Overview
Wales has more castles for its size than anywhere in Europe, and nearly every one was built by someone trying to take the country or keep it.
Over three days you hear both sides: Llywelyn the Great's round tower at Dolbadarn, raised to guard a mountain pass; Edward I's answer at Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris, the Iron Ring he threw around Gwynedd; and Castell Coch, where a Victorian marquess and his architect built the fairytale version.
The last is Chepstow, begun within a year of the Norman Conquest and the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain.
- Duration
- 3 days
- Group size
- Up to 7 guests
- Vehicle
- Mercedes V-Class
Includes
- Expert bilingual local guide
- Travel in a Mercedes V-Class
- Daily pick-ups & drop offs
- Fully customisable
Excludes
- Flights, transfers and accommodation
- Food and drink
- Entry fees to attractions
- Castles
- Heritage & culture
Itinerary
Day 1 The Iron Ring
Edward I's three World Heritage castles in one day: Conwy on its river, Beaumaris, the most perfectly planned castle in Britain and never finished, and Caernarfon, its banded walls modelled on Constantinople's. You end at Dolbadarn, the round tower Llywelyn the Great raised above Llyn Padarn before any of them were built.
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Edward I's exceptionally preserved fortress on the River Conwy
Built for Edward I by Master James of St George from 1283, on a rock at the mouth of the Conwy: eight towers, two barbicans and a great hall in one long ring, with no need for the concentric walls of his other castles because the rock did that work. It cost about £15,000, the most Edward spent so quickly on any Welsh castle, and it is the best preserved of them all. A World Heritage Site together with the town walls, which still run unbroken round the old town. -
Edward I's unfinished concentric castle, a World Heritage Site
The last of Edward I's Welsh castles, begun in 1295 and never finished: the money ran out and the king's attention turned to Scotland. Its concentric plan, a ring of inner walls inside a ring of outer ones, is the most perfectly worked out of any castle in Britain, and the moat still holds water. A World Heritage Site, in a small town of Georgian houses, cafes and independent shops. -
Edward I's mightiest fortress, guarding the Menai Strait since 1283
Edward I's fortress palace at the mouth of the Seiont, begun in 1283, its banded masonry and polygonal towers modelled on the walls of Constantinople. The first English Prince of Wales was born here in 1284, and the investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969. A World Heritage Site with its walled town, and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Europe. -
Llywelyn the Great's round tower guarding the Llanberis Pass
Built in the early 13th century by Llywelyn the Great beside Llyn Padarn, to hold the route from Snowdonia to Caernarfon through the Llanberis Pass. Its round keep, forty feet high and forty across, is the finest surviving piece of Welsh-built castle work. Llywelyn the Last kept his brother Owain prisoner here for more than twenty years. It fell to Edward I in 1282 and saw one more fight in Owain Glyndŵr's rising around 1400.
Day 2 Harlech and the Marches
Harlech in the morning, on the rock the sea once reached, where a seven-year siege gave Wales 'Men of Harlech'. Then east across the country to the border: Powis Castle, red on its ridge above terraced gardens, and the ruins of Montgomery's castle, built in 1223 above a Georgian market town.
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Edward I's clifftop fortress above Cardigan Bay, a World Heritage Site
Edward I's castle on its rock above Cardigan Bay, built to the concentric plan in only twelve years, 1283 to 1295, by nearly a thousand craftsmen and labourers. The sea once came to the foot of the rock. A siege in the Wars of the Roses, when a small garrison held out for seven years, is said to be the origin of 'Men of Harlech'. A World Heritage Site. -
National Trust castle near Welshpool, famed for its terraced gardens
A medieval castle of the princes of Powys near Welshpool, remade as a grand house by the Herbert family over four centuries. It is famous for the Italianate terraces cut into the rock below it in the 1680s, with clipped yews that have grown to enormous size, and inside for the Clive Museum of treasures brought back from India. National Trust. -
Georgian market town below the ruins of a castle built in 1223
A charming market town in Powys known for its rich history and picturesque scenery. Founded in the 11th century, Montgomery was once a strategic stronghold, with a castle built in 1223 that still stands as a historical ruin offering stunning views. The town has maintained its status as a market town, hosting a weekly market that reflects its agricultural roots. The town's charming independent shops and cafes enhance its quaint atmosphere.
Day 3 Cardiff and the southern border
Caerphilly first, one of the largest castles in Europe, ringed by its artificial lakes. Then two castles William Burges dreamed up for the Marquess of Bute: the turrets of Castell Coch, and the Gothic rooms he built inside Cardiff Castle's Roman walls. Chepstow, on its cliff above the Wye, is the oldest of the lot.
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One of Europe's largest castles, famed for its leaning tower
Caerphilly is a historic Welsh town known for its impressive medieval castle and traditional Caerphilly cheese. Caerphilly Castle, one of the largest castles in Europe, was constructed in the 13th century by an English nobleman to defend against Welsh attacks. The castle features a unique concentric design with high stone walls and leaning towers, and it withstood several sieges over the centuries. -
Burges's fairytale 'Red Castle' of turrets and vivid painted rooms
Often referred to as the 'Red Castle', is a picturesque Gothic Revival castle located near Cardiff. Designed by architect William Burges in the late 19th century, it was built on the ruins of an earlier medieval structure. The castle is characterized by its striking red sandstone exterior, whimsical turrets, and intricate interior detailing, including beautifully crafted woodwork and vibrant murals. -
Roman wall, Norman keep and Victorian Gothic fantasy in one enclosure
Two thousand years of fortification on one site in the middle of the capital — Roman walls, a Norman motte and shell keep, and the lavish Gothic Revival apartments the third Marquess of Bute had William Burges build inside them. -
Norman castle set dramatically on cliffs above the River Wye
Located in the historic town of Chepstow, this castle sits dramatically above the River Wye. The town's well-preserved historic centre features many old buildings, churches, and narrow streets with a charming medieval character. Chepstow's architecture reflects its long history as an important market town and port.
What guests say
We had a two day tour of northern Wales, including the Iron Ring of castles. John Pritchard, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly and customized the tour to our interests. They also provided transportation to our hotel from Shrewsbury when train travel was unavailable due to track maintenance and then to Bangor to for the train trip back to London. Highly recommend.
John drove us all over Wales for a week and we couldn't have asked for a more professional and skilled driver. And a fun tour guide to boot. He knew all the best sites and dead castles in the realm. Give him a try; you won't regret it! Bob and Marcy
Frequently asked questions
- Can we change the itinerary?
Yes. Every tour we run is customised, so treat this itinerary as a starting point. Tell us what interests you and we will build the days around it.
- What time do we start and finish?
Usually around 9am to 5pm, but we are flexible. What matters most is that you have a good time, so if starting earlier or finishing later makes for a better day, that is what we will do.
- How many of us can come?
Up to 7 guests, travelling together in our Mercedes V-Class. For a party of 8 or more, get in touch and we will make special arrangements.
- Can children come?
Children over 12 years old are welcome. Not every tour suits children, so tell us their ages when you get in touch and we will plan the day around them. We are not able to accommodate infants and babies.
- Can this tour be combined with other tours, or made longer or shorter?
Yes. A day tour can be built into a multi-day tour, and a multi-day tour can be shortened, extended or joined to another. Tell us how many days you have and we will plan around them.
- Are admission fees included?
No. Entry to castles, gardens and other attractions is paid on the day, where a fee applies. Most of the castles are maintained by Cadw, part of the Welsh Government. Please visit cadw.gov.wales. We can advise you on the best deals when you book your tour with us.
- Is food included?
No. As we tour we will suggest eating places that our guests have enjoyed.
- What should we wear and bring?
Sensible footwear for some light walking, and a rain jacket, just in case.
- How much walking is involved?
Some, and none of it strenuous: the walk from the car to a castle gate or a viewpoint. If walking is a concern, tell us and we will plan the stops accordingly.
- Where should we stay?
Somewhere central, so that touring time is not spent driving to the start. Our accommodation advice lists places our guests have used, and we are happy to suggest a base for your tour.
