Castles

Rhuddlan Castle: Rhuddlan may not be as well known as some of the north Wales castles, yet it shares much in common with its illustrious neighbours. Like Caernarfon and Conway, it was built as one of the 'iron ring' of fortresses by the English monarch, Edward I, in his late 13th-century campaigns against the Welsh. Rhuddlan's massive twin-towered gatehouse (heralding the inner core of characteristic concentric 'walls within walls' system of defence) immediately catches the eye.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Harlech Castle: Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all-seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfil this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. Ironically, in 1404 it was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr who proceeded to hold a parliament there.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Criccieth Castle: Criccieth Castle, standing its headland between two beaches, is a prominent north Wales landmark. It is also a landmark historic site, one of those rare castles with a foot firmly in both camps and a true testament to the varying fortunes of war. Criccieth's history is deeply entwined in the medieval conflict between Wales and England. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, Criccieth was later annexed and added to by the English monarch, Edward I.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Denbigh Castle: The striking ruins of Denbigh Castle, crowning a steep hill above the town, enjoy commanding views of the pastoral Vale of Clwyd and the round-backed hills of the Clwydian Range. Denbigh, built as part of Edward 1's 13th-century campaigns against the Welsh, was constructed by Henry de Lacy, one of the King's chief commanders. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Beaumaris Castle: Beaumaris is a great unfinished masterpiece. It was built as one of the 'iron ring' of North Wale's castles by the English monarch, Edward I, to stamp his authority on the Welsh. But it was never finished. Money and supplies ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Beaumaris is nonetheless an awesome sight, regarded by many as the finest of all great Edwardian castles in Wales.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Caernarfon Castle: Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest and, to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk

Conway Castle: This gritty, dark-stoned fortress has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. The first time that visitors catch sight of the castle commanding a rock above the Conway Estuary and demanding as much attention as the dramatic Snowdonia skyline behind it, they know they are in the presence of a historic site which still casts a powerful spell.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk