A Nation Defined by Its Castles

Wales is often said to have more castles per square mile than any other country in Europe. With over 600 castles — from dramatic clifftop ruins to UNESCO World Heritage fortresses — they are woven into the very identity of Wales. But these aren't merely tourist attractions. Each castle tells a story of power, resistance, colonisation, and resilience.

Why Were So Many Castles Built in Wales?

The sheer number of Welsh castles reflects centuries of conflict. After the Norman Conquest of England in 1066, Norman lords pushed westward into Wales, building motte-and-bailey castles to control conquered territory. Later, in the late 13th century, King Edward I of England launched a systematic conquest of Wales, constructing a chain of massive stone fortresses to suppress Welsh resistance. These so-called "Iron Ring" castles represent some of the most ambitious military architecture in medieval Europe.

The Iron Ring: Edward I's Castles

Edward I's campaign castles, built between roughly 1277 and 1307, are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site. They include:

  • Caernarfon Castle – Perhaps the most iconic, with its distinctive polygonal towers and eagle-topped turrets. Edward I deliberately had his son (the future Edward II) born here to present him as a Welsh-born Prince of Wales.
  • Conwy Castle – A masterpiece of medieval military design, dominating the estuary of the River Conwy. Its town walls survive almost entirely intact.
  • Harlech Castle – Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop above Cardigan Bay, Harlech inspired the song "Men of Harlech".
  • Beaumaris Castle – On the Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris is considered the most technically perfect concentric castle in Britain, though it was never completed.

Native Welsh Castles

Not all Welsh castles were built by English conquerors. Welsh princes built their own strongholds, asserting independence and native power:

  • Dolwyddelan Castle – In the Conwy Valley, this was a stronghold of Llywelyn the Great, one of Wales's most celebrated rulers.
  • Criccieth Castle – Originally built by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, later taken and modified by Edward I.
  • Dinefwr Castle – In Carmarthenshire, ancestral seat of the Kings of Deheubarth in South Wales.

Castles as Symbols of Resistance

The Welsh relationship with their castles is complex. Many were instruments of oppression — built to dominate the local population. Yet over the centuries, they have been reclaimed as symbols of Welsh identity and pride. Owain Glyndŵr, who led a major Welsh uprising in the early 15th century, captured several English-held castles during his campaign for Welsh independence.

Visiting Wales's Castles Today

Most of Wales's major castles are managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service. Many offer interactive exhibitions, guided tours, and family events. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply seeking dramatic scenery, Wales's castles offer some of the most rewarding heritage experiences in Europe.

From the windswept ruins of Carreg Cennen to the perfectly preserved grandeur of Caerphilly — the largest castle in Wales — there is always another fortress waiting to be discovered.