Go Medieval! Wales Castles (with Videos)

I really enjoyed exploring the medieval castles of Turkey and the more modern and opulent castles of Germany. Little did I know I was so close to the castle capital of the planet! Wales boasts an incredible 400-plus castles. Impressive by any standards in my opinion. I’m intrigued by the castle-denseness of this 8000 square mile country. Wales is only 160 miles long, 60 miles wide.

If you visited one castle per week, it would take over 7 years to visit all of the Wales castles! Some of course are very crude ruins, while others are largely intact. I have selected a few of the best known Wales castles for this hub.

Beaumaris Castle, or Béau Mareys is located in the town of Beaumaris, Anglesey, one of the north Wales castles.  It is the largest of the castles commissioned by King Edward I of Wales.  It is also said to be the last one built, with the project started in 1295, but seemingly never completed.  Certain walls were not constructed as high as planned.  It also appears that majestic state rooms were planned for the royal family, but not constructed.  None-the-less, Beaumaris’ status as a formidable military fortress is everywhere evident.  The moat is large enough to accommodate sizeable vessels right up to the castle. 

Beaumaris is known for its huge interior and exterior towers, and symmetry of design.  Also, popular with tourists, is access to inner wall passages.  The castle has exquisite views of the Menai Straight and Snowdonia Mountains. 

The Castles of Wales website includes numerous excellent digital photos of this castle. 

Cardiff Castle is situated in the modern day city of Cardiff, and is one of the south Wales castles.  Cardiff stands amidst government buildings, traffic, shoppers and general city life.  The castle is a surprising mixture of old and new.  The first fortress on the site was by the Romans in the 1^st century A.D.  It is projected that there were another three subsequent Roman fortresses.  The bones of the current castle were by the Normans, starting in the 11^th century. 

The castle was renovated in the late 1800s, due to the efforts and love of medieval history of John Patrick Crichton-Stuart, the 3^rd Marquess of Bute, and his architect, William Burges.  Both were enthusiastic and talented, if a bit misguided.  Visitors are often offended by the gaudy opulence, or miss the true medieval splendor due to the distracting grandeur and decorations created by Bute and Burges.  To their credit however, Roman foundations were excavated and preserved by the renovations in the 19^th century. 

Conwy Castle is located in the town Conwy, Aberconwy & Colwyn.  It is one of the northern Wales castles.  Like Beaumaris, Conwy Castle was obviously an intimidating military fortress.  Conwy’s construction began in 1283, and was one of Edward I’s “iron ring of castles”, built to protect English colonists from the resentful local Welsh.  To this end, the castle has a ¾ mile wall network, forming a walled city.  The wall boasts 21 towers and 3 original gates.  The castle and city walls are well preserved. 

Conwy Castle has 8 immense towers, which visitors can access for fantastic views of the city, countryside and coast.  The towers form the foundation for the castle’s rectangular design, unusual for a King Edward castle.  Approach to the castle is by a picturesque old suspension bridge, which adds to the ambiance of the Conwy Castle experience. 

Harlech Castle is located in the village of Harlech, in Gwynedd county, and is one of the north Wales castles.  Begun in 1283, Harlech is yet another of King Edward I’s “iron ring” military fortress castles designed by Master James of St. George.  The cliff location provides innate protection to this castle, leaving only the east face as a possible approach for attack.  Harlech Castle is another example of Master James’ favored concentric design, with each line of defense enclosing the next.  Unfortunately the outer wall is now in ruins, so the visitor loses some of the genius of the design. 

Some of the interior areas are small when compared to other castles, although there were areas for accommodation of the King, and appointed local leadership.  Visitors have access to areas of the wall, which have spectacular views. 

The Castles of Wales website includes numerous excellent digital photos of this castle. 

Raglan Castle is located near Monmount, Gwent in southeast Wales.  Construction was begun in 1430 by William ap Thomas, who fought in France, explaining the French influence of the castle design.  After William ap Thomas’ death, his son, William Herbert continued the construction in the Tudor style, with grand appointments and formal stately apartments. 

In the 1600s, victors of the Civil War battered the castle, eventually toppling two of the six walls.  Thankfully, much remains to be seen.  Huge ovens and fireplaces remain of the great kitchen, as does the fireplace of the great hall.  Outside of the castle is the Great Tower, with magnificent views, and the moat. 

The Castles of Wales website includes numerous excellent digital photos of this castle.