Criccieth Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Criccieth Castle stands on a rocky headland on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. It overlooks Cardigan Bay and offers views of Snowdonia National Park.
The castle combines native Welsh and English design styles. It dates back to the 13th century and played a role in the power struggles between Welsh princes and English kings.
It is now a ruin. It remains a popular tourist site managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government. Its location above the town of Criccieth makes it a prominent landmark along the coastline.
Quick Facts
Location: Criccieth, Gwynedd, North Wales
Type of Castle: Stone-built fortress with twin-towered gatehouse
Period Built: Early 13th century
Built By: Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd
Historical Significance: Symbol of Welsh and later English control
Current Status: Managed ruin, open to the public under Cadw
Dog Friendly: Dogs allowed on leads
Entry Fee (2024): Adults £7.40, Concession £5.20, Family ticket £24.20
Parking: Paid parking available in the town nearby
Official Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/criccieth-castle
Brief History
The castle was built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great. Its location allowed the Welsh prince to control the coast and nearby lands. The castle became part of the internal power struggles between rival Welsh factions.
In 1283, King Edward I of England captured it during his conquest of Gwynedd. The English reinforced the structure with new towers and defences. The castle then served as an administrative centre under English rule.
In 1404, the forces of Owain Glyndŵr attacked the castle during his rebellion against English rule. They successfully burned and damaged the site. After this, the castle fell into disuse and was never fully repaired.
Today, visitors can see the remains of both the original Welsh defences and later English additions.
Features and Layout
The castle stands on a narrow rocky headland with steep cliffs on three sides. This natural position made it easier to defend. The castle has a twin-towered gatehouse, one of the earliest examples in Wales. It was first built by Llywelyn the Great and later strengthened by Edward I.
Inside the castle walls, you can see the remains of living quarters, a great hall, and storage areas. Parts of the curtain wall still survive, providing views over Cardigan Bay. The inner and outer wards are divided by a ditch and secondary gate, adding layers of defence.
A stone oven remains visible in the inner ward, once used to bake bread for the garrison. Many of the staircases are worn down from centuries of use, adding to the castle’s historic atmosphere.
Did You Know?
One of Criccieth Castle’s towers was adapted by Edward I to house a stone-throwing machine, known as a mangonel, to defend against naval attacks.
Images
Legends and Stories
The castle features in local folklore and literature. One well-known reference comes from the Mabinogion, a collection of medieval Welsh tales. While the Mabinogion does not mention Criccieth by name, the surrounding area forms part of its mythical landscape.
Another story comes from the 19th-century writings of George Borrow, a travel writer. In his book, “Wild Wales”, Borrow described visiting Criccieth and called it one of the most striking ruins on the coast.
Local guides sometimes share stories of hidden tunnels beneath the castle, though no archaeological evidence has been found to support this.
A visitor review on TripAdvisor also mentions the eerie experience of hearing wind whistle through the towers on quiet days, adding to the site’s historic feel.
Visiting
Always check Cadw for latest details.
Opening Times
1 April – 3 November: Open daily, 10 am – 5 pm.
4 November – 31 March: Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm, and Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Ticket Prices
Adults: £5.80
Seniors (65+): £4.60
Juniors (5–17), NUS, Armed Forces, Veterans: £3.50
Family (2 adults + up to 3 children): £16.80
Cadw/English Heritage/Historic Scotland members + certain concessions: Free or reduced admission.
Note: First-year English Heritage and Historic Scotland members can claim a 50 % discount at Criccieth by booking online.
Directions & Parking
Address: Castle Street, Criccieth, LL52 0DP
By road: Via A497 from Porthmadog or Pwllheli.
By rail: 8-minute walk from Criccieth station. Special offer: 2-for-1 entry with same‑day train ticket until 30 September 2025.
Parking: No on-site car park. On-street and town pay-and-display parking approximately 300 m away.
Facilities
Visitor centre with exhibits and a small gift shop.
Accessible toilets and an accessible platform lift in the centre.
Bike rack available.
No café on-site; nearby cafés include Sŵn‑Y‑Môr overlooking the beach.
Dogs welcome on leads in ground‑floor areas.
Steep path with ten stone steps leads to the castle; handrail in parts.
No pram or wheelchair access to the upper site.
Events & Tours
Cadw occasionally offers guided tours and family‑friendly events like folk music and storytelling.
One‑hour guided tours available by reservation led by local guides (e.g., Deian ap Rhisiart).
A “Tales of Wales” storytelling event ran in summer 2023 for families.
Nearby Attractions
The area around the castle offers a variety of historic sites, coastal walks, and family-friendly experiences.
Penarth Fawr Medieval Hall
A beautifully preserved 15th-century hall-house near the coast. It offers insight into domestic architecture after construction by Llywelyn the Great.
Wales Coast Path & Llŷn Coastal Path
These long-distance footpaths run past Criccieth. They offer cliff-top views and lead to nearby beaches and harbours.
Morfa Bychan (Black Rock Sands)
A two-mile beach known for shallow, swimmable waters and the occasional gravel barrier. Pet dogs are permitted on certain sections .
Amgueddfa Lloyd George (Llanystumdwy)
A museum dedicated to David Lloyd George, former UK prime minister, situated about 2 miles east of Criccieth .
Welsh Highland Railway
A heritage train journey from Porthmadog that passes stunning scenery and runs close to Criccieth .
Harlech Castle
A UNESCO-listed Edward I fortress approximately 7 miles south of Criccieth. It features a museum and sweeping sea views .
Portmeirion Village
A colourful Italianate village in Penrhyndeudraeth, 5 miles away. It is family oriented and often hosts events.
Visitor Tips
Wear sturdy footwear - Paths around the castle are uneven and include steep climbs.
Check the weather forecast - The headland is exposed, making it windy even on clear days.
Book online for discounts - Advance tickets via Cadw often include price reductions.
Use train offers - Presenting a valid Transport for Wales train ticket can give you 2-for-1 entry (until 30 September 2025).
Bring a camera - The views across Cardigan Bay and towards Snowdonia are highly photogenic.
Dogs are allowed - Keep dogs on leads, especially near cliff edges.
Combine with local museums - The nearby Lloyd George Museum offers additional historic interest.
Eat in town - Criccieth has several cafés and restaurants, including Sŵn-y-Môr with castle views.
Visit Black Rock Sands - Extend your trip with a beach visit just a few miles away.
FAQs
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Criccieth Castle was built in the early 13th century. Construction started around 1230 under Llywelyn the Great.
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Most visitors spend between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours at Criccieth Castle. This includes time to explore the ruins, read the on-site information boards, and enjoy the sea views.
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Yes, dogs are allowed on leads within the grounds of Criccieth Castle. They are restricted from the upper levels due to safety concerns.
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No, Criccieth Castle charges entry fees. Adult tickets cost £5.80, but discounts are available for concessions, families, and Cadw members.
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There is no on-site parking. Visitors can use pay-and-display parking in Criccieth town, about 300 metres from the castle.
Wrapping it Up
This castle offers a clear example of medieval power struggles in Wales. The site combines Welsh and English construction styles. It stands in a scenic location with views across Cardigan Bay. Visitors can explore the gatehouse, curtain walls, and surviving towers. The surrounding town of Criccieth and nearby attractions make it a worthwhile destination for history enthusiasts and day-trippers alike. Practical facilities, walking routes, and local museums provide options for a full day out.
Sources
Cadw
Visitor information, historical background, opening times, and access details.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-criciethCadw Membership Tickets
Ticket prices, concession details, and booking options.
https://www.cadwmembership.service.gov.wales/events/criccieth-castle-site-entry-ticketsWales Guidebook
Visitor tips, accessibility details, and facility descriptions.
https://walesguidebook.com/castles/north-wales/criccieth-castleVisit Wales – Things to Do in Criccieth
Nearby attractions and scenic walking routes.
https://www.visitwales.com/destinations/north-wales/things-do-and-around-cricciethTfW
Rail travel offers and directions for rail users.
https://tfw.wales/places/attractions/criccieth-castleMedieval Britain
Concise history, ticket costs, and key site features.
https://medievalbritain.com/locations/wales/criccieth-castle
Criccieth Castle stands on a rocky headland on the Llŷn Peninsula in North Wales. It overlooks Cardigan Bay and offers views of Snowdonia National Park.