Begun in 1277, one of the first castles to be built in Wales by King Edward I. Its most impressive feature is a solitary round tower, isolated from the rest of the inner ward. It features in Shakespeare's Richard II.
Criccieth is truly a castle to capture the imagination. Crowning its own rocky headland between two beaches it commands astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay.
Ewloe Castle is a mid 13th century stone keep and courtyard fortress with a characteristic D-shaped tower, probably built by Prince Llywelyn ap Gruffudd ('the Last') around 1257.
Completed in 1310 in a commanding position in the Welsh Marches and in continuous habitation ever since, the castle's austere exterior contrasts with the elegant state rooms within.
In 1801, George James, 4th Earl of Cholmondeley was responsible for the demolition of the original Hall and the erection of a comparatively small ‘gothic villa’ which is Cholmondeley Castle today.
The striking ruins of Denbigh Castle, crowning a steep hill above the town, enjoy commanding views of the pastoral Vale of Clwyd and the round-backed hills of the Clwydian Range.
Beaumaris on the island of Anglesey is famous as the greatest castle never built. It was the last of the royal strongholds created by Edward I in Wales – and perhaps his masterpiece.
