Beaumaris Castle | Cadw (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to go around Beaumaris Castle? ›

If you want to investigate every nook and cranny and if you have children who choose to do the activities then up to about 2 hours.

The result was a fortress of immense size and near-perfect symmetry. No fewer than four concentric rings of formidable defences included a water-filled moat with its very own dock. The outer walls alone bristled with 300 arrow loops.

Architecture. Beaumaris Castle was never fully built, but had it been completed it would probably have closely resembled Harlech Castle. Both castles are concentric in plan, with walls within walls, although Beaumaris is the more regular in design.

A World Heritage Site, Beaumaris Castle is regarded by UNESCO as one of the finest examples of late 13th century military architecture in all of Europe.

At the southern end was a tidal dock for shipping, where vessels of 40 tons laden weight could sail right up to the main gate. The dock was protected by the shooting deck on Gunner's Walk. Across the moat is the low curtain wall of the outer ward, its circuit punctuated by 16 towers and two gates.

Its name is based on the Norman 'beau marais', meaning 'fair marsh', a description of the site chosen by Edward 1 for the last of his 'Iron ring' of castles, constructed in his bid to control the Welsh.

Beaumaris withstood an attack from the Scottish army and was still standing after Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr took hold of the castle in 1403. Glyndŵr's siege led to further fortification work taking place in Beaumaris town, which had been founded along with the castle.

The UNESCO-listed quartet of Beaumaris, Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech are some of the most important and awe-inspiring castles in Wales, and you can visit them all in one epic, fortress-filled weekend.

The Citadel of Aleppo, a towering testament to human ingenuity, holds the distinction of being the world's oldest castle. Dating back an astonishing 5,000 years to the 3rd millennium BCE, it has witnessed the rise and fall of empires, from the Hittites to the Byzantines.

What are the big four castles in Wales? ›

Four of the most complete – Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech – are today designated a World Heritage Site. Building began in June 1283. The castle has nine towers and two gatehouses. It had accommodation for the king's household and family, and acted as the administrative centre for the area.

Castle of Zafra, Campillo de Duenas

It holds the distinction of never being conquered.

1. Schloss Neuschwanstein, Bavaria, Germany. Set in the idyllic countryside of Bavaria, Germany, Neuschwanstein Castle looks like it came straight out of a fairytale. In fact, it is the very castle that inspired the Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, California.

1. Windsor Castle. Located about an hour west of London, Windsor Castle is often called the largest and oldest inhabited castle in the world. It is one of the official residences of Queen Elizabeth II who spends many weekends of the year at the castle, using it for both state and private entertaining.

Beaumaris Beach is a popular spot for sunbathers and swimmers. With its golden sands and crystal clear waters, it's the perfect place to relax and take in the stunning views of the coast. Visitors can also take part in a range of water sports, such as kayaking and sailing.

We went on a cold afternoon and took about an hour and a half. Time is really reliant on your level of interest. I love history and on a previous trip could easily have spent 3 hours.

Simple walking around the castle buildings, rooms & ramparts will take an hour before you dwell on the views of information boards (which are not too wordy).

Driving around Anglesey

A circular tour of our largest island is around 75 miles (120km) on the main roads. It would take up to two hours to drive around the whole island - that's a pleasant half-day excursion. If you walk on the Anglesey Coastal Path it would take about 12 days to cover the 130 miles (200km).

It was returned to the town last year, for the first time since 2019, and will be back again next week. Last year, the wheel was open daily, from 11am to 6.30pm at the earliest. Standard tickets cost £6, with discounts available for children and group bookings.