Quality family time is important and visiting a castle close to Hafan y Mor and exploring Welsh heritage makes a great day out for all of the family. Castles were built for power and to defend against an enemy during war. Most castles we see today were built after the Norman Conquest. As time moved on the construction and sophistication of castle design developed and produced the elaborate castles we see today. Please note that all castles and heritage sites are subject to government restrictions and guidelines. You may have to pre-book tickets.
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon, Gwynedd - is one of the great castles in Wales Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon, Gwynedd is an externally intact part medieval castle, part royal palace. Originally a motte-and-bailey castle dating from the late 11th century was on this site. King Edward I of England began building the castle you see today in 1283. Intended as the administrative centre of north Wales, the defences were built on a grand scale. Caernarfon was the birthplace of Edward II, the first English Prince of Wales. In 1294 Madog ap Llywelyn led a rebellion against the English and sacked the castle.
Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis, Gwynedd – today only the remains of 13th century Welsh castle are visible. Built by the Welsh prince Llywelyn the Great during the early 13th. One of three castles century to defend the major military routes through Snowdonia. Dolbadarn was captured by the English King Edward I in 1284 who recycled much of its materials to build his new castle at Caernarfon. The castle eventually fell into disrepair during the 18th century.
Conwy Castle, Conwy, Gwynedd - built for the English King Edward I by his favourite architect, Master James of St George. An extremely well preserved medieval fortress and is one of the finest surviving medieval fortifications in Britain. Conwy is one of Edward’s "iron ring" of castles, built to subdue the rebellious princes of north Wales. One of the best castles in Wales with views across the mountains and sea from the grandeur of its eight massive towers, two barbicans (fortified gateways) and surrounding curtain walls. Edward spent a staggering £15,000 building the fortress, the largest sum spent on any of his Welsh castles.
Deganwy Castle, Deganwy, Gwynedd - is set at the mouth of the River Conwy, the scant remains of a Dark Age fortress now amount to little more than ditches and mounds atop a massive rocky outcrop. Stronghold and headquarters of Maelgwn Gwynedd, King of Gwynedd (520–547). Probably first occupied during Roman times, however the castle was rebuilt in stone by the English King Henry III. The castle was abandoned and finally destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Prince of Wales in 1263. Today 's stone remnants and footprint date mainly from Henry III's fortification and can be found within the suburbs of modern Llandudno.