Top 4 Castles around Llandudno
Best castles around Llandudno are found in the surrounding North Wales region, offering a rich historical landscape. Llandudno serves as a convenient base for exploring several significant fortresses. The area is characterized by its coastal setting and proximity to the Snowdonian peaks, providing a backdrop for these historical sites. Many of these castles are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, showcasing medieval military architecture.
Best castles around Llandudno
- The most popular castles is Conwy Castle, a historical site that was built…
Last updated: May 4, 2026
Conwy Castle
Highlight • Historical Site
Tip by
North Wales Coastal Route (NCN 5) to Conwy Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Ednyfeds Castle
Highlight • Castle
Tip by
Sinadon
Highlight • Summit
Location: It sits atop Conwy Mountain, overlooking the town of Conwy, the Conwy Estuary, and the Irish …
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Other adventures around Llandudno
Tips from the Community
The reference to "Ednyfed's Castle" is related to Ednyfed Fychan (c. 1170–1246), a powerful Welsh nobleman, warrior, and ancestor of the Tudor dynasty. He was the distain (seneschal or chief minister) to the Princes of Gwynedd, Llywelyn the Great and his son, Dafydd ap Llywelyn. Ednyfed's vast landholdings and manors were scattered across North Wales, and he is associated with at least two sites where a defensible residence or "castle" of a Welsh lord would have stood. What it was: This site, on Bryn Euryn hill, is traditionally believed to be the location of one of Ednyfed's main manors (or llys, a native Welsh court). The "Castle": The structure associated with Ednyfed would have been an earlier, probably timber, defensive structure like a motte and bailey castle, typical for a Welsh lord of the 13th century. Current Site: Today, the site is dominated by the ruins of the later 15th-century fortified manor house known as Llys Euryn, which was built on the same spot.
0
0
Ancient Hillfort: It is the well-preserved remains of an Iron Age fortified settlement. Location: It sits atop Conwy Mountain, overlooking the town of Conwy, the Conwy Estuary, and the Irish Sea. Time Period: The fort was likely occupied from at least the middle of the Iron Age, possibly between c. 300 BC and 78 AD, before the full Roman arrival in the area.
0
0
Before the English built the town of Conwy, Aberconwy Abbey, the site was occupied by a Cistercian monastery favoured by the Welsh princes,[3] as well as the location of one of the palaces (called llys) of the Welsh princes. From Conwy: "the oldest structure is part of the town walls, at the southern end of the east side. Here one wall and the tower of a llys [palace/court house] belonging to Llywelyn the Great and his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffydd have been incorporated into the wall. Built on a rocky outcrop, with an apsidal tower, it is a classic, native, Welsh build and stands out from the rest of the town walls, due to the presence of four window openings. It dates from the early 13th century and is the most complete remnant of any of his Llys." The location also controlled an important crossing point over the River Conwy between the coastal and inland areas of North Wales, that Deganwy Castle for many years had defended.
1
0
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1287. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a massive sum for the period.
1
0
Conwy Castle is a fortification in Conwy, located in North Wales. It was built by Edward I, during his conquest of Wales, between 1283 and 1287. Constructed as part of a wider project to create the walled town of Conwy, the combined defences cost around £15,000, a massive sum for the period.
6
1
Cool views to the castle. Crossing the bridge is nearly always busy with pedestrians, but the traffic free routes along either side, along the coast are great.
4
0
Fantastic views in all directions. Tough finding a vegan cake anywhere though!
4
2
Frequently Asked Questions
Which castles near Llandudno are considered UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Several magnificent castles near Llandudno are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include Conwy Castle, renowned for its well-preserved structure and military architecture. Other notable UNESCO sites in the region are Caernarfon Castle, known for its unique polygonal towers, and Beaumaris Castle, a masterpiece of concentric design.
What makes Conwy Castle a must-visit attraction?
Conwy Castle is a remarkably well-preserved medieval fortress built by King Edward I. It boasts eight massive towers and an impressive curtain wall. Visitors can explore the most complete set of residential rooms inhabited by medieval monarchy, including the King's Great Chamber, and enjoy panoramic views of the Conwy estuary and Snowdonian peaks from its battlements. It's considered one of the finest examples of military architecture in Europe.
How does Caernarfon Castle stand out from other castles in the region?
Caernarfon Castle is distinctive for its unique polygonal towers, banded stonework, and a design partly inspired by the Walls of Constantinople, intended to evoke imperial Roman power. It features the massive Eagle Tower, which once housed royal apartments. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its sheer scale and architectural drama, and it holds significant ceremonial importance, having been the site of the investiture of the Prince of Wales.
Are there any less-known or 'hidden gem' castles to explore near Llandudno?
Yes, Ednyfeds Castle, located on Bryn Euryn hill, is a site traditionally believed to be one of the main manors of the powerful Welsh nobleman Ednyfed Fychan. While the original structure would have been an earlier defensive residence, the site is now dominated by the ruins of the later 15th-century fortified manor house known as Llys Euryn. Another is Deganwy Castle, which despite being largely ruined, offers some of the best 360-degree views in North Wales over the Conwy Valley, Conwy Castle, and Llandudno.
Are the castles around Llandudno family-friendly?
Many of the castles in the region are family-friendly. For example, Conwy Castle is a popular choice, offering an immersive historical experience with its battlements and towers. The North Wales Coastal Route (NCN 5) to Conwy Castle is also a family-friendly cycle path that offers great views of the castle.
What is the best time of year to visit the castles in North Wales?
The castles in North Wales can be visited year-round. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for exploring the outdoor grounds and battlements, with longer daylight hours. Autumn provides beautiful scenery with changing foliage. While winter can be colder, many castles remain open, offering a quieter, more atmospheric experience without the crowds. Always check specific castle opening times before your visit, as these can vary seasonally.
How can I get to the castles from Llandudno?
Llandudno serves as an excellent base for exploring the surrounding castles. Conwy Castle is a short drive or bus ride away. Caernarfon Castle and Beaumaris Castle are further afield but accessible by car or public transport connections. Deganwy Castle is located just behind the town of Deganwy, offering a rewarding walk to its summit.
Are there hiking or cycling routes near the castles?
Yes, the area around Llandudno and its castles offers various outdoor routes. For cycling, the North Wales Coastal Route (NCN 5) to Conwy Castle is a traffic-free path with stunning views. For hiking, you can find routes like the 'Great Orme Historical Trail' or the 'Little Orme Trail' nearby. You can explore more options on the Hiking around Llandudno or MTB Trails around Llandudno guides.
What kind of views or natural features can I expect around these castles?
The castles are set against a backdrop of diverse natural beauty. From Conwy Castle, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Conwy estuary and the Snowdonian peaks. Deganwy Castle, despite its ruins, offers 360-degree panoramas of the Conwy Valley, Conwy Castle, Llandudno, and the Great and Little Ormes. Beaumaris Castle provides spectacular coastal views from its grounds on the Isle of Anglesey.
What is the historical significance of Deganwy Castle, even though it's mostly ruins?
Deganwy Castle, though largely ruined today, holds a turbulent history dating back to at least the 6th century. It was a significant strategic point, controlling an important crossing over the River Conwy. The site features mounds, ditches, and ruined walls primarily from Henry III's castle built in the 13th century. Its long history, from Roman times to the 13th century, makes it an evocative place for those interested in earlier periods of Welsh history, offering a unique perspective on the region's past.
What do visitors particularly enjoy about the castles around Llandudno?
Visitors to the castles around Llandudno appreciate the rich history and impressive architecture. Many enjoy the immersive experience of exploring well-preserved structures like Conwy Castle, walking its battlements, and taking in the stunning views. The area's blend of historical sites with beautiful natural landscapes, including coastal paths and mountain backdrops, is also highly valued by the komoot community, with over 270 upvotes and 160 photos shared for the highlights.
Can I bring my dog to the castles near Llandudno?
Policies regarding dogs vary by castle. While some castle grounds or outdoor areas may be dog-friendly, access to indoor sections or specific areas might be restricted. It's always best to check the official website of each specific castle (e.g., Conwy, Caernarfon, Beaumaris) before your visit to confirm their current dog policy.
Most popular routes around Llandudno
Most popular attractions around Llandudno
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Looking for the best castles somewhere else? Discover other guides around Llandudno:
