The majestic castles of Eryri (Snowdonia)

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park is a treasure trove of historical sites, with imposing medieval castles taking centre stage. Here, you'll find fortresses built by both Welsh princes and English kings, each whispering tales of a bygone era, making it the perfect magical holiday location for couples and families. Beyond castles, Eryri National Park is studded with other stunning historical gems, mountains to climb and plenty of tourist attractions so there is lots to explore right across the national park.

Whether you’re a couple of thrill seekers or history buffs, Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park, with its stunning scenery and world-class walks, is perfect for a romantic break. And for those of you bringing your pup, you’ll be delighted with our wide range of dog-friendly properties. 

If you’re planning a family holiday and looking for the best places to stay in North Wales, look no further than Snowdonia's castles as the backdrop for your stay. Spark your little ones' imaginations and transform them into knights and princesses as you explore these historic sites. We've curated a guide to the best castles in Snowdonia, offering plenty of inspiration for your Welsh adventure.

Skip to:

• Harlech Castle
• Dolbadarn Castle
• Dolwyddelan Castle
• Carndochan Castle
• Castell y Bere/Bere Castle
• Snowdonia castles map
• Holiday cottages in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Harlech Castle

Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park boasts some incredible castles, but none can rival the dramatic setting of Harlech. A mighty fortress perched atop a rocky crag, the castle gazes out over endless dunes which stretch towards the distant Irish Sea, with the majestic mountain peaks of Eryri rising all around. It’s a beautiful sight to witness and easy to see how it inspired the beloved unofficial Welsh anthem ‘Men of Harlech’.

Built in just 7 years by the famed architect Master James of St George for King Edward I, this Snowdonia castle epitomises a classic “walls within walls” design. Its clever layout, combined with the daunting natural defences, made it a formidable stronghold. For the truly determined attackers, there was always the “Way from the Sea” – a secret 200-foot stairway hidden within the cliff face, a remarkable feat of engineering that allowed defenders to receive supplies by ship even during a siege!

Today, conquering Harlech is thankfully a much simpler affair. A modern "floating" footbridge grants visitors access to the castle just as its architect intended – a first in over 600 years. So, step back in time and explore this awe-inspiring castle, a true gem in Eryri's crown.

Dolbadarn Castle

Nestled amidst the dramatic peaks of Eryri, Dolbadarn Castle offers a glimpse into Wales' rich history. Set on a rocky hill overlooking the vast Llyn Padarn lake, this 13th-century fortress was built by Llywelyn the Great, a key figure in Welsh resistance against the Norman invasion.

Strategically positioned at the foot of the Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) Massif, Dolbadarn played a vital role in controlling the mountain pass and asserting authority over the region. Steeped in legend, the castle might have even served as a prison for Owain ap Gruffudd, held captive by his own brother.

This captivating story inspired JMW Turner, the celebrated Romantic painter. Drawn to Wales' stunning landscapes and medieval past, Turner captured Dolbadarn Castle in his renowned oil painting. Turner's masterpiece – which was also exhibited with verses alluding to Owain's imprisonment – forever links Dolbadarn Castle to a poignant chapter in Welsh history. Plan a visit to this iconic Eryri castle and you’re sure to leave feeling inspired by its captivating charm.

Dolwyddelan Castle

Built by Llywelyn Fawr (Llywelyn the Great) in the early 13th century, Dolwyddelan Castle formed part of his network of strongholds – and although the site eventually fell to Edward I, its legacy endures. Today, visitors can explore the original impressive keep, a testament to Llywelyn's reign, which sits alongside later additions by the English.

Victorian artists were captivated by Dolwyddelan's romantic allure and evolved the castle's appearance with their own restorations which, whilst distinct from the original medieval work, have created a fascinating blend of rich architectural styles. Keen observers can still discern the distinctive artistic style of these eras, offering a glimpse into the castle's layered history.

Take a trip to Dolwyddelan and you’ll certainly feel rewarded, for the site not only boasts historical significance in Eryri but arguably some of the park's most breathtaking panoramic views. The powerful presence of the mountains looming behind the castle itself create a truly unforgettable image that’ll linger in your mind's eye long after you’ve returned home.

Carndochan Castle

This dilapidated stone mound set amongst spectacular scenery offers an air of mystery, but experts predict it as having been built around the 13th century and is thought to be the work of Llywelyn the Great. While mainly ruins now, the remaining tower hints at a typical Welsh castle style, consisting of a D-shaped tower, a round tower and rectangular buildings sitting upon a rocky crag with astonishing views across Bala Lake and the picturesque surrounding area. 

Carndochan Castle played a key role in controlling a strategic route. This ancient area was fought over for centuries by Welsh princes, and Carndochan helped keep (the then) unwanted English visitors at bay.

Whilst King Edward I might have visited in the 13th century, there's not much written history about the castle. Recent archaeological digs found large amounts of ash beneath the ruins, hinting at the castle's violent demise – either a fiery sacking or a deliberate demolition (a practice sometimes known as slighting). The site is now protected as a scheduled monument, blending into the landscape but protected from change. It’s a remote yet scenic pit stop for seasoned walkers.

Castell y Bere/Bere Castle

Occupying a commanding position at the base of Cadair Idris, Castell y Bere is a prominent historic fortress that dates back to the 13th century, having been built by Llywelyn the Great to protect the county of Gwynedd – and his cattle range. These linear ruins are strategically set along a jagged outcrop within the serene setting of the Dysynni Valley -– flanked on all sides by spectacular views of the rich, historic Eryri landscape. 

Castell y Bere offers up some distinctive features that set it apart from its other Welsh counterparts; firstly, the south tower boasts a characteristic Welsh apsidal plan, essentially an elongated D-shape. And secondly, the entrance is remarkably elaborate for a Welsh castle built in the 1220s. Deep ditches flank the approach, which leads to a pair of imposing gatehouses, and each gatehouse was secured by a drawbridge, likely complemented by a portcullis. This sophisticated level of security is unmatched by any other Welsh castle – and even surpasses what was typical in English fortifications of the early 13th century.

Whilst there are many enthralling sites to visit in Snowdonia (Eryri) National Park, the breathtaking location and interesting historic architecture of Bere Castle make it a truly unique destination and a fascinating day out for families and those exploring the local walking routes with their dogs. 

Snowdonia castles map

Find all the castles mentioned in our guide on this handy map.

Holiday cottages in Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park

Whether you're a seasoned hiker planning to conquer Yr Wyddfa, a family looking for adventure or you just fancy a romantic getaway with your beloved and your pup, we've got an Eryri cottage to match. From luxury holiday homes and cosy lodges to dog-friendly stays and cottages with hot tubs under the stars, we’re able to provide your perfect self-catering accommodation within the national park.