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Gwynedd

Gwynedd

The Top 12 Castles in Gwynedd

A visit to a castle — whether you stumble over one during a hike outdoors or walk your way around the grounds with a guide — is always something special, and you’ve got 12

beautiful castles to choose from in Gwynedd. Just browse our list to find your top castle , and add some history to your next adventure!

Last updated: October 31, 2025

Ruins of the Britannia Copper Mine at Llyn Llydaw

Highlight • Historical Site

Might be a fun spot for a bivi.

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Dolbadarn Castle

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Great little castle/watchtower, easy walk up to it from the hotel nearby, the views from it on a good day are worth the short walk.

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Harlech Castle

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Against stiff competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for an Edward I castle in North Wales. All four are recognized as World Heritage …

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Caernarfon Castle

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Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the middle ages

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Penrhyn Castle

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Built in the style of a Norman castle in the early 19th century, Penrhyn Castle became the home of Lord Pehrhyn, the owner of Bethesda's Penrhyn Quarry. It is one …

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The Two Kings Statue at Harlech Castle

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The equestrian statue at Harlech Castle, Wales, called The two Kings, shows Bendigeidfran carrying the body of his cousin Gwern after his death at Efnysien's hands.
Bendigeidfran is a giant …

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Castell y Bere

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This 13th-century castle is remote and magnificent and its ruined walls are incredibly evocative. It was built by Llywelyn the Great to defend Gwynedd and it's not hard to see …

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Criccieth Castle

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Criccieth Castle overlooks Tremadog Bay on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. It was built in the 13th century and remains in remarkably good condition. It's well worth looking inside, …

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Criccieth Castle, town and seafront

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Beautiful small Welsh town with plenty of cafés, a nice sea front, promenade, pebble beach, and a rather obvious 13th century castle overlooking the town.

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Slate splitting demonstration

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While the National Slate Museum in Llanberis undergoes redevelopment, some of the museum’s activities will continue elsewhere. For example, the unique art of slate splitting and working will be demonstrated here at Penrhyn Castle for many years to come.

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Explore Gwynedd’s best castles region by region:

Llanrug Porthmadog Llanfrothen Llandygai Llandwrog Dolbenmaen Y Felinheli Llanllechid Bangor Llanllyfni Beddgelert Llanddeiniolen Penrhyndeudraeth Aber Betws Garmon Pentir Snowdonia Llanberis

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Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides in Gwynedd:

Conwy Denbighshire Wrexham

The Top 12 Castles in Gwynedd

Ruins of the Britannia Copper Mine at Llyn Llydaw

Dolbadarn Castle

Harlech Castle

Caernarfon Castle

Penrhyn Castle

The Two Kings Statue at Harlech Castle

Castell y Bere

Criccieth Castle

Criccieth Castle, town and seafront

Slate splitting demonstration

Other adventures in Gwynedd

Most popular routes in Gwynedd

Most popular attractions in Gwynedd

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

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