Castles and heritage

Whichever bit of Wales you head for, you’ll find yourself within easy distance of the world’s finest castles and awe-inspiring landmarks. There are over 600 of them, from Roman times to millionaires’ follies of the 19th century, making Wales the castle capital of Europe. Each has its special story.

A picture of Caerphilly Castle's central island from the North.

Is Wales the castle capital of the world?

With over 400 castles, wherever you go on holiday in Wales, you won't be too far from one to visit.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

interior castle walls and turrets, with people walking in the courtyard.

Caernarfon's military might

Discover an ancient Celtic town with a Roman barracks and imposing medieval castle.

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North Wales

A large castle on the bank of a river

History and heritage along the Welsh coast

Find out more about historic Wales - castles, historic homes, pirates and steam trains on our coast.

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Top down aerial shot of Dolbadarn Castle, Snowdonia.

Heritage and sightseeing

Hear fascinating stories from the past at the best of our Welsh castles, monuments and museums.

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A castle on a hill surrounded by countryside with mountains in the background.

The castles and town walls of King Edward I

The county of Gwynedd, in North Wales, provides a trail of majestic castles to explore.

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aerial view of castle and surrounding countryside.

Bernard Llewellyn on being king of Carreg Cennen

What's it like looking after one of Wales' best-loved ancient momuments? Bernard Llewellyn tells us.

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Iron sculpture of the site at Blaenavon Ironworks.

World Heritage Blaenavon: A local's guide

Read our local's guide to discovering the fascinating industrial history of Blaenavon.

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© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

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Portmeirion from over the estuary.

Wonderfully quirky places to visit

Discover our eccentric heritage with some wonderfully unusual places to visit.

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View of Cardiff Castle, South Wales

Cardiff Castle: an all-action attraction!

From the gargoyles on the castle walls to secret tunnels, Cardiff Castle is brought vividly to life.

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View from a ruined castle towards pastures and the coast.

Wales’ most soulful abandoned abbeys and castles

Discover the Welsh abbeys and castles that inspired JMW Turner, William Wordsworth and Dylan Thomas.

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Conwy Castle lit up at night and reflection in water.

Wonderful castles to explore in Wales

Explore a Norman castle, marvel at decadent Victorian architecture or relax at romantic ruins.

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Criccieth Castle on top of a hill from afar, with the sea in the background and houses in the foreground.

Follow in the footsteps of the princes of Gwynedd

After the Romans the princes of Gwynedd ruled. Here’s a tribute to Wales’ greatest warlords.

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A ruined castle grounds and walls looking out over water.

Find out what's different about these castles…

Looking for castles with strange stories behind them? Here are a few of our favourites.

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Three children dressed as knights within castle walls.

History in the making

Discover for yourself how to make history at one of Wales' brilliant living history museums.

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View of the castle and surrounding countryside

Sleep in a castle

Feel like royalty or a knight of the realm by checking into a real Welsh fortress for the night.

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Girl entering Caerphilly Castle on the drawbridge.

A taster of history and heritage attractions to explore

Dip into Welsh history at these exciting castles, museums and cultural heritage centres.

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A canal boat on the Pontcysyllte aqueduct.

On top of the world at Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

Meet Nicky Lincoln who crosses Thomas Telford's amazing Pontcysyllte Aqueduct on a boat every day.

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North Wales

Wide view of mine buildings from south west Bryntail Lead Mine.

Welsh gold and precious metals

There’s still gold in those Welsh hills - discover the precious metal mines in Wales you can visit.

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Image of a group of people floating in a boat on an underground lake

Exploring the underground secrets of Wales

Discover the mines and underground caves you can visit and explore by yourself or with an expert guide.

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