The Welsh like to tell you that they have 427 castles spread across the UK. Probably yes, but at least 200 of the castles in Wales are little more than crumbling ruins or earthworks that, at first glance, look like natural features in the landscape.
Still, that leaves 200 castles in Wales worth visiting. Where do you start
One approach is to understand a bit about the different castle building periods and then pick out some good examples of the types of castles in Wales that interest you the most. Here’s a quick rundown of Welsh castle builders, along with recommendations for the best examples.
Norman castles
After William the Conqueror became ruler in 1066, one of the first things he did was secure the country by handing over land to his loyal nobles. Those first castles in Wales went up quickly. Most were a combination of earthworks and enclosed wooden courtyards called motte and bailey castles. Later, the Norman lords built stone pieces and elaborate turrets. The Norman castle construction period in Wales lasted until the early 13th century. Norman castles worth visiting include:
- Caerphilly Castle
- Tretower Castle
- Kidwelly Castle
- Laugharne Castle
Castles of the Welsh princes
History, as you probably know, is written by the victors, who also do a good job moving into whatever good things the losers have left behind. The princes of Wales built stone castles in Wales to defend themselves against the invading Normans and, later, the English. Most ended up being incorporated and built by successive waves of victors, although the Welsh national hero Owen Glendower did win something. One of those he captured was the spectacular cliff-top ruined castle in Wales Carreg Cennan.
Click here for a map to help you find the ruins of some more Welsh princes’ castles.
The castles of Edward I
Edward I of England led two military campaigns against the Welsh in the late 13th century. Eventually, he surrounded the province of Gwynedd in North Wales with castles. What remains today are some of the most famous and best preserved castles in the whole of the UK:
- Castillo de Beaumaris
- Caernarvon
- Castillo de Conwy
- Castillo Harlech
- Castillo Rhuddlan
Later castles
After the 15th century, the Welsh and English stopped fighting each other and the need for fortified castles in Wales disappeared. Some important castles were rebuilt into grand houses for nobles and royalty. Some are still busy to this day. Among the best of these later castles are:
- Raglan castle
- Chirk Castle
- Powis Castle
