan Barry Castle Bits of a gate and wall are all that remain of this 13th century fortified manor, seat of the de Barry family. The site originally boasted earthwork defenses, later augmented by the addition of stone buildings, a great hall, and a gatehouse defended by a drawbridge and portcullis. Barry, Glamorgan, Wales OS map reference: ST102 673 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Beaumaris, Gwynedd Location map Beaumaris Castle An Edwardian (Edward I) concentric castle, begun in 1295 on a marshy plain (the name means "beautiful marsh"), to the design of James of St. George, who also worked on Harlech. The innovation here was staggered entrances between the inner and outer walls. The castle was never finished, as the Welsh threat evaporated. Beaumaris, Anglesey, Gwynedd, Wales, LL58 8AP Location: opposite Bangor, off A545 Website: Beaumaris Castle Phone: 01248 810361 OS map reference: SH608 762 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

St Hilary, Glamorgan Beaupre Castle A late 13th century building with Tudor additions that make it appear more manor than castle. Much of Beaupre is ruined, but the exceptional 3 story gatehouse and Tudor porch are well preserved. The cluster of buildings surround an inner courtyard. The 14th century hall boasts an impressive contemporary fireplace. Many of the older parts of the castle are closed to the public. St Hilary, Cowbridge, Glamorgan, Wales Location: off A48 OS map reference: ST009 720 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brecon, Powys Brecon Castle A Norman motte and bailey castle was begun near this spot by Bernard de Neufmarche about 1093. The remains of the motte can still be seen in the garden of the Bishop's Palace, with the remnants of a 13th century stone keep. Contemporary with the keep was the great hall. The castle was beseiged 6 times in the 13th century, succumbing on 3 occasions. It gradually fell into disrepair, and by the late Georgian period the castle was little more than a ruin In the early 19th century it was converted to use as a hotel, a position it still fulfills. The castle itself may be visited independently from the hotel, however. Brecon, Powys, Wales Website: Brecon Castle OS map reference: SO044 286 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bronllys, Powys Bronllys Castle A mid-12th century stone keep perched atop an earlier motte overlooking the River Llynfi. Remains of the surrounding baileys are scant, and there is no remaining trace of any buildings within the walls apart from the round keep, which still towers 80 feet above the motte. Bronllys, Powys, Wales Location: SE of A438/A479 junction at Bronllys village Website: Bronllys Castle Cadw OS map reference: SO149 347 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Builth, Powys Builth Castle One of the first of Edward I's castles in Wales, begun about 1277 on an earlier motte. The castle stands on a high bluff on the edge of the town. Little remains today beyond the outline of earth-covered walls, but in its time Builth ranked with Harlech and Caernarfon as one of Edward's most impressive fortifications in Wales. Builth played a dramatic role in the history of Wales; Llewelyn the Great came here in 1282 to plead for help in his rebellion against the Normans. On leaving Builth his force fell into an ambush at nearby Cilmeri and Llewelyn was killed. Builth, Powys, Wales Location: off A483 OS map reference: SO044 510 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering