Must-see Castles in Wales

The Welsh countryside is lovely, the waterfront is expansive, the people are friendly, and the history is rich. To truly experience Wales, a tour of some of the most renowned castles in the region is essential. With over 400 to choose from, it can be daunting to determine which are worth your time. Which Welsh castles should you experience on your tour of the United Kingdom?

Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most popular in the region. It was the site of HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales' coronation in 1969. Caernarfon Castle is quite large, making it an ideal castle for a few hours of exploration. It is located in Gwynedd, near the Snowdonia region of Northern Wales. Unlike many castle ruins in the region, it's still possible to climb the stairs of the castle and walk along the castle walls. Parking is conveniently located within walking distance of the castle and within the town center. Find a local pub for a pint or a Sunday roast after you explore the castle.

Beaumaris Castle

Of all the castles we visited throughout the United Kingdom, Beaumaris Castle was an absolute favorite for my family. My husband was fascinated by the castle's perimeter and the moat that served to protect the castle against invasion. Like Caernarfon Castle, Beaumaris was built as part of King Edwards I's expansion and to demonstrate his control of the region. Due to their close proximity to one another and their interesting ties in history, they make ideal back-to-back excursions as you tour the region.

Dolwyddelan Castle

Located in the Snowdonia region, Dolwyddelan Castle offers an interesting contrast to the work of Edward I. Built by the Welsh princes in the 13^th century (and later captured by Edward I), this is known as one of the "mountain fortresses" of the region. Unlike Beaumaris and Caernarfon, which are both located close to or on the water to aide in supply delivery, Dolwyddelan offers expansive views of the mountainous Snowdonia territory. It is also maintained by the CADW, though the admission prices are lower than those for Beaumaris and Caernarfon Castles.

Caerphilly Castle

The gatehouses that you must cross over to enter into Caerphilly Castle are what drew my husband and I to explore this castle during our time in Wales. Caerphilly Castle is located in the city center of Caerphilly, making it possible for you to park and explore the town, as well as the castle. Like Beaumaris Castle, Caerphilly Castle is still surrounded by a moat that isolates it from the rest of the town. The castle walls are expansive, and you can explore the castle from both inside and outside of the structure. It is one of the most popular and largest castle ruins in southern Wales.

With over 400 castles and ruins to explore, it can be difficult to determine which ones you'll choose to visit during your exploration of Wales. These four won't disappoint, and offer some of the best features and most interesting history you'll find in the region.