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Recommended Welsh Castles 

The list below represents what are arguably some of the best castles in Wales to visit, based on a variety of factors, including:

1. Nearly complete castles with extensive ruins that remain similar to their medieval or post-medieval appearance.
2. Historically significant castles that were either administrative centers or where significant events in Welsh history unfolded.
3. Castles situated in dramatic landscapes or occupying impressive defensive positions.
4. Castles offering educational and learning tools such as onsite exhibits.
5. Castles that are textbook examples of a particular style of Welsh castle, including:

• native Welsh castles (Example: Dolwyddelan Castle)
• Norman castles (Example: Chepstow Castle)
• Edwardian castles (Example: Conwy Castle)
• motte-and-bailey castles (Example: Wiston Castle)
• hillfort castles (Example: Castell Dinas Bran)
• ringwork castles (Example: Crickadarn Ringwork)

6. Castles that are simply some of my personal favorites!

	Castle	Location	Comments
	Beaumaris Castle	Anglesey, North Wales	picturesque, mighty fortress located on Isle of Anglesey built by Edward I. One of the best.
	Builth Castle	Powys, Mid-Wales	large medieval castle with substantial earthwork remains; recommended textbook motte.
	Caernarfon Castle	Gwynedd, north Wales	Edward I's well-preserved, impressive castle is one of the best in Wales.
	Caerphilly Castle	Caerphilly, south Wales	Gilbert de Clare's military masterpiece was ahead of its time and changed castle construction.
	Cardiff Castle	Cardiff, south Wales	original motte and bailey survives inside an earlier Roman wall; impressive Victorian-era additions.
	Carew Castle	Pembrokeshire, south Wales	original castle rebuilt and replaced by a beautiful late-medieval-Tudor masterpiece.
	Carreg Cennen Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	substantial Welsh castle situated in spectacular countryside. One of the best and a must-visit.
	Castell y Bere	Gwynedd, northwest Wales	remains are less substantial but this is an historic castle set in a spectacular Welsh landscape.
	Chepstow Castle	Monmouthshire, south Wales	historic, substantial stone castle built by William FitzOsbern. Another must-see Welsh castle.
	Chirk Castle	Wrexham, northeast Wales	late 13th century substantial, beautiful National Trust castle set in stunning gardens.
	Conwy Castle	Conwy, north Wales	magnificent castle of Edward I in north Wales; another must-see castle set in a beautiful location.
	Criccieth Castle	Gwynedd, northwest Wales	built by Llywelyn the Great; rebuilt/strengthened by Edward I. Beautiful coastal location.
	Crickadarn Ringwork	Powys, mid-Wales	damaged D-shaped ringwork lying just west of the church in the village; no known history.
	Denbigh Castle	Denbighshire, north Wales	Edward I castle w/substantial remains and nearly complete town wall, the highlight here.
	Dinas Castle	Powys, Mid-Wales	hilltop castle with a large bailey, stone keep, walls and towers now greatly reduced. Spectacular setting.
	Castell Dinas Bran	Denbighshire, north Wales	castle built on an Iron Age Hillfort; spectacular views from the summit. Scant remains but worth the climb!
	Dinefwr Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	important Welsh castle built by Rhys ap Gruffydd; substantial remains overlooking the Tywi valley.
	Dolbadarn Castle	Gwynedd, north Wales	historic Welsh castle set in the heart of Snowdonia, still dominated by its impressive round keep.
	Dolforwyn Castle	Powys, Mid Wales	important stronghold built by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd; large castle with substantial masonry remains.
	Dolwyddelan Castle	Conwy, north Wales	historically important castle associated with Llywelyn ap Iorwerth in the heart of Snowdonia. Beautiful.
	Dryslwyn Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	historic large castle built by Rhys ap Gruffydd set in a commanding position. Stunning location.
	Ewloe Castle	Flintshire, northeast Wales	smaller castle built by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd; classic Welsh D-towers; beautiful location.
	Glyndyfrdwy	Denbighshire, north Wales	historic ancestral home of Owain Glyndwr: a commanding motte and large baily survive.
	Harlech Castle	Gwynedd, north Wales	Considered one of Europe's great castles, Harlech is a masterpiece of engineering, siting, and strength.
	Hen Domen Castle	Powys, mid-Wales	"Old Montgomery" Castle with its textbook motte and earthworks remaining; historically significant.
	Kidwelly Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	one of the most complete and impressive castles in Wales; a textbook of castle development.
	Knucklas Castle	Powys, Mid-Wales	masonry fragments and large earthworks remain at this site. Impressively sited in a commanding position.
	Llansteffan Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	well-preserved, large castle set on a commanding hill; the Great Gatehouse is still impressive.
	Ludlow Castle	Shropshire, England	substantial, historic, and nearly-complete castle; beautiful Norman Chapel occupies the bailey.
	Manorbier Castle	Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales	historic, substantial, and beautiful castle associated with Gerald of Wales; iconic gatehouse entrance.
	Montgomery Castle	Powys, north Wales	strongly sited castle with substantial remains outside the town; strategic and beautiful location.
	Nevern Castle	Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales	historic castle built by Rhys ap Gruffydd; motte, earthworks and low masonry survives.
	Ogmore Castle	Bridgend, south Wales	beautifully situated castle in south Wales; fragments of towers, walls, and buildings survive.
	Oystermouth Castle	Swansea, south Wales	castle is set on a hill overlooking Mumbles; beautiful coastal location with substantial remains.
	Painscastle Castle	Powys, mid Wales	impressive earthworks still dominate this site, including a large motte and steep ditches.
	Pembroke Castle	Pembrokeshire, southwest Wales	massive, historic castle built by William Marshal; nearly complete and one of the best in Wales.
	Powis Castle	Powys, mid Wales	historic, beautiful castle modified over the centuries; outstanding grounds & gardens. One of the best.
	Raglan Castle	Monmouthshire, southeast Wales	late medieval fortress transformed into a Tudor masterpiece; perhaps the most handsome castle in Wales.
	Rhuddlan Castle	Denbighshire, northeast Wales	substantial castle built by Edward I; massive West Gatehouse is still impressive; historic site.
	St Clears Castle	Carmarthenshire, south Wales	large motte-and-bailey castle; the motte still dominates the surrounding countryside.
	Stokesay Castle	Shropshire, England	a rare fortified manor house hardly altered since the late 13th century; a beautiful survival worth visiting.
	Sycharth Castle	Powys, north Wales	impressive motte and earthworks still dominate the site that was once the court of Owain Glyndwr.
	Tomen y Faerdre	Denbighshire, north Wales	impressive motte situated on a natural rock outcrop; recommended textbook motte.
	Tomen y Mur	Gwynedd, north Wales	incredible multi-period site; large motte with bailey, Roman amphitheatre & Roman road.
	Tomen y Rhodwydd	Denbighshire, north Wales	built by Owain Gwynedd in 1149; large motte and bailey remain; recommended Welsh-built motte.
	Twthill Castle	Denbighshire, north Wales	aka Old Rhuddlan; very large motte survives; former Welsh royal seat; recommended textbook motte.
	Usk Castle	Monmouthshire, south Wales	substantial castle surrounded by beautiful gardens. Lots of medieval features to explore here.
	Wigmore Castle	Herefordshire, England	Mortimer family castle recently restored; motte is still impressive and some towers remain.
	Wiston Castle	Pembrokeshire, south Wales	steep motte topped by a round keep overlooks a large bailey; recommended textbook M&B.