Bodelwyddan Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Bodelwyddan Castle is a historic country house in Denbighshire, North Wales. Although it resembles a fortified structure, it was never built for defence.
The building seen today was largely remodelled in the 19th century in a Gothic Revival style. The castle grounds include a walled garden, woodland paths, and views over the Vale of Clwyd.
The site served various functions over the years, including as a private residence, a girls’ school, and a military hospital. In the late 20th century, it operated as a museum and art gallery under partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. More recently, it functioned as a hotel and events venue.
Today, Bodelwyddan Castle is a Grade II* listed building. The grounds are open to the public, though access to the castle itself varies depending on its commercial use.
Quick Facts
Location: Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales
Type: Country house with castellated Gothic Revival architecture
Date of Origin: Original house built c. 1460; major remodelling in the 1830s
Built by: Originally by the Humphreys family; rebuilt by Sir John Hay Williams
Ownership: Privately owned; parts leased for public access
Listing Status: Grade II* listed building
Notable Uses: Private home, girls' school, WWI convalescent hospital, art gallery, hotel
Surroundings: 260 acres of parkland with woodland, formal gardens, and footpaths
Brief History
The original structure at Bodelwyddan dates to around 1460 and was built by the Humphreys family of Anglesey. It later passed to the Williams family through marriage in the 17th century. Over time, the estate grew in both size and importance.
In the 1830s, Sir John Hay Williams, 2nd Baronet, commissioned a major renovation of the house. The architect Joseph Hansom—best known for designing the Hansom cab—oversaw the transformation. The house was enlarged and given its castle-like appearance with towers, crenellations, and Gothic detailing. These additions created the romanticised style still seen today.
During the First World War, the castle served as a convalescent hospital for soldiers. Trenches were dug in the parkland to train troops. In 1920, it became a girls’ private school, Lowther College, which operated until 1982.
In the late 20th century, Clwyd County Council and the National Portrait Gallery redeveloped the site as a museum. The castle displayed portraiture and historic artefacts until 2017, when the gallery partnership ended. Since then, the castle has mainly been used as a hotel and wedding venue, although the surrounding parkland remains publicly accessible.
Features and Layout
Bodelwyddan Castle is a castellated country house built in the Gothic Revival style. It features turrets, battlements, and pointed-arch windows designed to imitate medieval architecture. The building's layout follows a U-shaped plan with a central block and two projecting wings.
The interior once included an extensive collection of period furniture and artwork, particularly when it operated in partnership with the National Portrait Gallery. Public access to these areas has varied depending on ownership and use.
Outside, the estate covers over 260 acres. Notable features include:
Walled Garden: A restored 19th-century garden used historically to grow fruit and vegetables.
Woodland Walks: Trails extend through managed woodland offering views over the Vale of Clwyd.
Formal Grounds: Manicured lawns and gravel paths surround the main building.
Training Trenches: A section of WWI practice trenches has been preserved as a historical feature.
The grounds also include a café and education centre, primarily used for local events and school visits.
Did You Know?
Graffiti carved into the brickwork of the WWI training trenches remains visible today. It was left by soldiers recovering at the castle’s convalescent hospital.
Images
Legends and Stories
Bodelwyddan Castle is associated with several ghost stories and local legends. These accounts often appear in paranormal forums and tourist reviews, particularly from its time as a hotel and museum.
A frequently mentioned figure is the "Blue Lady", said to appear in the sculpture gallery and basement corridors. Staff and guests have reported sudden cold spots, the sound of footsteps, and objects moving without explanation. The story lacks historical records but is commonly repeated by former employees and paranormal tour guides.
Another claim involves unexplained noises and apparitions in the former school dormitories. Some believe the spirits are linked to the building’s time as a hospital or college, though no specific individuals have been identified.
In 2004, Bodelwyddan Castle featured in an episode of Most Haunted on Living TV, which helped popularise its reputation as a haunted site. Since then, it has been a location for occasional ghost-hunting events and overnight investigations.
These stories are largely anecdotal, based on visitor reports and oral tradition. No historical documents confirm supernatural events.
Sources: Visitor reviews on Tripadvisor, local paranormal websites, and media appearances such as Most Haunted (2004).
Visiting
As of mid‑2019, the historic house and grounds at Bodelwyddan Castle are closed to the general public. The castle was put up for sale, and public access to the historic house, gardens, woodland and trench experience has ceased. At present, only the hotel site — operated independently by Warner Leisure Hotels — remains open, and the rest of the castle facilities remain closed for refurbishment or sell-off.
Access status
Historic castle and parkland: Closed to public since mid‑2019; grounds no longer accessible.
Adjacent Bodelwyddan Castle Hotel: Open and accessible to hotel guests as well as to day‑visitors using public facilities like the café, spa and grounds tours.
Facilities at the hotel
Café (“The Coffee Nest”): Open daily, welcomes walk‑ins from 10 am to 5 pm; only assistance dogs permitted.
Day visitors: May book experiences such as afternoon tea, garden tours or lunch via the hotel’s day‑visitor packages.
Dog policy: Only service dogs are allowed inside the hotel or on hotel premises.
Directions & transport
Road access: Reachable via A55, take Junction 25 and follow signs up Engine Hill. Entrance is c. 150 yards on the left opposite Marble Church.
Nearest train: The station at Rhyl, approximately 5.9 miles away (~17 minutes by taxi).
Nearby Attractions
Even though the castle's historic house is closed, there are several places of interest nearby:
The Marble Church (St Margaret’s Church)
A striking 19th-century church built from local limestone, known for its ornate Gothic Revival style and gleaming white exterior. It stands directly opposite the castle entrance.
Kinmel Camp Trenches and Memorials
Remains of First World War training trenches and memorials related to the Kinmel Park military camp. The area also links to the 1919 Kinmel Park riots, which followed unrest among Canadian troops awaiting repatriation.
Rhyl Seafront and Town Centre
A traditional seaside town offering beaches, amusements, and local shops. The SeaQuarium and Pavilion Theatre are popular attractions along the promenade.
St Asaph Cathedral
One of the smallest Anglican cathedrals in Britain, dating back to the 13th century. It houses historic manuscripts and offers peaceful grounds in the nearby city of St Asaph.
Rhuddlan Castle
A well-preserved Edwardian fortress built by Edward I, just 6 miles away. It offers extensive ruins and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Entry is managed by Cadw.
Visitor Tips
Check ahead: The castle grounds and museum are no longer open to the public. Only the hotel is active — book through Warner Leisure if you plan to visit.
Book in advance for day experiences like afternoon tea or garden tours via the Warner Hotels website.
No general public access to historic interiors, museum collections, or WWI trenches since 2019.
Only assistance dogs are allowed on the hotel property.
Photography is permitted in public areas of the hotel and gardens if attending as a guest.
Free parking is available to guests and those with confirmed bookings.
Footpaths around the estate are no longer open unless visiting the hotel.
Nearest transport links: Rhyl station (5.9 miles), taxi recommended.
FAQs
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As of 2019, the castle and its grounds are closed to the public. Only the hotel operated by Warner Leisure remains open.
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Only pre-booked day visitor experiences (such as afternoon tea or spa packages) allow access to some parts of the hotel and its gardens. General public entry is not available.
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Only registered assistance dogs are permitted on the hotel premises. Pet dogs are not allowed.
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No. The preserved trench system and associated exhibits are no longer accessible following the site's closure in 2019.
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It is near Junction 25 of the A55, opposite the Marble Church. The closest train station is in Rhyl, approximately 6 miles away.
Wrapping it Up
Bodelwyddan Castle is a 19th-century Gothic Revival country house with a layered history. Though styled like a medieval fortress, it was built for residential and educational use. Over the years, it served as a home, school, hospital, and museum. While the historic building and its parkland are currently closed to the public, the attached hotel remains open for guests and limited day visits.
The site remains significant for its architectural character and role in regional history. Despite limited access, its legacy continues through preserved features, surrounding landmarks, and its ongoing use as a hospitality venue.
Sources
Wikipedia
Provides historical background and confirms the closure of the castle and parkland to the public from mid‑2019, with only the hotel remaining open.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bodelwyddan_Castle
Tripadvisor
Visitor reviews reflect the site's closure and report that public access to the castle and park is no longer permitted.
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attraction_Review-g316014-d295838-Reviews-Bodelwyddan_Castle_Park-Bodelwyddan_Rhyl_Denbighshire_North_Wales_Wales.html
Warner Leisure Hotels
Details hotel facilities, day-visitor experiences, directions, accessibility, and dog policy. Confirms limited public access to gardens and café through booking.
https://www.warnerhotels.co.uk/hotels/bodelwyddan-castle-hotel
Warner Leisure Hotels
Outlines available day visitor packages including afternoon tea, lunch, and grounds tours for non-residents.
https://www.warnerhotels.co.uk/day-experience
DiCamillo Companion
Notes partial leasing to Warner Leisure Hotels and that public access to the house may be possible by prior arrangement.
https://www.thedicamillo.com/house/bodelwyddan-castle
BestBookDirect – Warner Hotels FAQs
Clarifies dog policy (assistance dogs only) and confirms day visitors are welcome at Warner hotel properties.
https://bestbookdirect.com/warner-hotels-frequently-asked-questions.html
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