Ewloe Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Ewloe Castle is a 13th-century stone fortress in Flintshire, North Wales. Built by the native Welsh princes of Gwynedd, it stands in a wooded valley near the town of Ewloe.
Unlike many castles in Wales that were constructed by the Normans or English crown, Ewloe is an example of native Welsh military architecture during a period of resistance against English expansion. Its secluded position and irregular layout reflect a design suited to defence and concealment rather than display.
Quick Facts
Built by: Llywelyn ap Gruffudd or Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (exact attribution debated)
Construction period: c. 1210s–1250s
Type: Welsh stone castle with D-shaped tower
Condition: Ruined but accessible
Ownership: Managed by Cadw
Access: Free entry, footpath access only
Location: Near Ewloe, Flintshire, in Wepre Park
Grid Reference: SJ 290 672
Notable feature: Rare example of native Welsh castle architecture
Brief History
The castle was likely begun in the early 13th century by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, also known as Llywelyn the Great. Its construction was part of a wider effort by the Welsh princes to reassert authority in northeast Wales following the decline of Anglo-Norman influence in the region.
By the mid-13th century, the castle may have been expanded or completed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, Llywelyn's grandson, during his campaign to consolidate control over Perfeddwlad (the land between the rivers Conwy and Dee). This territory had frequently changed hands between the Welsh and English.
The English crown did not occupy it during Edward I's invasion of Wales in 1277. Instead, Edward built the new Flint Castle nearby, rendering Ewloe strategically obsolete. It was abandoned soon after and allowed to fall into ruin.
Features and Layout
The castle stands on a steep slope in a densely wooded area. Its irregular design adapts to the natural contours of the site. The castle features a high stone curtain wall enclosing an upper and lower ward.
The most distinctive feature is the D-shaped tower, sometimes called a Welsh keep. This style is characteristic of native Welsh castles and differs from the square or circular keeps found in Norman structures. The tower has thick walls and once had two storeys. A staircase turret remains visible.
The main entrance lies on the east side, with traces of a gatehouse and drawbridge pit. Inside, visitors can see remnants of domestic buildings and water channels. The uneven terrain and lack of symmetry reflect the castle's practical adaptation to its surroundings rather than formal planning.
A modern metal staircase allows limited access to the upper level of the keep. Parts of the walls are heavily worn, and the stonework shows signs of fire damage in places.
Did You Know?
Graffiti carved into the stonework of the D-tower includes initials and dates from the 1800s, revealing Victorian-era visits to the site.
Images
Legends and Stories
The castle does not have many traditional legends, but it features in local oral history and visitor recollections. Some tales speak of secret tunnels beneath the castle leading to nearby Flint Castle, though no archaeological evidence supports this.
On certain platforms, visitors often mention the quiet and eerie atmosphere of the site, especially in the evening. Some describe hearing unexplained noises or sensing a presence near the D-shaped tower. These stories, while anecdotal, contribute to the castle’s reputation as an atmospheric ruin.
One local guide in Wepre Park recounts the castle being used as a hiding place by outlaws in later centuries. However, this claim remains unverified.
Visiting
It is free to visit and open to the public all year round during reasonable daylight hours (1 April–31 March). According to Cadw, the castle operates on a “sunrise to sunset” schedule. Visit Mid Wales confirms the daily opening hours as 10 am–4 pm, with the last entry at 3:30 pm; it closes only on 24–26 December and 1 January.
Access & Parking
Car: Lay‑by parking for approximately 5–8 cars is located directly off the B5125, about a 5-minute walk from the castle. The main public car park at Wepre Park is a 15-minute (1 km) woodland trail walk from the castle.
Public transport (visitor-reported):
Bus lines D2, 10, 10A, 11 and F1 stop at Hall Lane (8 min walk), Boathouse Inn (14 min) or Hawarden Bridge (18 min) from the castle.
Transport for Wales rail serves Hawarden Bridge; first and last stops align closely with bus timings.
Facilities & Access
Terrain: Moderate (Level 3). Paths in the park are family‑friendly; the boardwalk and woodland trails are pram‑ and pushchair‑accessible.
Castle steps: The castle interior requires climbing original stone stairs and a modern metal staircase; none have handrails—best avoided by those with limited mobility.
Dog policy: Dogs on short leads are welcome on ground‑floor sections only; upper levels are restricted.
Facilities at Wepre Park: Visitor centre with refreshments, public toilets, children’s playground and outdoor gym are nearby.
Drone and smoking: Drone use is regulated per Cadw policy. Smoking is not permitted on site.
Directions Summary
From B5125 lay‑by: walk ~150 m via footpath through farmland to the castle.
From Wepre Park: take the main trail or boardwalk (via the waterfall), signposted, covering 1 km in around 15 minutes.
Nearby Attractions
The castle is within Wepre Park, offering a range of nearby attractions:
Wepre Park
A 160-acre country park featuring woodland trails, a waterfall, playground, outdoor gym, football pitches and a visitor centre, all free to access.
Flint Castle
Built by Edward I in 1277, this English-built fortress lies 4.4 miles (7 km) north-west; it is also managed by Cadw and offers free entry.
Castell Caergwrle
A smaller Cadw site about 6.5 miles (10 km) away.
Basingwerk Abbey
A Grade I listed Cistercian ruin set in Greenfield Valley, about 9 miles (14 km) south-east.
Mold Castle (Bailey Hill)
Earthwork remains of a Norman motte-and-bailey in Mold, around 8 miles (13 km) east.
Visitor Tips
Wear sturdy shoes: Trails can be muddy and uneven, especially after rain.
Keep dogs on a lead: The area is dog-friendly but leads are required.
Best light for photos: Early morning or late afternoon for woodland contrast.
Use Wepre Park signs: Wayfinding signs help navigate to the castle.
Refreshments available: Café at Wepre Park visitor centre.
Limited mobile signal: Some sections of the woodland have poor coverage.
No bins at the castle: Take litter back to the park bins.
No wheelchair access: Steep paths and castle stairs are not suitable for wheelchairs.
FAQs
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From the Wepre Park car park, it takes around 15 minutes (1 km) via the woodland trail. From the lay-by on B5125, the walk is around 5 minutes.
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Yes, but children should be supervised. There are steep steps, uneven surfaces, and no safety railings.
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No official tours are offered, but information panels are installed at key points. Visitor centres in Wepre Park may provide leaflets.
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Drone use is restricted. Cadw requires permission and adherence to its drone policy (cadw.gov.wales).
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No. Ewloe Castle is free to enter and open daily.
Wrapping it Up
This castle is a rare example of native Welsh castle building, offering insight into the defensive strategies of the princes of Gwynedd. Unlike many castles constructed during the Norman and Plantagenet periods, Ewloe was built by the Welsh for the Welsh. Its woodland setting, D-shaped tower, and irregular layout reflect a military style adapted to the terrain rather than imposed upon it. Combined with its location in Wepre Park, it provides both historical value and scenic walking opportunities.
Sources
Cadw
Provided historical context, access details, and policies for visitors including dog rules and opening hours.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-ewloeVisit Mid Wales
Confirmed opening times and free access information.
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/showmewales/things-to-do/Ewloe-Castle-%28Cadw%29-p1728971Explore Liverpool
Described access routes and park features like terrain and suitability for families.
https://explore-liverpool.com/wepre-park-connahs-quayBased in Churton
Provided walking route details and commentary on facilities and stairs.
https://basedinchurton.co.uk/2024/11/13/ewloe-castle-in-wepre-park-near-connahs-quayMoovit App
Supplied information on public transport routes and nearby bus stops.
https://moovitapp.com/index/en-gb/public_transportation-Ewloe_Castle-North_West-site_36533107-2105Wikipedia – Wepre Park
Used for context on park facilities and general layout.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wepre_ParkWikipedia – Basingwerk Abbey, Mold Castle
Provided related attraction background and locations.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basingwerk_Abbey
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mold_Castle
The castle was built on the site of a medieval fortified manor, the current structure was designed by architect Thomas Hopper for the wealthy Pennant family.