North Wales is a scenic place – full of the most beautiful countryside – mountains, valleys, and an amazing coastline. But what anchors it all is its rich history. There’s just something so breathtaking and majestic about seeing ancient ruins in the most breathtaking views. Key must-visit castles are Conwy Castle and Caernarfon Castle. Both are beautiful, ancient, and majestic in their own ways. Both were built on the command of the English king, Edward I, during his attempted conquest of Wales in the 13th century.
You do have to pay an entrance fee for both castles, but I think they are worth it. Conwy is the more scenic, with beautiful views of the sea and the river. Caernarfon is more majestic and has more to do inside – you get to explore the interior of the castle, go through the walls, and there’s also a wonderful military history museum inside that’s worth a visit. Caernarfon is also, I believe, the headquarters of the King in Wales. Both castles have the town centers within their walls, with small boutiques and homely cafés. Apart from the castle itself, you can spend some time hanging out in the area. Both are in the same vicinity as well, so if you are driving, you could technically visit both castles on the same day.
Dolbadarn Castle is in the heart of Snowdonia, and Harlech Castle is further south and faces the sea. Perhaps not as well known as Conwy and Caernarfon, they have their own wild beauty.
Conwy Castle
Conwy Castle is probably the most scenic of the castles we saw. It has a beautiful view of the Conwy River and the Irish Sea. The weather was amazing the day we visited, the sea a cerulean blue, and the vistas from the castle turrets were amazing.
There isn’t much to see inside the castle, but it’s worth ponying up for the tickets just for the views alone. And if it’s possible to get on the water, do so. I am sure the views of the castle from the river would be glorious!
Caernarfon Castle
From the outside, it’s not as pretty as Conwy; it’s located in the town square, and the approach to the castle is not as breathtaking as Conwy’s, but once we went inside, it easily became my favorite. This castle was where King Charles received his investiture as Prince of Wales. It also has an excellent military museum. I was fascinated with all the historical details, and nerded out quite a bit.
Surprisingly, even my kids and K were interested. Normally, they are not that into history, but in general, the museums in the UK are very accessible, and the information is very easy to absorb.
Dolbadarn Castle
This is right in the heart of Snowdonia, and is the stopping point for all travelers who want to take the train to Yr Wyddfa. The castle itself is nothing more than a ruin; however, if you are visiting Snowdonia (which you absolutely should, it’s a must for nature lovers), you might as well take the short walk from Llanberis village and tick off this place from your list.
Yes, the castle isn’t much, but it’s free, it takes up very little of your day, and the views from the castle to the lake and the quarries are spectacular!
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle looked very imposing and forbidding in the rain and wind. It’s built high on a sheer rocky crag overlooking Cardigan Bay, and was known for its impenetrability in its heyday. Even now, the road to the castle is extremely steep.
If the weather had been a bit better, we would have definitely attempted a visit, or at least taken some photos from outside, but it was so cold and windy that I couldn’t even open the car door. Plus, the car was shaking a ton from the wind.
We beat a hasty retreat from there.
All in all, four castles in four days. It might have seemed like an overkill, but it wasn’t. The type of castle, the scenic beauty surrounding it, the distinctly different weather patterns on all four days made every one of them a distinct memory in my mind.
