Top 5 Castles around Porthmadog
Best castles around Porthmadog offer a glimpse into North Wales' rich history. This coastal town is surrounded by historical castles, providing insight into the region's past. Porthmadog's location on the Llŷn Peninsula makes it a strategic base for exploring these ancient fortresses. The area combines historical landmarks with scenic coastal and mountainous landscapes.
Best castles around Porthmadog
- The most popular castles is Harlech Castle, a viewpoint often considered to have the most spectacular setting among Edward I's castles in North Wales. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and architectural brilliance.
- Another must-see spot is Criccieth Castle, town and seafront, a viewpoint encompassing a historical site, beach, and settlement. Visitors can explore the 13th-century castle ruins and enjoy the town's amenities and coastal views.
- Visitors also love Criccieth Castle, a historical site perched on a headland overlooking Tremadog Bay. Its remarkably good condition and strategic position offer panoramic views across the bay.
- Porthmadog is known for its Edwardian fortresses and native Welsh castles. Visitors can explore a variety of historical sites, from clifftop strongholds to castles integrated with charming coastal towns.
- The castles around Porthmadog are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 100 upvotes and over 60 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 30, 2026
Harlech Castle
Highlight • Viewpoint
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of the gifted architect Master James of St. George. The classic 'walls within walls' design makes optimal use of the difficult natural defenses.
Even when the castle was completely cut off by Madog ap Llewelyn's rebellion, it held strong – thanks to the 'Way from the Sea'. Via this path of 108 steps, which climbed steeply up the rock face, the besieged defenders could be supplied with food and drink by ship.
Harlech is easier to conquer these days. You can enter this amazing castle via an incredible 'floating' walkway.
(Cadw Wales)
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Criccieth Castle
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As you might expect, it's blessed with absolutely fantastic views.
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The Two Kings Statue at Harlech Castle
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Bendigeidfran is a giant and king of Britain in Welsh mythology. He appears in several stories, but his most important role is in the Second Branch of the Mabinogi.
(Equestrian statues
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Criccieth Castle, town and seafront
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Castell Dinas Castle Ruins
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Other adventures around Porthmadog
Tips from the Community
a great castle to explore with views over the se and the Llyn peninsula. It has an informative video that explains its history and then a walk across the bridge that leads you through the fortifications. you can then explore all the rooms that have exhibits of the castles history within them. to finish off you can climb the tower to see the view. Great for kids as there is a park next to it and a cafe across the bridge to keep everyone happy. Parking is available on site but it is a small carpark.
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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, although there is a charge, and you can learn about its history from boards. As you might expect, it's blessed with absolutely fantastic views.
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Amazing trail taking you through the stunning woods then Merlin’s pool then follow On to the castle remains where beneath the dragon sleeps
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Legendary story of our Welsh dragons defeat how she became our National flag….
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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 and king of Britain in Welsh mythology. He appears in several stories, but his most important role is in the Second Branch of the Mabinogi. (Equestrian statues
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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 Sites. Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of the gifted architect Master James of St. George. The classic 'walls within walls' design makes optimal use of the difficult natural defenses. Even when the castle was completely cut off by Madog ap Llewelyn's rebellion, it held strong – thanks to the 'Way from the Sea'. Via this path of 108 steps, which climbed steeply up the rock face, the besieged defenders could be supplied with food and drink by ship. Harlech is easier to conquer these days. You can enter this amazing castle via an incredible 'floating' walkway. (Cadw Wales)
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Located next to Harlech Castle and freely accessible. It is worth taking 5 minutes to study this image. There is an explanatory plaque that tells the story. The statue is by Ivert Robert-Jones (1913 –1996).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Porthmadog are UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Harlech Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its historical significance and architectural brilliance. In the wider region, Caernarfon, Beaumaris, and Conwy Castles also hold UNESCO World Heritage status.
What makes Harlech Castle a unique visit?
Harlech Castle is renowned for its dramatic clifftop location, offering breathtaking views. It features an innovative 'walls within walls' design and a unique 'Way from the Sea' path, which historically allowed resupply during sieges. Today, visitors can access it via an impressive 'floating' walkway.
What can I expect when visiting Criccieth Castle?
Criccieth Castle, perched on a headland overlooking Tremadog Bay, is a 13th-century native Welsh castle that remains in remarkably good condition. You can explore its ruins, including a notable double-towered gatehouse, and enjoy panoramic views across the bay and towards Snowdonia. It offers a glimpse into the Anglo-Welsh conflicts of the Middle Ages.
Are there family-friendly castles to visit near Porthmadog?
Yes, both Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle are considered family-friendly. Harlech has a park next to it and a cafe, while Criccieth offers a historical site combined with a beach and town amenities. The Two Kings Statue at Harlech Castle is also freely accessible and engaging for families.
What outdoor activities can I do near these castles?
The area around Porthmadog offers various outdoor activities. You can find cycling routes like the 'Pont Briwet & Harlech Castle loop' or the 'Criccieth loop' mentioned in the Cycling around Porthmadog guide. For hikers, there are easy trails such as the 'Borth-y-Gest – The Glaslyn Estuary loop' detailed in the Easy hikes around Porthmadog guide.
How far are the main castles from Porthmadog?
Harlech Castle is a short drive from Porthmadog. Criccieth Castle is even closer, located directly on the Llŷn Peninsula. Further afield, Caernarfon Castle is about 16 miles, Beaumaris Castle approximately 23.4 miles, and Conwy Castle around 27.6 miles from Porthmadog.
Are there any hidden gem castle ruins to explore?
Yes, Castell Dinas Castle Ruins offers a more secluded experience. It's known for its legendary stories, including tales of Welsh dragons, and features an amazing trail through stunning woods leading to Merlin's pool before reaching the castle remains.
What natural features and viewpoints can be enjoyed near the castles?
Many castles offer spectacular natural backdrops. Harlech Castle provides views over the sea and the Llŷn Peninsula. Criccieth Castle overlooks Tremadog Bay and offers views towards the peaks of Snowdonia. The area combines historical landmarks with scenic coastal and mountainous landscapes.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles around Porthmadog?
While castles are generally accessible year-round, visiting during spring or autumn can offer pleasant weather for exploring and fewer crowds. Summer provides longer daylight hours, ideal for combining castle visits with coastal walks or other outdoor activities. Always check specific castle opening times, especially during winter months.
Can I find cafes or pubs near the castles?
Yes, both Harlech and Criccieth have amenities nearby. The town of Harlech, home to Harlech Castle, has cafes and even Chinese takeaways. Criccieth Castle, town and seafront is part of a beautiful small Welsh town with plenty of cafes and a nice seafront.
Are there options for public transport or parking at the castles?
Parking is available on-site at Harlech Castle, though it can be a small car park. For public transport, Porthmadog is a strategic base, and local bus services connect to nearby towns where these castles are located. It's advisable to check local transport schedules for specific routes to each castle.
What do visitors enjoy most about the castles around Porthmadog?
Visitors frequently praise the dramatic settings and historical significance of the castles. The stunning views from locations like Harlech Castle and Criccieth Castle are often highlighted, as is the opportunity to explore well-preserved ruins and learn about Welsh history. The combination of history with scenic coastal and mountainous landscapes is a major draw.
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