Dolwyddelan Castle
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Overview
This sturdy three-storey tower appears as almost insignificant among the sweeping hills of the Welsh countryside. Its precise origins are obscured by time, but the Princes of Wales built the castle to guard the ancient pathway that ran from Meirionnydd to the Vale of Conwy. It’s said that one of Wales’ most famous princes, Llywelyn the Great, was born here around 1173. Edward I’s forces attacked Dolwyddelan Castle in 1283 during his Welsh campaign, and seeing its great strategic value, the King had it refortified and manned by English soldiers. The castle itself was originally a rectangular tower of two storeys but was later given an extra floor and a battlemented roof line. Later still, thick walls were added to form an enclosure with another rectangular tower, all protected by ditches cut into the rock. Although the Welsh were responsible for building the castle, the style was borrowed heavily from the Norman style. There was a first-floor entrance, protected by a drawbridge. Now cared for by Cadw. Photo credit: © Crown copyright (2015) Cadw
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year Apr-Sep, Mon-Sat 10-5, Sun 11.30-4; Oct-Mar, Mon-Sat 10-4, Sun 11.30-4 (last admission 30mins before close). Closed 24-26 Dec & 1 Jan
- Facilities
- Parking onsite
About the area
The majority of the population of Conwy lives along its picturesque coastline, while a third of the county falls within jaw-dropping landscape of the Snowdonia National Park. The town of Conwy, which takes its name from the county (which in turn was named after the river that runs through it), is undoubtedly one of the great treasures of Wales.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
Royal Oak Hotel
Centrally situated in the village, the Royal Oak is an elegant, privately owned hotel that started life as a coaching inn and provides very comfortable bedrooms with smart, modern en su...
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel
Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel is Victorian country house hotel in well-maintained grounds alongside the River Conwy, at the end of a tree-lined drive. Views down the river can be enjo...
Bryn Bella Guest House
Located in an elevated position on the outskirts of the village, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, this elegant Victorian house provides a range of thoughtfully equipp...
Bodnant Caravan Park
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Bron Derw Touring Caravan Park
Bron Derw, once a dairy farm, is beautifully landscaped with stunning floral displays and is surrounded by hills. The park has been built to a very high standard and is fully matured. A...
Maenan Abbey
Maenan Abbey is a small, personally-run country house in a great location in Eryri National Park. Visitors can enjoy the huge amount of local attractions, walking and outdoor activities...
The Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia
The Royal Victoria Hotel Snowdonia is a well-established hotel near the foot of Snowdon, between the Peris and Padarn lakes. The mountains and extensive grounds make an attractive backd...
Aberdunant Hall
Part of the Aberdunant Hall holiday park, which is set on 200 acres of ancient woodland, that includes a superb selection of indigenous trees, flora and fauna, further enhanced by water...
