Our corner of North Wales is filled to the brim with epic castles for you to explore and discover. How about planning a weekend to explore the castles hidden within our landscape.
Follow the castles journey of The Quirky Traveller as she explored the castles of Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham.
See The Quirky Traveller full blog
Ewloe Castle
This castle in Flintshire is the place to go to find that much needed peace and quiet. Whilst not being the most popular castle to visit in North East Wales, this fact also makes the best castle to visit to get away from people for just that little bit. When approaching the Medieval castle is is easier to think that their couldn’t be a castle in this location however the tranquil walk through the trees towards the castle only adds to the beauty of your walk.
Once you find the castle you’ll see that it is barely recognisable as a castle however it is maintained by CADW and is mostly known for it’s D shaped Tower and is thought to have been built by Llywelyn App Gruffudd (the last) after 1257. A most picturesque castle that will surely make for a great instagram post of your travels (if you can find a good angle!)
Cost of Entry – Free
Opening Times – Daily 10:00am / 4:00pm
Sat Nav Postcode – CH5 3BZ
Flint Castle
This coastal castle is a jewel of the castles of North East Wales. It is a statement of power and shows the significant past of the town of Flint. This strategic castle was one of the first built by Edward I as it was ideally placed near Chester and was accessible from the River Dee. A popular sight for locals and visitors alike the castle has the added benefit of having a seas soundtrack so making it the perfect place for you to steady your well-being and escape any stresses you have.
With the compliment of Flint town, this castle is the perfect activity to do and experience whilst you travel through North East Wales.
Cost of entry – Free
Opening times – 10:00am / 4:00pm
Sat Nav Postcode – CH6 5PH
Denbigh Castle
The guarding castle of Denbigh is easy to see from every section of the town as it is perched on the highest hill in the middle of the town. The castle overlooks the whole town and is accessible from different routes from town. Once inside the castle the sound of the busy town below is silenced and you can explore the little nooks of this stunning castle in peace. Denbigh’s finest feature is its striking triple-towered great gatehouse and is a must see as it is renowned as one of the seven wonders of Wales.
The views from a-top the ramparts of the Clwydian Range are certainly Instagrammable and is a must show to your friends and family. With many events taking place in the castle throughout the year it might be a good opportunity to join a special event or to explore the castle in your own time.
Cost of entry – Adult (£4.00) Family (£11.60) Senior (£3.20) Student – Under 16s (£2.40) Under 5’s (Free)
Opening Times – 10:00am – 5:00pm
Sat Nav Postcode – LL16 3NB
Bodelwyddan Castle
Bodelwyddan Castle is a Grade 2 listed castle that can be seen from the busy A55 road that sweeps through North Wales. The fascinating castle is now part-hotel and has many rooms for you to explore and discover more about the trials that this building has endured. From being used during the First World War (tour available of a WWI replica trench) to being used as a Girls school before being made open to the public.
Also adorned with a challenging Maze and children’s adventure playground, Bodwelwyddan castle is a great day out for the whole family and is a great stop along your A55 adventure.
Cost of entry – Family (£37) Adult (£16) Concession (£14) Child – 4 / 16 years (£9.50) 3 Under (Free)
Opening Times – Tuesday to Thursday (11:00am – 16:00) Saturday and Sunday (11:00am – 16:00)
Sat Nav Postcode – LL18 5YA
Ruthin Castle
For a the most quirky place to stay on your holidays, a Welsh castle has to be on your bucket list. Built in the late 13th century by Dafydd ap Gruffydd some sections of the wall is still in place (and to see a great view of the original wall you should go to the Lord’s Garden in Nantclwyd y Dre).
With it’s own hotel, spa and peacocks! Ruthin Castle is the best setting for a holiday in North East Wales. With afternoon tea being served up at the castle then this really is a paradise for any castle-bagger and with Nantclwyd y Dre and the Pentonville prison of Ruthin Gaol to visit whilst you are in the market town of Ruthin…..this can be turned into a full weekend trip as their is plenty to do.