Criccieth Castle - Castles of Wales

Visit Criccieth Castle and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales.

Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
Visit as many castle as you want
Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

A Welsh castle with a breathtaking view all around

You'll want to take your camera with you to one of the must-visit attractions in North Wales.

Discover the beautiful town of Criccieth - home to just 1,753 people - and go back in time as you tour Criccieth Castle.

When you reach the top, you'll enjoy the view from all directions.

After hiking the rocky headland, your reward will be a gorgeous scene of not one, but two beaches!

Because of the castle's coastal location, you can see right across the town and even the length of Cardigan Bay.

Listen to the roar and crash of the surf as you plan your stroll beside the beach afterwards.

The wind will ruffle through your hair as you stand, gazing out at the scenery.

You can even bring your dog along for the journey - as long as they're on a lead, they can explore the ground floor levels of the castle with you.

Pick up a nice warm coffee from the onsite cafe and smell the nutty aroma as you wander the castle grounds.

Press your hand on to the cold siltstone as you enter through the gatehouse, flanked by enormous D-shaped stone towers on either side.

First created by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, the castle was later destroyed by one of the great Welsh princes, Owain Glyndwr.

The interesting history behind the rocky walls

Head to the Cadw exhibition and learn more about the intriguing past of the castle, as well as some more information on the 12th-century Anglo-Norman writer Gerald of Wales.

No matter how many times you visit the castle, there's always something new to discover!

The steep fortress wasn’t enough to deter the intrusion of the English king, Edward I.

It was the reason why he decided to make some changes to it. In fact, he even provided the north tower with stone-throwing equipment to stop Welsh attacks.

The English army wasn't protecting the castle in 1404, which gave Owain Glyndwr a chance to burn the towers. Since then, the town has become fully Welsh once again.

Getting here

There's on-street parking available if you're bringing the car or there's a pay and display near the beach (around 300 metres away).

Or pull up on your bike - there's a storage area onsite so you can do some proper exploring.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass?

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Toilets
Café
Paid parking

Visit Criccieth Castle with the Castles of Wales Explorer Pass

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales.

Entry to 25 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
Visit as many castle as you want
Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
Save lots of money!

Discover the Welsh history behind ancient stones

Enjoy a wonderful walk around the high arched, medieval structures at Conwy's town walls before making your way to the castle.

Smell the greenery around you as you get closer to the historic building, and see the dust clinging to the stone as you reach out and touch the limestone walls.

A great selection for Conwy Castle, this choice of stone may well be one of the reasons why the structure still proudly stands today.

This is one of the most beautiful medieval fortresses in Europe.

Believe it or not, this enormous place took only four years to build as both the castle and the walls were constructed between 1283 and 1287.

We'd recommend trying to reach the towers via the spiral staircases.

This'll give you the chance to wander a whole circuit around the 700-year-old towers of Conwy Castle, where you'll enjoy stunning views over the town.

Discover the magical spot where another castle once stood

Want to see another magical castle? The area of Conwy Castle used to be ruled by a monastery and palace that one of the Welsh princes owned.

Just across the other side of the River Conwy, the remains of the ancient Deganwy Castle can be found. This was demolished when King Edward I invaded and built Conwy Castle instead.

Walk in the footsteps of legendary Welsh princes as you stand where the castle once stood. Hear the sea birds calling nearby as you enjoy the view of the glorious bay.

Explore more marvellous places

Take in all the history as you head over to the Plas Mawr property - Britain’s finest townhouse of the golden Elizabethan era.

Fall in love with this delightful building and get ready to step back in time as the whole family can dress up in costumes or join in with one of the demonstrations of the dances from the 15th century.

As you walk around, you'll find yourself appreciating the authentic furnishings.

Admire the detailed designs that tell a fascinating story, and all the painted heraldic emblems and fanciful figures. Will you spot all the severed heads?

A wonderful day out

Touring the wonderful historic town and appreciating the beautiful arches at Conwy Castle will be a day out to remember.

Looking out from the town walls and watching the sea sweeping the shore is an image that will stick with you.

We're sure you'll be back again soon to enjoy another trip to this beautiful spot.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass?

Beaumaris Castle
Blaenavon Ironworks
Caerleon Roman Baths
Caernarfon Castle
Caerphilly Castle
Carreg Cennen Castle
Castell Coch
Chepstow Castle
Cilgerran Castle
Conwy Castle
Criccieth Castle
Denbigh Castle
Harlech Castle
Kidwelly Castle
Laugharne Castle
Oxwich Castle
Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House
Raglan Castle
Rhuddlan Castle
Rug Chapel
St Davids Bishop's Palace
Tintern Abbey
Tretower Court and Castle
Valle Crucis Abbey
Weobley Castle

Criccieth Castle - Castles of Wales