Wales holds one of Europe's greatest concentrations of medieval fortifications, shaped by Edward I's 13th-century conquest and centuries of Anglo-Welsh conflict. Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle form part of the UNESCO-listed 'Iron Ring' of Edwardian strongholds in the north, while Caerphilly Castle showcases pioneering concentric defences. Cardiff Castle blends Roman walls with Victorian Gothic revival, and Harlech Castle commands dramatic coastal views from its cliff-top perch.
Adult admission typically ranges from £10.40 to £16.50, with discounts for children aged 5–17 and free entry for under-5s; Cadw membership offers access to multiple sites. Many castles close or reduce hours between November and March. North Wales rewards a touring route linking Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech along the coast, while Cardiff and Caerphilly suit a shorter pairing in the south.
Conwy Castle, an iconic medieval fortress, is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in Europe. Located in the charming town of Conwy in North Wales, the castle was constru...
Surrounded by extensive artificial lakes on a thirty-acre site in South Wales, Caerphilly Castle commands attention as the largest medieval fortress in Wales and the second largest in Bri...
On a limestone ridge above the Pembroke River, Pembroke Castle commands the landscape of southwest Wales with its massive stone walls and towering keep. This Norman stronghold served as t...
Cardiff Castle stands at the centre of Wales's capital, where nearly two millennia of history unfold within a single walled enclosure. Roman legionaries built the first fort here; Norman ...
Caernarfon Castle stands as one of the greatest medieval fortresses in Europe. King Edward I of England built it on the banks of the River Seiont in north-west Wales.
On the Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris Castle rises from marshland beside the Menai Strait with near-perfect geometric precision. Edward I of England built this fortress from 1295 to protect ...
Perched atop a dramatic rocky crag overlooking Cardigan Bay, Harlech Castle commands the coastline of North Wales with its formidable medieval fortifications. Edward I built this concentr...
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Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle form part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986. Harlech Castle is also included in this group of fortifications built during Edward I's conquest of Wales.
Adult tickets range from £10.40 at Harlech Castle to £16.50 at Cardiff Castle, with most sites charging £12–£13. Children aged 5–17 pay reduced rates (typically £7–£11), while under-5s enter free at all listed castles.
Cardiff Castle sits in the city centre and combines Roman foundations with medieval keep and lavish Victorian apartments. Caerphilly Castle lies 14 km north and features massive concentric walls with water defences, making it Britain's second-largest castle after Windsor.
Most Welsh castles operate reduced hours or close certain days during winter months, typically November through March. It's advisable to check opening times before visiting, especially for sites managed by Cadw during the off-season.
Rankings, opening hours and prices update automatically. Last update: 1 November 2026.
