Castles in Wales Gazetteer (C)

Browse this list of castles to visit in Wales by Region (click here for a regional map) or alphabetically (start on this page).

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W

Penrhos, Dyfed Caer Penrhos Legend has it that Caer Penrhos was begun by Cadwaladr, son of Grufudd ap Cynan, sometime around 1149. The castle is a ringwork fortification within an earlier Irin Age earthwork. The views are superb. Llanrhystud, Penrhos, Dyfed, Wales Location: off B4337 OS map reference: SN552 695 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caerau, Glamorgan Caerau Castle Ringwork A Norman ringwork castle within an older Iron Age hillfort (as at Caer Penrhos). Much of the site has been overgrown with vegetation. Cardiff, Caerau, Glamorgan, Wales Location: on A4232 OS map reference: ST136 750 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caergwrle, Clwyd Caergwrle Castle Caergwrle was begun by Dafydd ap Grufudd in 1277, as part of his short-lived rebellion against the Normans in Wales. The castle was ruined in the conflict, but later rebuilt by Edward I. A subsequent fire damaged the castle and it was never repaired. Sections of the curtain wall remain, with a round keep and corner towers, all in a poor state. Caergwrle, Clwyd, Wales OS map reference: SJ307 572 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caerleon, Gwent Caerleon Castle A Norman motte and bailey castle of 1085 vintage. Only the ruins of one 13th century tower stand, though there were likely at least four towers in the past. Caerleon is most famous as one of the rumoured locations of King Arthur's Camelot. Newport, Caerleon, Gwent, Wales Location: on B4236 OS map reference: ST342 905 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caerphilly, Gwent Location map Caerphilly Castle Caerphilly, covering 30 acres (12.2ha), is one of the greatest surviving castles in the medieval Western world. It was a highpoint in medieval defensive architecture with its massive gatehouses and water features. It was built by Earl Gilbert de Clare, beginning in 1268, to frighten Llwelyn, the last native Prince of Wales, from fighting the Normans in the southern part of Wales. It was then used as a model for Edward I's castles in North Wales. Crafty Llwelyn seized it when it was half finished, but it was soon back in Norman hands. After Llwelyn's defeat and death, the Welsh threat substantially ended, and the castle became the administrative centre for de Clare's estates. Edward II spent time here. Caerphilly, being uncomfortable for a family residence, eventually decayed, and stone was taken to build a nearby country house. The Victorian Bute family coal money rescued and restored the castle. An informative Castles of Wales exhibition is located in one tower. Working replicas of siege engines are on the grounds. There is an AV tour available. Caerphilly, Gwent, Wales, CF8 1JL Website: Caerphilly Castle Cadw OS map reference: ST156 871 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caerwent, Gwent Caerwent Castle Norman motte built on site of Roman fort. Caerwent, Gwent, Wales Location: off A48 between Newport and Chepstow Website: Caerwent Castle Cadw OS map reference: ST471 904 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caldicot, Gwent Location map Caldicot Castle More than one castle calls Caldicot home. The earliest, now lost, was erected in Saxon times. On the site of that earlier fortress the Normans erected a motte and bailey castle in 1086. Henry de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, built a stone keep atop the motte in 1221, plus a curtain wall and two corner towers. Later a two-story gatehouse with portcullis entry was erected. In the mid 14th century a great hall was added (now sadly almost entirely disappeared). The impressive Great Gatehouse was added by Thomas Woodstock, Duke of Gloucester, around 1390. The castle passed through many owners until the antiquarian JR Cobb aquired it in 1855. Cobb restored Caldicot to its medieval grandeur, and today it is one of Wales' heritage treasures. The buildings sit in the midst of 55 acres of landscaped parkland, and visitors can enjoy a regular programme of medieval banquet evenings. Church Road, Newport, Caldicot, Gwent, Wales, NP6 4HU Location: signposted from B4245 Website: Caldicot Castle Email: caldicotcastle@monmouthshire.gov.uk Phone: 01291 420241 Fax: 01291 435094 OS map reference: ST487 885 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sennybridge, Powys Camlais Castle A Norman motte and bailey castle dating to the 12th century. The castle was later abandonned and the site of the motte later used for the 14th century manor house. Sennybridge, Powys, Wales Location: 3 m SE Sennybridge, off A4215 OS map reference: SN956 260 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Camrose, Dyfed Camrose Castle A Norman motte and bailey castle dating to the 12th century. The castle was later abandonned and the site of the motte later used for the 14th century manor house. Haverfordwest, Camrose, Dyfed, Wales Location: off B4330 OS map reference: SM927 198 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan Candleston Castle More fortified manor than castle, Candleston was built in the late 14th century. A ruined wall surrounds a small courtyard, about which are ranged a hall block and tower, with the later additions of a south wing. Bridgend, Merthyr Mawr, Glamorgan, Wales Location: off A48 OS map reference: SS871 771 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cardiff, Glamorgan Location map Cardiff Castle Built by the wealthy third Marquess of Bute on medieval foundations within a Norman wall. He enlisted William Burges as his architect and built the castle with every conceivable decoration possible in its interior. The castle is located in the city centre within the site used by both the Romans and the Normans for defensive purposes. The 12-sided Norman keep still sits on top of a small hill today, providing views over Cardiff. Cardiff Castle's extravagant rooms are themed. Astrological and Biblical themes are everywhere. The 15th century Great Hall is the oldest room in the castle and relates to the son of William the Conqueror. The Winter Smoking Room, located in the Clock Tower, is themed to time with its decor representing the seasons of the year and the days of the week. The Arab room is decorated with gold and sandalwood and parrots, one of the architect Burges' favourite animals. Understandably, the nursery decorations represent fairy tales and nursery rhymes. The bedroom with its mirrored ceiling has a religious theme. Marble fireplaces adorn many of the rooms. Castle Street, Cardiff, Glamorgan, Wales, CF10 3RB Location: signposted from M4 Email: cardiffcastle@cardiff.gov.uk Phone: 02920 878100 OS map reference: ST181 765 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cardigan, Dyfed Cardigan Castle There was a motte and bailey castle here as early as 1093, though quite where that early Norman structure was located is a matter of conjecture. In 1110 Gilbert de Clare, who was responsible for quite a few of the early Norman castles in Wales, constructed a second fortification on the River Teifi. Around 1170 Rhys ap Grufudd, Prince of Deheubarth, took control, and transformed Cardigan into the first Welsh-built stone castle. In 1176 Rhys held the first Eisteddfod, or festival celebrating Welsh culture, at Cardigan Castle. The castle was taken and retaken over the years, as Welsh and Normans vied for supremacy, but it fell into disrepair until finally "slighted" (made uninhabitable) by Parliamentary forces in the English Civil War. Finally, in the 1880's a private mansion was built in the inner bailey, incorporating remains of the castle walls and buildings. Cardigan, Dyfed, Wales Location: off A478 OS map reference: SN177 459 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Carew, Dyfed Location map Carew Castle The ruins of Carew Castle stand in majestic splendour on the low banks of the river Carew, near Pembroke. Gerald of Windsor erected a Norman motte and bailey castle here about 1100, building on a still earlier Iron Age fort. The lovely present castle is based on a 13th century structure begun by Sir Nicholas de Carew. Three towers and the chapel survive from Carew's time, but more obvious are the early Tudor additions of Sir Rhys ap Thomas, including the gatehouse. It was Thomas who held the last great Welsh tournament of arms here in 1507. More extensive still is the later Tudor remodeling of Sir John Parrot, who added a north range and the beautiful Tudor windows which are Carew's most notable feature. Near the castle is the superb 11th century Carew Cross, one of the finest early medieval Christian monuments in Wales. Tenby, Carew, Dyfed, Wales, SA70 8SL Location: on A4075 Website: Carew Castle Email: enquiries@carewcastle.com Phone: 01646 651 782 Fax: 01646 651 782 OS map reference: SN038 035 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Carmarthen, Dyfed Carmarthen Castle There was a Norman castle here as early as 1094, though perhaps in a different location. By 1105 the current castle occupied its perch on an outcrop above the River Tywi. The original motte was augmented by stone defenses in the early 13th century. The curtain wall was added later in that century, and a gatehouse and south-west tower in the 14th century. Carmarthen was sacked by Owain Glyndwr in 1405, and later passed to Edmund Tewdwr, father of the future Henry VII. In the late 18th century the castle was converted to use as a prison. Carmarthen, Dyfed, Wales Location: off A40 Email: clgriffiths@carmarthenshire.gov.uk Phone: 0126 7224923 OS map reference: SN413 200 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd Carndochan Castle A ruined medieval Welsh castle atop a rocky hill. A traditional Welsh D-shaped tower was augmented with another rounded tower and a small cluster of central buildings within the defensive perimeter. Several other castles and remains of Roman forts are nearby, attesting to the strategic importance of the location. Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 2 m W Llanuwchllyn, off A494 OS map reference: SH846 306 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llandeilo, Dyfed Carreg Cennen Castle A 13th century ruin atop a sheer cliff, Carreg Cennan is one of the most dramatically sited of Welsh castles. It's a stiff climb, but worth it just for the atmosphere. The site may well have been used by the Romans, as finds of Roman coins and even earlier skeletons have been made here. Lord Rhys (Rhys of Deheubarth) built a more permanent castle here in the late 12th century, though it was later taken by Edward I of England in 1277. The Welsh castle was rebuilt in impressive style by John Giffard. Several towers and portions of the curtain wall still stand, albeit in a crumbling state. Much of the interior buildings have been badly damaged, a result of military action in the Wars of the Roses. One unusual feature of Carreg Cennen is the natural limestone cave beneath the castle, reached by walled passage. Tyr-y-Castel Farm, Trapp, Llandeilo, Dyfed, Wales Location: 5 m SE Llandeilo, off A4383 Website: Carreg Cennen Castle Phone: 01558 822291 Cadw OS map reference: SN668 191 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanyblodwel, Powys Carreghoffa Castle Traces of earthwork is all that remains of this castle with the turbulent past so typical of many Welsh castles. It was built about 1101 by Robert de Bellesme, but captured the following year by Henry I. Over the subsequent century it was taken and retaken at least seven times before being destroyed by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth around 1230. Llanyblodwel, Powys, Wales Location: 2 m SE Llanyblodwel, off A495 OS map reference: SJ255 222 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Beaumaris, Gwynedd Castell Aberlleiniog Norman motte surrounded by ditch, built c 1088. Anglesey, Beaumaris, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 2 m N Beaumaris, on private land OS map reference: SH616 794 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Bwlch, Powys Castell Blaen Llynfi Scant late Norman ruins of a large bailey and ditch and a rubble curtain wall. Bwlch, Powys, Wales Location: 1 m N Bwlch, on A4560 OS map reference: SO145 229 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Garnfadryn, Gwynedd Castell Carn Fadrun This is one of the earliest Welsh stone castles, built by the sons of Owain Gwynedd in the late 12th century. The Welsh normally built timber fortifications surrounded by earthwork defenses. Here the rudimentary stone buildings are ringed by a low wall more reminiscent of Iron Age hillforts than the new Norman motte and bailey design. Garnfadryn, Gwynedd, Wales Location: Location: 5 m E Pwyllheli, off B4415 OS map reference: SH278 352 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tongwynlais, Glamorgan Castell Coch A Victorian fantasy castle built by the Marquess of Bute and William Burges, owner and architect of Cardiff Castle. Outstanding architecture and design with rich decorations are a feast for the eye. Cardiff, Tongwynlais, Glamorgan, Wales Location: NW Cardiff off A470 at Tongwynlais Website: Castell Coch Phone: 02920 810101 Cadw OS map reference: ST131 826 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanfihangel-nant-Melan, Powys Castell Crug Eryr A simple translation of the Welsh name of this castle tells a lot about it. Crug Eryr translates as "The Eagle's Crag", a good description of this dramatic hilltop above the Edw valley. The castle itself is a very rudimentary earthwork motte and bailey. Although we do not know when the earthworks were thrown up, they existed in 1188 when Geraldus Cambrensis stayed here on his famous "Journey Through Wales". Llanfihangel-nant-Melan, Powys, Wales Location: 10 m SE Llandrindod Wells, on A44 OS map reference: SO158 593 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tywyn, Gwynedd Castell Cynfael A traditional motte and bailey design, though by the Welsh, not the Norman invaders. The bailey was created by cutting a deep ditch across a high promontory, and the site commands good views over the Dysynni below. Tradition holds Cadwaladr ap Grufudd responsible for building Cynfael, sometime in the mid 1100's. Tywyn, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 3 m NE Tywyn, off A493 OS map reference: SH615 016 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llangollen, Clwyd Castell Dinas Bran Here's romance! Set high on a hill above Llangolen, Dinas Bran, or Crow Castle, as it is popularly known, is inextricably linked to the legends of King Arthur. The castle was mentioned in the Arthurian romance Perlesvaus as a possible hiding place of the Holy Grail, and home of Bran (Bron), the Fisher King, brother-in-law of Joseph of Arimathea. Other legends say that a silver harp is hidden in the hill, or that the hill is inhabited by faeries. More prosaically, we know that the present castle is built on the ruins of an Iron Age hill fort. Medieval manuscripts mention a castle here as early as 1073, but the present building is a likely product of the late 13th century. In 1277 the castle was beseiged and destroyed by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, on behalf of Edward I. The castle was never rebuilt and lapsed into the romantic ruins we see today. The views over the Dee valley and the town of Llangollen are superb and offer an ample reward for those vigorous enough to undertake the steep climb to the castle. Llangollen, Clwyd, Wales Location: 1 m N Llangollen, off Ar39 OS map reference: SJ223 430 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Aberarth, Dyfed Castell Dinerth Dinerth was built by the de Clare family - as were so many other Welsh castles - sometime around 1110. It had not long existed before it was burned by Gruffydd ap Rees. That was just the beginning of a violent history, for over the next 90-odd years Dinerth changed hands at least 6 times and was sacked twice more! Finally in 1102 it was destroyed by Maelgwyn ap Rhys to prevent it falling into the possession of Llewelyn. The site is now overgrown, though the mounds of the castle and the defensive ditches are clearly visible. Aberarth, Dyfed, Wales Location: 2 m SE Aberarth off minor roads OS map reference: SN495 624 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Sennybridge, Dyfed Castell Du (Sennybridge Castle) Native Welsh castle built c1260 has only fragments surviving: a tower and curtain wall. Sennybridge, Dyfed, Wales Location: at Sennybridge, off A40, on private land OS map reference: SN919 283 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llandre, Dyfed Castell Gwallter Motte and bailey castle (no remains) with ditch and rampart surviving, built c1100. Llandre, Dyfed, Wales Location: half m W Llandre off B4353, on private land but can be viewed OS map reference: SN622 868 Photo: Churches of Wales Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Machen, Glamorgan Castell Machen Also called Castell Meredydd. Visible from the road only. Fragments of a keep and curtain footings are all that are left of the only native Welsh castle in Gwent. It was built c 1217 on a cliff. Machen, Glamorgan, Wales Location: 4 m E Caerphilly, off A468 OS map reference: ST228 886 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanbadarn Fynydd, Powys Castell y Blaidd (Wolf's Castle) A ringwork defensive enclosure of Norman vintage, open at one end like a horseshoe. There are no verifiable remains of construction within the defenses, which sit on a high elevation near a pass through the hills. Llanbadarn Fynydd, Powys, Wales Location: 3 m NE Llanbadarn Fynydd, off A483 OS map reference: SO125 798 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanfihangel-y-pennant, Gwynedd Castell-y-Bere Dramatically sited below Cader Idris, this triangular castle rising above the Dysynni valley was built by Llewelyn the Great in 1221, and fell to Edward I in 1283. Typical of Llewelyn, the castle has twin D-shaped towers. The atmosphere of the ruins is terrific, and the scenery alone makes Castell-y-Bere well worth a visit Abergynolwyn, Llanfihangel-y-pennant, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 2 m NW Abergynolwyn, off B4405 OS map reference: SH667 086 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Castle Caereinion, Powys Castle Caereinion Castle This motte and bailey castle was begun in 1156 by Madog ap Maredudd, prince of Powys. The castle was destroyed by Madog's nephew Owain Cyfeiliog and his Norman allies in the late 12th century. Little remains now beyond the raised mound of the motte in a corner of the churchyard. Castle Caereinion, Powys, Wales Location: in Castle Caereinion, on B4385 OS map reference: SJ163 055 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llandrindod Wells, Powys Cefnllys Castle There are two castles here, built along a high, narrow ridge. The more imposing northern castle was built by Roger Mortimer around 1240. It saw action in the ongoing friction between Llewelyn the Great and the Marcher Lords, and was badly damaged in Owain Glyndwr's revolt around 1406. By the late 16th century Cefnllys was a ruin, and today there is little left of Mortimer's fortress. Llandrindod Wells, Powys, Wales Location: 2 m W Llandrindod Wells, off minor roads OS map reference: SO089 614 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chirk, Clwyd Location map Chirk Castle A Border fortress begun by Roger Mortimer around 1295 and completed in 1310. The castle was remodeled extensively by Sir Thomas Myddelton in the late 16th century, and rebuilt following damage in the English Civil War. The grim stone structure is set in lovely parkland of a more peaceful 18th century. Luxurious state rooms in neo-Classical adorn the interior, giving the lie to the forbidding exterior. Offa's Dyke runs through the park surrounding the castle. Wrexham, Chirk, Clwyd, Wales, LL14 5AF Location: off A5 Website: Chirk Castle Email: chirkcastle@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01691 777 701 Fax: 01691 774 706 National Trust OS map reference: SJ275 388 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cilgerran, Dyfed Cilgerran Castle On its far side, Cilgerran Castle is sited at the top of a deep gorge, gouged out of the countryside by the River Teifi. Tourists used to visit its "romantic ruins" by boating up the river. This Norman castle was lost and re-won many times. It is thought to have been the home, in the early 1100's, of Nest, the "Helen of Wales", who arranged to be kidnapped by her cousin Owain, who had fallen in love with her. She apparently had a succession of lovers. The present castle ruins are early 13th century. Two drum towers are its most notable features. The village of Cilgerran was first mentioned in recorded history in the early 13th century. During medieval times it was famous for its salmon fishing. Cardigan, Cilgerran, Dyfed, Wales Location: 4 m SE Cardigan, off A478 Website: Cilgerran Castle Phone: 01239 615007 Cadw OS map reference: SN195 431 Photo: CADW Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Coity, Glamorgan Coity Castle Payn de Turberville erected a rudimentary ringwork castle and wooden pallisade here in the very early 12th century, possibly on the remains of an earlier Welsh fortress. His ancestor Sir Gilbert de Turberville replaced the earlier castle with a stone structure in the 1180s, including a curtain wall surrounding a stone keep. Further rebuilding in the 14th century left us with the castle we see today, with the great hall, kitchen block and round towers; and the east gate, with its portcullis and drawbridge. The castle fell into ruin after the 16th century, but what remains is an impressive reminder of the might of the Marcher Lords in Wales. Bridgend, Coity, Glamorgan, Wales Location: 2 miles NE Bridgend, off A4061 OS map reference: SS923 816 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Conwy, Gwynedd Location map Conwy Castle Begun in 1283, bristling with eight round towers and two barbicans. The castle's defensive walls extend to take in the entire medieval core of Conwy town. Edward I considered the site of such strategic importance in his conquest of the Welsh that he rushed craftsmen to Conwy from all over England, and the castle was erected in just one summer of frantic work. The result is one of the most imposing fortresses in all of Europe. Unlike many Edwardian castles, Conwy is rectangular in plan, rather than the more common design of concentric circles. Visitors can still walk along Edward's curtain wall, and climb the towers for wonderful views. The Great Hall in the outer ward is very large, stretching to 125 feet. The inner ward still showcases remains of the former royal apartments, plus a small chapel. Conwy is reached by a lovely Regency suspension bridge built by noted engineer Thomas Telford. Conwy, Gwynedd, Wales, LL32 8AY Website: Conwy Castle Phone: 01492 592 358 OS map reference: SH783 774 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Criccieth, Gwynedd Criccieth Castle Perched in a lovely location above Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle is a dramatic reminder of the conflicts between Welsh and English that helped define the medieval history of Wales. The castle was probably begun in the early 13th century, possibly by Llewelyn the Great. After Llewelyn's death, his sons quarrelled and Dafydd ap Llewelyn held his brother Grufudd prisoner at Criccieth. The castle is dominated by the massive twin towers which flank the gates. Later, Llewelyn the Great's grandson (Llewelyn the Last) added a curtain wall and a substantial rectangular tower. No sooner had Llewelyn finished his work than Edward I took the castle and strengthened the defenses further. The mighty castle withstood a Welsh siege in 1292, but in 1404 it fell to Owain Glyndwr, who had the castle burned and the walls torn down. That was the effective end of Criccieth and it remained in ruined state until the 20th century, when it passed to Cadw. Criccieth, Gwynedd, Wales Location: in Criccieth, off A497 Website: Criccieth Castle Cadw OS map reference: SH500 377 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Crickhowell, Powys Crickhowell Castle Originally a simple motte and bailey built by the De Turbervilles (see Coity Castle), Crickhowell was remodelled in stone in 1272 by the unlikely-named Sir Grimbald Pauncefote. He added a simple shell keep, little of which can be seen today. Still quite visible, however, are the twin-towered gatehouse and a double tower in the eastern end. As with so many Norman castles, Crickhowell suffered at the hands of Owain Glyndwr, and it seems that the castle was never rebuilt. Crickhowell, Powys, Wales Location: off A4077 OS map reference: SO217 182 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanelltyd, Gwynedd Cymer Castle The town of Cymer is better known for its medieval abbey, but there is a more martial remain in Cymer. The motte castle was in existence by 1116, though little is known about its origins beyond the name of its builder, Uchdryd ab Edwin. The motte is now overgrown with vegetation, though there are scanty masonry remains. Llanelltyd, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 1 m W LLanelltyd, off A470 OS map reference: SH732 195 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering