Flint Castle | Visit Amazing Welsh Castles
Flint Castle is a partly ruined fortress on the Dee Estuary in northeast Wales. It was one of the first strongholds built during King Edward I’s campaign to conquer Wales in the late 13th century.
The castle played a key role in controlling access from England into northern Wales.
Its design is unusual in the British Isles and shows strong French influence. Though much of it is now in ruins, several original structures remain visible, including the circular keep and outer walls.
Quick Facts
Built: Construction began in 1277
Founder: King Edward I of England
Type: Concentric castle with separate corner tower (donjon)
Location: Flint, Flintshire, Wales
Grid Reference: SJ 243 730
Managed by: Cadw (Welsh Government’s historic environment service)
Entry: Free of charge
Condition: Partially ruined but accessible
Brief History
King Edward I ordered the construction of the castle in 1277 as part of his campaign to subdue Wales. It was the first of the so-called "Iron Ring" of castles—fortresses built to encircle and control Gwynedd, the last independent Welsh kingdom.
Master mason James of Saint George, who had worked on castles in Savoy, oversaw the design and construction. The site was strategically chosen on the banks of the River Dee, close to the English border, to allow easy resupply by sea.
By 1282, the castle was nearly complete and had already withstood a siege. In 1294, during the revolt of Madog ap Llywelyn, it was attacked again but held firm. Over the following centuries, its military importance declined.
In 1399, the castle was the site of a significant political event. King Richard II was captured there by Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV), marking a turning point in English royal history. The castle was later garrisoned during the English Civil War, then partially dismantled by Parliamentarian forces in the 1650s to prevent further military use.
Features and Layout
The castle features a unique design not found elsewhere in Britain. It consists of a square inner ward with three rectangular corner towers and a massive detached circular keep (also known as a donjon) at the fourth corner. This keep was originally separated by a drawbridge and moat, providing an extra line of defence.
The circular keep is the castle’s most distinctive feature. Its thick walls and isolated position made it a strong final refuge. The rest of the inner ward was protected by curtain walls and towers, providing multiple layers of defence.
Remains of the gatehouse and parts of the outer bailey walls are still visible. Visitors can see the worn steps, uneven surfaces, and even some graffiti etched into the stone, showing signs of centuries of human presence.
Did You Know?
Flint Castle’s design was based on a fortress at Aigues-Mortes in southern France, where Edward I had spent time during the Crusades. The separated tower was a rare feature in British castle-building.
Images
Legends and Stories
One of the most well-known stories associated with this castle involves the capture of King Richard II in 1399. According to historical accounts, including those compiled by the chronicler Jean Froissart, Richard was brought to the castle by the Duke of Northumberland under the guise of negotiations. Instead, he was handed over to Henry Bolingbroke, who later became King Henry IV. This event marked the end of Richard’s reign and the beginning of the Lancastrian dynasty.
Some visitors and local guides have noted the castle’s association with Shakespeare’s play Richard II. In Act III, Scene 3, Shakespeare dramatises Richard's meeting with Bolingbroke at the castle, heightening its historical and literary significance. While Shakespeare took creative liberties, the setting reflects the real historical location.
Modern visitors have reported an eerie atmosphere around the site, especially near dusk. Although no specific ghost legends are widely recorded in official sources, user reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor mention feelings of being "watched" or experiencing strange echoes within the keep.
Visiting
It is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm, with last admission at 3:30 pm. The site is closed on 24–26 December and 1 January.
Entry is free of charge, and no pre-booking is required .
Facilities and Accessibility
Car park: Public car parks are signposted in Flint town centre. One disabled parking space is located about 100 m from the castle.
Toilets: No toilets on-site. Public facilities available nearby in Flint town .
Access terrain: Gentle slopes and mostly level pathways (rated “Easy – Level 2”).
Dogs policy: Dogs on short leads are welcome at ground‑floor areas. Staff may refuse entry to dogs not under control.
Directions
By car: Drive via the A548 – follow signs to Flint town centre and the castle entrance.
By rail: Flint Station is approximately 270 m (295 yd) from the castle.
By bike: Accessible from National Cycle Network Route 5.
Visitor Costs
Entry: Free
Parking: Public car parks—charges may apply depending on location
Gift shop: No on-site gift shop (purchases available in Flint town)
Nearby Attractions
Here are several places you can explore close to the castle:
Flint Coastal Path
A peaceful walk along the Dee estuary, offering birdwatching opportunities and views of salt marshes and distant shipping lanes.
Greenfield Valley Heritage Park & Basingwerk Abbey
About 5 miles south, this heritage park features woodland trails, industrial heritage sites, and the impressive ruins of Basingwerk Abbey, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery.
Wepre Park & Castell Ewloe
A 10-minute drive away, Wepre Park is a 160‑acre country park with woodland, a waterfall, and the ruins of Ewloe Castle—a native Welsh fortress built in the 12th–13th centuries.
Talacre Beach & Point of Ayr Lighthouse
A 15‑minute drive north, this golden-sand beach sits within a Site of Special Scientific Interest and is home to the iconic 18th-century lighthouse.
Moel Famau & Jubilee Tower
A scenic drive into the Clwydian Range leads to this hill rising 554 m. The trail to Jubilee Tower offers panoramic views over north-east Wales.
Mostyn Hall (Mostyn Estate)
A Grade I listed Jacobethan manor house open to the public on limited days; situated just a few miles from Flint.
Visitor Tips
Arrive early to find parking, especially during weekends or school holidays
Keep dogs on leads at all times and clean up after them
Use nearby town facilities, there are no toilets or shops at the castle
Wear suitable footwear, some surfaces are uneven and weather-worn
Combine your visit with the Wales Coast Path or Greenfield Valley for a full day out
Bring a camera, the isolated tower and estuary views offer good photo opportunities
Use public transport if available—Flint Station is very close to the site
Supervise children near the walls and stair remnants
FAQs
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Entry is free for all visitors. No booking is required.
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Yes, dogs are allowed on leads. They must be kept under control, and owners should clean up after them.
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The site has mostly level ground and gentle slopes, but there are uneven surfaces and no formal pathways within the ruins. Access may be limited in wet conditions.
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Public car parks are available in Flint town centre. One designated disabled parking space is located about 100 m from the castle entrance.
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Flint Station is just a short walk, around 270 metres, from the castle site.
Wrapping it Up
This castle is a historically significant fortress with an unusual design and strong links to Edward I’s conquest of Wales. Its strategic location on the Dee Estuary made it vital during key medieval conflicts, including the Welsh uprisings and the deposition of King Richard II.
Today, the site offers a glimpse into 13th-century military architecture. Its circular tower and open grounds are freely accessible to the public. Visitors can explore the ruins, enjoy views along the coast, and link their visit to other heritage sites nearby.
Sources
Cadw – Flint Castle visitor information
Verified details on opening times, facilities, free entry, dogs policy, terrain and access info. castlefacts.info+15Cadw+15ancientmonuments.uk+15Wikipedia – Flint Castle
Provided history, construction dates, Richard II’s capture in 1399, castle design, materials, Civil War and slighting events, spiral staircase installed in 2017.
WikipediaCastleFacts & Monday Club sites:
Confirmed geographic coordinates (53.2518 N, −3.12996 W).
ancientmonuments.uk+8castlefacts.info+8Kiddle+8Kiddle & Wikidocumentaries:
Reaffirmed coordinates and construction timeline.
WikidocumentariesAncientMonuments.uk:
Precise coordinates in decimal and DMS formats.
Wikidocumentaries+11ancientmonuments.uk+11wales-records.nbnatlas.org+11
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.