Dolwyddelan is as Welsh as the rugged mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) that provide its spectacular backdrop. One of a group of fortresses built to command the mountain passes, it stands as a lasting memorial to Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great. He was the undisputed ruler of Gwynedd from 1201 to his death in 1240. But Dolwyddelan was finally conquered during the reign of his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by the English king Edward I. It marked a crucial stage in his relentless campaign to crush the Welsh once and for all. Edward set his own stamp on Dolwyddelan from the day it fell in 1283. The garrison was hastily equipped with camouflage white tunics - perfect for winter warfare in the mountains.
Beautiful castle just a quick 10-15min walk from the A470. We visited on a weekday so the castle wasn't open (only opens on weekends) but was still worth a trip. Some reviewers have mentioned paying but this is free - just make sure you park in the lay-by at (53.0536486, -3.8971163) and enter through the gate that says there is access to the castle (see photo).
A strategically important fort guarding the north/south pass through Snowdonia midway between Harlech and Conwy castles and the east/west pass through Caernarfon and Dolbadarn castles and the hometown and birthplace of the second Prince of Wales, Llywelyn the Great. Don't miss the short drive north to another unknown gem, Llywelyn's sarcophagus proudly displayed in the chapel of St Grwst Church in Llanrwst. Both sites have informative history boards for context.
Lovely walks and treated with gorgeous views from the top. Sheep are everywhere, so dogs on a close lead are a must.
Small but quiet and profoundly beautiful castle and surrounding lush valley. Had it to ourselves.
Lovely castle which is easily accessible from Dolwyddelan, walk is 20 minutes. The castle is open for viewing on Friday-Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm, all other days is only open for external viewing only. Free entry, worth a visit!
Really nice castle, parking is about 300yds from where the main entrance is, in a lay-by. A gentle 30 minute up/down hill stroll to the castle and back. We found and foraged blackberries and sloe berries.
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Good for kids
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Beautiful castle just a quick 10-15min walk from the A470. We visited on a weekday so the castle wasn't open (only opens on weekends) but was still worth a trip. Some reviewers have mentioned paying but this is free - just make sure you park in the lay-by at (53.0536486, -3.8971163) and enter through the gate that says there is access to the castle (see photo).
A strategically important fort guarding the north/south pass through Snowdonia midway between Harlech and Conwy castles and the east/west pass through Caernarfon and Dolbadarn castles and the hometown and birthplace of the second Prince of Wales, Llywelyn the Great. Don't miss the short drive north to another unknown gem, Llywelyn's sarcophagus proudly displayed in the chapel of St Grwst Church in Llanrwst. Both sites have informative history boards for context.
Lovely walks and treated with gorgeous views from the top. Sheep are everywhere, so dogs on a close lead are a must.
Small but quiet and profoundly beautiful castle and surrounding lush valley. Had it to ourselves.
Lovely castle which is easily accessible from Dolwyddelan, walk is 20 minutes. The castle is open for viewing on Friday-Sunday and Bank Holidays 10am-4pm, all other days is only open for external viewing only. Free entry, worth a visit!
Really nice castle, parking is about 300yds from where the main entrance is, in a lay-by. A gentle 30 minute up/down hill stroll to the castle and back. We found and foraged blackberries and sloe berries.
