- Conwy Castle
& Town Walls
- Conwy
 01492
592358
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- Constructed by the English monarch
Edward 1 between 1283 and 1289, soaring curtain walls and 8 huge
round towers give the castle an intimidating presence. There
are breath-taking views from the battlements over the mountains
and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castle's massive
Great Hall.
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- The circuit of town walls, over
three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by 22 towers, is one
of the finest in the world.
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Caernarfon is possibly the most
striking medieval monument in Wales, with its scale and commanding
presence. Its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements
and colour-banded walls were designed to echo Constantinople,
the imperial power of Rome. Begun in 1283, its symbolic status
was emphasized when Edward's son , the first English Prince of
Wales, was born here in 1284.
In 1969, the castle was the setting
for the Investiture of HRH Prince Charles as Prince of Wales.
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- Caernarfon
Castle
- Caernarfon
- 01286
677617
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- Harlech Castle
- 01766
780552
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Harlech Castle is built on a rocky
outcrop, gazing out over the land and sea, keeping a watchful
eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward1 built it in the
late 13th century to fulfil this very role.
A long siege here during the Wars
of the Roses inspired the stirring song "Men of Harlech".
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Built on its commanding headland
overlooking Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle's history is deeply
entwined in the medieval conflict between England and Wales.
Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, it was taken
by Edward's forces in 1283 and extensively refortified. |
- Criccieth Castle
- 01766
522227
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- Beaumaris Castle
- Anglesey
- 01248 810361
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Beaumaris is the great unfinished
masterpiece. Started in 1295, it was the last of the massive
Edwardian fortresses of the 13th century to be built in North
Wales, but money ran out before the fortifications reached reached
their full height. It is still regarded as the finest Welsh castle.
It is the most technically perfect castle in Britain, with a
symmetrical concentric "walls within walls" design
that was state of the art for the 13th century. |
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700 year Chirk Castle, a magnificent
marcher fortress, commands fine views over the surrounding countryside.
Rectangular with a massive drum tower at each corner, the castle
has beautiful formal gardens with clipped yews, roses and a variety
of flowering shrubs.
The dramatic dungeon is a reminder
of the castle's turbulent history, whilst later occupants have
left elegant state rooms, furniture, tapestries and portraits.
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- Chirk Castle
- Chirk
- near Wrexham
- LL14 5AF
- 01691 777701
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- Penrhyn Castle
- Bangor
- Gwynedd
- LL57 4HN
- 01248 484950
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Built on the profits of Welsh slate
and Jamaican sugar, Penrhyn Castle is an extravagent example
of early19th century neo-Norman architecture.
It is filled with intricate carvings,
stained glass windows and handmade wallpapers, and features a
slate bed made for Queen Victoria and a spectacular Grand Staircase
which took 10 years to build.
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Powis Castle was originally built
as a fortress by Welsh princes but was later adapted and enriched
by generations of Herberts and Clives.The beautiful collection
of treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum includes
textiles, armour, bronzes, jade, ivory and a magnificent tent.There
are sumptuous period rooms and an elegant Long Gallery.
The world famous Gardens are spectacular with
4 huge stepped terraces, an orangery and topiary that looks as
if it is shaved daily! |
- Powis Castle
- near Welshpool
- SY21 8RF
- 01938 557018
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Places of Interest
in North Wales
Places to take the kids
in North Wales
Places to Eat
and Drink in North Wales
Homepage
Accommodation in North Wales
Advertise
Better Tours, Milbank, Presteigne, Powys.
Tel: 01544260493. Castles of Wales Tour. BETTER TRAVEL is pleased
to offer you, the discerning traveller, the opportunity to visit
in four days a few of the classical Castles of South, Mid, West
and North Wales. With names as famous as Carreg Cennen and Caerphilly,
Chepstow, Caernafon, Beaumaris, Conwy or Lamphey Bishops Palace
and Carew, these treasured ruins of the dark and middle ages
are familiar to both residents and visitors alike. www.better-travel.co.uk.
Location: Tour of the
Castles of Wales.