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The exterior of Penrhyn Castle on a sunny day
Penrhyn Castle in summer | © National Trust Images/Gwenno Parry

Castles and forts in Wales

Explore some of the finest and most famous castles in Wales, from the home of the Welsh princes at Powis Castle, to Chirk’s medieval fortress and sugar and slate fortunes at Penrhyn Castle.

Castles and forts to visit in North Wales

From dungeon adventures to Victorian extravagance, explore castles routed in Welsh history from Wrexham to Gwynedd.

The west front of Penrhyn Castle and Garden on a sunny day in Gwynedd, Wales.
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Penrhyn Castle 

A fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations, learn more about a long history of sugar and slate fortunes and social unrest at this enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle.

Bangor, Gwynedd

Fully open today
View of the castle from the garden in springtime
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Chirk Castle 

Complete with dungeons and stunning views, there’s plenty to explore on a visit to this impressive fortress, built by Edward I to subdue the last princes of Wales.

Chirk, Wrexham

Fully open today

Castles and forts to visit in Mid Wales

Walk in the footsteps of the princes of Powis and discover one of the most magnificent castle interiors in the country.

View from the Wilderness of Powis Castle and it's terraces, Wales
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Powis Castle 

Discover a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture inside Powis Castle, a medieval fortress towering above world-famous garden terraces.

Welshpool, Powys

Partially open today

Castles and forts to visit in South Wales

Explore castle ruins rich in myths, legends and history from Carmarthenshire to Monmouthshire.

View through an arched water gate to stairs beyond at Skenfrith Castle
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Skenfrith Castle 

Explore the ruins of a 13th-century fortress built by the Normans to command one of the main routes from England.

near Abergavenny, Monmouthshire

Fully open today
The 13th century ruin of Cilgerran Castle, perched over the spectacular Teifi gorge. The steep banks surrounding the castle are covered with various plants including small trees.
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Cilgerran Castle 

Uncover nearly 800 years of history at the magnificent Cilgerran Castle. Overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge, this striking 13th-century fortress is under the guardianship of Cadw.

near Cardigan, Pembrokeshire

Partially open today
View from Dinefwr castle, looking over the National Nature Reserve in Carmarthenshire, Wales.
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Dinefwr Castle 

Dinefwr Castle overlooks the National Nature Reserve, historic Newton house and 18th century landscape park. The castle is managed by Cadw.

Llandeilo, Carmarthenshire

Fully open today

Collections in Wales

A watercolour painting of Edward Herbert, 1st Lord Herbert of Cherbury (1581/3-1648), by Isaac Oliver, showing a man with a doublet and shield reclining by a stream in a wood surrounded by trees with his grooms and horse in background
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Collections in Wales 

Explore rich and diverse collections throughout Wales from sculptures, tapestries and paintings to hidden family gems, and a 16th century bible that saved the Welsh language.

Welsh myths and legends

View of the Idwal Slabs in Cwm Idwal Valley, Carneddau and Glyderau, Gwynedd, Wales
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Welsh myths and folklore 

Explore the myths, legends and folklore that have shaped the ancient landscapes of Wales. From the origin of our famous Welsh red dragon in Snowdonia, to the enchanted lake of Cwm Llwch.

Other places you might be interested in

View of the north east front of Tredegar House, Newport on a sunny day

Houses and buildings in Wales 

Explore magnificent Welsh mansions and their collections, from ancestral homes to buildings designed by renowned architects. Discover the history and tales from bygone days, in breath-taking settings across Wales.

Cherry blossom at the end of the yew walk in the garden at Erddig

Gardens and parks in Wales 

Visit an amazing collection of gardens and parks in Wales. From walled gardens to arboretums and countryside estates, there’s plenty to explore.

Walkers admire the view across Llyn Ogwen to the Cwm Idwal Valley on a sunny day, with a body of water visible in the valley and mountains in the distance

Countryside and woodland in Wales 

Explore dramatic and beautiful valleys, ancient woodlands and river walks or have an adventure through the wild Welsh mountains and visit some of the country’s most iconic peaks.

View of Powis Castle, perched above its terraced gardens, Powys, Wales, in autumn.

Discover more in Wales

A Celtic land with an industrial past steeped in myth, legend, poetry and song. Croeso i Gymru.