Castell-y-Bere
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Overview
Ten miles from Dolgellau lies this Welsh castle. Once very powerful, Castell-y-Bere controlled one of the primary routes through central Wales, but today the major road runs further south and the castle is abandoned and lonely. Little remains and only foundations represent the original buildings. Originally built by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s, it is probable that the castle was intended to be more a step towards securing his position as Prince of Wales in the minds of his warring compatriots than a stand against the invading Normans. The castle was roughly triangular, following the shape of the rock, with towers at each angle. The entrance was defended by an impressive array of ditches, as well as a drawbridge and a portcullis. During Edward I’s wars against the Welsh princes, Castell-y-Bere was besieged and damaged. Although Edward paid more than £260 to have the castle repaired, it was not occupied for long and completely abandoned by 1295. Photo credit: © Crown copyright (2015) Cadw
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year, daily 10-4 (last admission 3.30). Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
About the area
The county of Gwynedd is home to most of the Snowdonia National Park – including the wettest spot in Britain, an arête running up to Snowdon’s summit that receives an average annual rainfall of 4,473mm. With its mighty peaks, rivers and strong Welsh heritage (it has the highest proportion of Welsh-speakers in all of Wales), it’s always been an extremely popular place to visit and live.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Caravan & Camping
Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park
- Launderette
- Ice pack facility
- Picnic Area
- Wifi available
Nearby places to stay
The Fanny Talbot
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Ynysymaengwyn Caravan Park
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Penmaenuchaf Dolgellau
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Hendre Mynach Touring Caravan & Camping Park
A constantly improving site where the enthusiastic owners invest year on year to enhance the customer experience. Although there is a steep decent to the arrivals' area, staff are alway...
Dolgun Uchaf Bed & Breakfast
Dolgun Uchaf Bed & Breakfast is located in a peaceful area with stunning views of the surrounding countryside. This 500-year-old property was a rich history including a time as a Quaker...
Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
Set in beautifully landscaped grounds and surrounded by the RSPB Ynys-hir Nature Reserve, Ynyshir was once owned by Queen Victoria and is surrounded by mountain scenery. Here the bucoli...
Trawsdir Touring Caravans & Camping Park
Well run by the owners, this quality park enjoys spectacular views to the sea and hills, and is very accessible for motor traffic. The facilities are appointed to a very high standard, ...
Trefeddian Hotel
Perfectly summed up by the quote from the hotel literature as being "where the mountains meet the the sea", Treffedian Hotel – AA Hotel of the Year, Wales 2018–19 – is in a beautiful co...
