Medieval castles - Conwy, Caernarvon, Criccieth, Penrhyn & Harlech

The Medieval castles that we have here in Wales are some of Europe's finest surviving examples of medieval times castle construction. Most of them are preserved by CADW- a Goverment division which secures the preservation of ancient monuments and historic buildings. Within a short drive of our welsh self-catering rental cottages you will find castles ranging from completely ruined remains to well preserved castles like Conwy. It is no small wonder that they remain one of the most popular holiday attractions that we have!

Conwy Castle

Conwy is one of the great fortresses of medieval Europe, and along with Harlech is probably the most impressive of all the Welsh castles. An old suspension bridge guards the main approach to the castle.

Constructed in 1283, and designed by Edward 1'st castle builder James of St George - its eight massive towers and connecting walls are exceptionally well preserved, retaining a medieval character lost by other welsh castles over the years.

Almost all of the historic castle is accessible - the top of the towers offer spectacular views of the ancient town walls and streets buildings below , with the marina and Conway Valley in the background.

Caernarfon Castle

Located on the Menai Strait - and only an hour's drive from our self catering accommodation - Caernarvon castle is one of the most impressive of all of the castles in Welsh History. Again built by Edward I'st castle builder James of St George in 1283, this middle age castles consist of 9 towers ( the most impressive being the Eagle Tower) and two great gatehouses - although neither of the two gates were ever finished. The construction materials were ferried in by sea, and today some of the town walls can still be seen.

In1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales, it also houses the Regimental Museum of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, Wales's oldest regiment.

Criccieth castle

Close to our welsh cottages- overlooking Tremadog and Cardigan Bay, Criccieth's castle was built at the beginning of the 13th century, with three separate construction phases, and much speculation as to which areas of the castle belonged to which building periods.

The twin-towered gatehouse is the castle's most dominating feature, but unfortunately, nothing much remains of the interior rooms of the gate towers. Criccieth Castle was abruptly brought down when Owain Glyndwr led the last major Welsh rebellion against the English.

Harlech Castle

Harlech was again built in 1283, with James St George employing over 950 craftsmen and laborers during its construction. A perfectly concentric castle, the fortress's massive inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. The castle's remarkable feature is a gated and fortified stairway plunging almost 200 ft down to the foot of the castle rock- although the tide over the years has receded tremendously. Being a World Heritage Inscribed Site- its views over the sand dunes below, over to the Lleyn Peninsula and Snowdonia in the distance, is a sight not to be missed.

(Click here for outside link to www.cadw.wales.gov.uk - the Welsh Historic Monuments website.)

Penrhyn Castle

Situated near Bangor, and owned by the National Trust - this neo-Norman 19th Century castle lies between Snowdonia and the Menai Straits. With 45 acres of ground and a Victorian walled garden , you can tour the inside of the castle with its Victorian kitchen, a fabulous collection of paintings, as well as a 1ton slate bed made especially for Queen Victoria.

The stable blocks house an industrial Railway Museum, as well as a model railway and a 19th century collection of dolls. There is an excellent National Trust shop, local art exhibitions and cafe.