by: AdamPosted on:

🏰 The Best Castles to Visit in North Wales in 2025

North Wales is where ancient legends meet awe-inspiring architecture. The region’s castles are not just stone remnants—they’re stories waiting to be explored. Whether you’re planning a family road trip or craving a solo escape steeped in heritage, these fortresses are perfect for 2025 adventures.

📍 Quick Navigation

1. Conwy Castle

📍 Conwy, Gwynedd
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and a marvel of medieval engineering. Conwy’s massive towers and intact royal rooms make it a must-visit.

  • Panoramic battlements
  • Interactive exhibits
  • Town walls walk

2. Caernarfon Castle

📍 Caernarfon, Gwynedd
Famous for royal pageantry and imposing architecture, this riverside fortress is undergoing a stunning transformation in 2025.

  • Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
  • Polygonal towers
  • Investiture history

3. Beaumaris Castle

📍 Anglesey
Beautiful, symmetrical, and unfinished—yet undeniably majestic. Great for slow days and peaceful walks.

4. Harlech Castle

📍 Harlech, Gwynedd
Set high above the sea with epic mountain views, Harlech Castle is a stronghold of Welsh folklore and song.

5. Dolbadarn Castle

📍 Llanberis
A quieter spot near Llyn Padarn, perfect for photography, hiking, and soaking in nature’s embrace.

6. Criccieth Castle

📍 Criccieth, Gwynedd
Two beaches flank this castle with sweeping sea views. Gerald of Wales fans—this one’s for you.

7. Chirk Castle

📍 Chirk, Wrexham
Still inhabited, this castle is part stately home, part medieval relic. Explore grand rooms and lush gardens.

8. Flint Castle

📍 Flint, Flintshire
An architectural trailblazer and former royal prison—Shakespeare couldn’t resist its charm.

9. Denbigh Castle

📍 Denbigh, Denbighshire
Cutting-edge storytelling meets ancient structure. Virtual tech brings history to life in 2025.

10. Penrhyn Castle

📍 Bangor, Gwynedd
Technically a neo-Norman mansion, Penrhyn’s grandeur rivals any fortress. Interiors and gardens are lavish and loaded with history.

✨ Planning Tips

  • CADW and National Trust passes offer discounts
  • Visit in spring or autumn for best weather and fewer crowds
  • Pack a picnic for scenic spots like Dolbadarn
  • Use park-and-ride or public transport where available

🔗 Sources & Research

Inspired by trusted travel sources:

Sources: Visit Wales, Great British Bucket List, Wandering Welsh Girl, Wales Guidebook, Tripadvisor