From defensive beginnings and the conflict of Civil War, to Tudor banqueting and Victorian decadence, the architectural splendour of these fortresses always stirs the soul. 

Laugharne Castle

The magnificent medieval Laugharne Castle is forever associated with Dylan Thomas, who escaped writer’s block at the 12th century ruins. Discover his inspiration within the Victorian ornamental gardens, and relax near the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Shed where poetry was once in motion.

exterior of Laugharne castle with two people walking along footpath.
Close up shot of Laugharne Castle.

Laugharne Castle, which sits on the estuary of the River Tâf

Laugharne Castle

Laugharne Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Laugharne
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

Dylan Thomas Boathouse

Attraction
Laugharne
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Caernarfon
Dolbadarn Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Edward I wasn’t messing around when he built this polygonal 13th century castle on a former Roman fort. Part of the coastal World Heritage Site, the mighty Caernarfon Castle remains one of the most visually arresting sights you’ll ever see. Exhibition rooms also feature this landmark to stir the senses. There's now step free access to the rooftop.

Exterior view of Caernarfon Castle from the South with boats and water.
glass lift inside castle.
viewing platform in castle.

Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd, North Wales

Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle's striking round towers make this fortress a singular classic, and there’s every chance you’ll be enraptured from the moment you see the astonishing gatehouse which once denied Oliver Cromwell at the end of the Civil War. Surrounded by fields, the romantic ruins even make space for a bowling green.

three boys walking with castle walls in background.
Inner walls of castle looking down from tower.

Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire

Raglan Castle

Raglan Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Raglan
Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.
Dinefwr Castle

Dinefwr Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Llandeilo
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

Dinefwr

Attraction
Llandeilo
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.

Dinefwr Park and Castle

The folkloric 12th century castle at Dinefwr Park is hugely atmospheric. Run by the National Trust, it has wonderful views and guided tours that take in the nearby nature reserve, cottages, ponds, croquet lawn and a tea room. Look out for the rutting deer and cows who might join you during a stroll around the 18th century landscape park.

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Caldicot Castle

Every view from the incredible medieval Caldicot Castle could be a picture postcard, and its history is the stuff of legend from Norman beginnings, to conflict in the Middle Ages, and Victorian domesticity. Fifty five acres of country park await, as well as events such as re-enactments and a tearoom for unwinding.

Conwy Castle

Perched on a rock against the backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia), Conwy Castle has an indisputably magical feel. Some consider it the finest castle Edward I built, and the mesmerising views from the battlements are particularly famed within the walled town. Great halls, private chapels and royal chambers wind through this medieval marvel.

Bridge towards Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle and estuary.
Aerial view of walkway to castle

The mighty Conwy Castle still towers over the town after 700 years

Powis Castle and Garden

Powis Castle has a rich history, although it’s the gardens – famed for their French and Italian styles, adorned with plants and an orangery – that single it out, and that’s before you spot the medieval deer park. The perfect place to relax before heading inside to see decadent galleries and staircases aplenty.
 

A grand view of Powis Castle and the Gardens.

Powis Castle and Garden, Mid Wales

Powis Castle © National Trust Images Andrew Butler

Powis Castle and Garden

Attraction
Welshpool
dam and resevoir.
Chirk Castle in Autumn

Chirk Castle & Gardens

Attraction
Chirk
Dolbadarn Castle

Chirk Castle

The frequently picturesque Welsh-English border offers few sites as magnificent as Chirk Castle. The elegant state rooms inside are an interior dream, combining elaborate plasterwork with a medieval tower, a dungeon and an 18th century Servants’ Hall. Enjoy an uplifting wander through the garden, terrace, pavilion and parkland enclosing Wrexham’s gem.

Cilgerran Castle

The Normans’ penchant for defences with river views means Cilgerran Castle has an amazing vantage point, overlooking the River Teifi. Circle the two vast round towers and walk between the walls of the Earl of Pembroke’s creation on a gorge – home to a castle which, even by Welsh standards, is particularly beautiful.

castle tower and walkway.
lifesize wicker figure of soldier with sword in foreground and castle ruins in background.

Cigerran Castle, Pembrokeshire

Cilgerran Castle Rainbow

Cilgerran Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Cardigan
Aerial view of a harbour, two beaches and pastel coloured houses.
Caerphilly Castle

Caerphilly Castle (Cadw)

Attraction
Caerphilly
Landscape of the attractions at Cardiff Bay seen from the water.

Caerphilly Castle

The largest castle in Wales, and the second largest in Britain, Caerphilly Castle was locked within water defences when it was built by the English during the 13th century. The outside is the place, among an array of delights, to see four siege engines, and the inside has a hallowed, majestic feel.

aerial view of castle and surrounding town.

Caerphilly Castle, South Wales

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