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 400 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 castle's central island from the North.

Is Wales the castle capital of Europe?

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

A grassy area within a large castle.

Caernarfon's military might

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

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castle lit up at dusk.

Follow the trail of Gwynedd’s majestic castles

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

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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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Looking across water to Castell Conwy, with boats in the harbour.

Exploring the castles of North Wales

Discover some of the most magnificent castles in North Wales.

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Aerial view of a castle on a hill in the middle of green fields.

Great castles to visit in Bannau Brycheiniog

Discover castles in and around the beautiful Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons)

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Aerial view of castle high above coast with views of sea and countryside.

Plan your West Wales castle adventure

Explore historic castles in West Wales with rich history and dramatic landscapes.

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A castle with a leaning tower behind ducks swimming on a moat.

Explore the mighty castles of South Wales

Discover the best castles to visit across South Wales, and plan your visit to these historic landmarks.

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a group of people on a guided tour in an ornately decorated room of Cardiff Castle.

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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Discover more about our history, heritage and traditions

A lake and slate quarry remains surrounded by hills.

Explore the story of slate in Wales

Explore the six areas of the The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.

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Eryri (Snowdonia) Mountains and Coast

© Hawlfraint y Goron / Crown Copyright

South Stack Leuchtturm bei Sonnenuntergang in der Nähe von Holyhead Anglesey.

Wonderful Welsh lighthouses

There are more than 30 lighthouses dotted around the Welsh coast. Here are some of our favourites.

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An inside scene of a shed with a writing desk and photographs on the wall.

Discover cultural Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire's must-visit castles, gardens, stately homes and museums.

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Carmarthenshire

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 East Wales

Search for places to stay, things to do, and things to see in Wales

ironwork buildings.

World Heritage Blaenavon: A local's guide

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

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South Wales Valleys

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 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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castle lit up at night and reflection in water.

Explore wonderful castles in Wales

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

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old red cottage.

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 Welsh 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 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 Castell Dolbadarn, Eryri (Snowdonia).

Heritage and sightseeing

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

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family walking near castle.

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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