Denbigh Castle - Castles of Wales

Visit Denbigh 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.

Here's why you need to book Denbigh Castle tickets

Rising high above the quaint town of Denbigh in north Wales are the ruins of the grand Denbigh Castle that has withstood countless wars - your first clue that there's more to this sleepy little town than first meets the eye.

Denbigh has played an important role in shaping the history of Wales, and the historical buildings here are a must-see for those interested in learning about the country’s tumultuous and bloody past.

Denbigh Castle's magnificent ruins

Although little remains of Denbigh Castle now, as you step inside the ruins, you'll hear the creaking of a portcullis and the sounds of marching boots.

Exploring its vast, beautiful grounds with views over the pleasant Welsh pastures beyond, you’ll find yourself transported back to the days of knights and kings.

Try to picture what these impressive stone walls would have looked like in their towering, completed state, made more impressive still when you learn about all the battles they've seen.

The same goes for the ruins of the churches and the friary: in their prime, these places of worship would have looked grand, and worthy of their holy purpose.

Each of these buildings also has its own fascinating story to tell.

The bloody history of Denbigh North Wales

Denbigh Castle saw many owners over the centuries. It was originally the residence of Dafydd ap Gruffudd, whose attacks against the English were what prompted Edward I’s invasion of Wales.

In the 13th century, an English army led by Henry de Lacy captured Denbigh and built the town walls.

These town walls are still largely intact for you to see during your visit, however, the castle itself still wasn't finished by the time de Lacy died.

Rumour has it that this was because de Lacy's eldest son, Edmund, fell down the castle well and passed away, causing him to fall into despair and lose all heart in the project.

Denbigh's places of worship

Robert Dudley, a close friend of Queen Elizabeth I, ended up owning the castle at one point but spent most of his time overseeing the construction of Leicester's Church. If you've got time, be sure to visit the remains.

Dudley proposed that this church would be so grand that it would replace St Asaph Cathedral, however construction stalled due to financial difficulties, and Dudley died before plans were ever made to finish it.

As you explore what little was built of Leicester’s Church, will you be able to imagine what Dudley was envisioning?

Around this time, the town friary was also established by the Carmelites. Why not go and explore the ruins while you're here?

It was used until 1538 when pressure from Henry VIII forced it to abandon its role as a place of worship. Instead, it continued life as a wool store and a malt house.

Since Leicester’s Church never came to be, the main church in Denbigh remained St Hilary’s Chapel, which despite being built in the 14th century was used until the 1800s.

In 1645, King Charles I himself actually attended a service at St Hilary’s Church along with the Archbishop of York. As you walk around what remains, you might still feel the presence of these important historical figures around you.

Denbigh is a town that will forever be immortalised in history. Its old buildings, particularly its castle, have vigilantly stood by as royalty, shifts in religion, and countless wars have come and gone.

We’re sure that this place will leave you with a lasting impression.

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

Denbighshire LL16 3NB

Free parking
Toilets
Café

Denbigh Castle - Castles of Wales