Six stunning castles to visit in North Wales this summer

Luckily, here in North Wales, we have no shortage of historic castles to serve as a great day out for the whole family.

With dozens of monuments on our doorsteps, there is plenty to discover.

Right across the region, these sites provide a great way to get some fresh air – and even learn a thing or two!

With the help of CADW, a team committed to conserving historic sites across Wales, we’ve put together a short guide of just a few castles you can visit in our picturesque region:

1 - Caernarfon Castle

Starting on the north-west coast of Wales, pop in to visit Caernarfon Castle.

This site is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.

This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale (and architectural drama!) Caernarfon stands alone.

We won’t spoil all the history for you – but this castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes.

Even after 700 years, Caernarfon Castle stands tall and stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle.

Where is it? Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, LL55 2AY

Opening hours: From July 19 to August 31 – open daily from 9.30am to 6pm

Admission Prices: Adults £9.25; Children (5-17) £6.60; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £31; CADW members, under 5s and disabled/companion Free

How to get a ticket: This monument is open to visit with a pre-booked ticket only. You must pre-book your tickets before your visit. You can do this online at https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/caernarfon-castle-site-entry-tickets-conservation-work-25-discounted-entry-and-free-guidebook-1/21543.

2 - Conwy Castle

Moving along the coast, we reach the impressive Conwy Castle  - that sits besides its namesake the River Conwy.

With restored spiral staircases in its great towers, you can walk a complete circuit around the battlements of Conwy Castle - we highly recommend it!

In the distance rise the craggy mountains of Snowdonia and spread out below you are the harbour and narrow streets of Conwy – still protected by an unbroken 1,400-yard ring of town walls.

This famous fortress is exceptionally well preserved – and not something you’ll want to miss.

Where is it? Rose Hill St, Conwy, LL32 8AY

Opening hours: From July 1 to August 31 – opens from Saturday to Wednesday between 10am and 6pm (Please note – the castle is closed between 1 and 2pm)

Admission Prices: Adults £9.25; Children (5-17) £6.60; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £31; CADW members, under 5s and disabled/companion Free

How to get a ticket: This monument is open to visit with a pre-booked ticket only. You must pre-book your tickets before your visit. You can do this online at https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/conwy-castle-site-entry-tickets-1/21711.

3 - Rhuddlan Castle

Continuing into the more central part of the north Wales coast, the magnificent Rhuddlan Castle awaits.

The castle truly is an awesome feat of engineering that still towers above the River Clwyd to this day.

More than seven centuries on from being built, Rhuddlan still looks like a castle that was worth moving a river for – you’ll learn more about that when you visit!

Where is it? Castle St, Rhuddlan, LL18 5AD

Opening hours: From April 8 till October 31 – opens from Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm

Admission Prices: Adults £4; Children (5-17) £2.75; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £13; CADW members, under 5s and disabled/companion Free

How to get a ticket: This monument is open to visit with a pre-booked ticket only. You must pre-book your tickets before your visit. You can do this online at https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/rhuddlan-castle-site-entry-tickets-august-2020/21870.

4 - Denbigh Castle

Heading deeper into the Denbighshire area, you’ll find the mighty Debigh Castle waiting.

Denbigh Castle is all about drama! Cross the drawbridge into the triple-towered gatehouse and you’ll hear the portcullis thundering down, chains rattling and the din of horses and marching soldiers.

Don’t be too alarmed though! It’s all down to sensors and the wonders of modern technology these days rather than medieval warfare - thankfully!

Where is it? Castle Hill, Denbigh, LL16 3NB

Opening hours: From April 8 till October 31 – opens from Thursday to Monday between 10am and 5pm. (Please note – the castle is closed between 1 and 2pm)

Admission Prices: Adults £4; Children (5-17) £2.75; Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) £13; CADW members, under 5s and disabled/companion Free

How to get a ticket: This monument is open to visit with a pre-booked ticket only. You must pre-book your tickets before your visit. You can do this online at https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/denbigh-castle-site-entry-tickets-1/21251.

5 - Ewloe Castle

Now moving to the east coast area in Flintshire, you’ll come across Ewloe Castle tucked away in an unconventional forest setting.

Though it bears the distinctive features of many of Wales’s native-built castles, Ewloe’s location marks it out as an individual. While the Welsh princes generally chose lofty vantage points for their fortresses, Ewloe sits in a hollow amid deep woodland.

Due to the lack of records from the period, the castle’s history is a little murky – but there’s still plenty to learn at this free attraction.

This great aerial snap taken by Nathan Jenkins, part of the Leader Camera Club, shows what is on offer.

Where is it? Within Wepre Park along the brook - CH5 3BZ

Opening hours: Opens daily year-round (with exception of Christmas period) between 10am and 4pm. (Please note – Last admission to the castle is 30 minutes before closing time)

Admission Prices: Free to all - no ticket required.

6 - Flint Castle

Our final stop in Flintshire brings us to Flint Castle – branded as ‘the earliest and most unusual of Wales’s English-built castles’.

Surrounded by its own moat and accessed via a drawbridge, it’s essentially a castle within a castle.

Built with exceptionally thick walls and equipped with all the facilities required to withstand a siege, it was presumably intended to be a final refuge in the event of an attack.

Camera Club member Maureen Campbell captured a picture, above, of the castle in the beautiful summer sun.

Today, you can climb the tower of this free attraction and take in the incredible views of the Flint coastline – shared with North West England. You could also take a stroll along the marked coastal path too when you’re done at the castle.

Where is it? Castle St, Flint, CH6 5PH.

Opening hours: Opens daily year-round (with exception of Christmas period) between 10am and 4pm. (Please note – Last admission to the castle is 30 minutes before closing time)

Admission Prices: Free to all - no ticket required.

For more information about any castle in this guide, or any others run by CADW, go to https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit.