Criccieth Castle

Castle Street
Criccieth
Gwynned
LL52 0DP

Tel: +44 (0)1766 522 227
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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Criccieth Castle, standing on its headland between two beaches, is a prominent north Wales landmark. It is also a landmark historic site, one of those rare castles with a foot firmly in both camps and a true testament to the varying fortunes of war. Criccieth's history is deeply entwined in the medieval conflict between Wales and England. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, Criccieth was later annexed and added to by the English monarch, Edward I.

Both sides obviously had a high regard for Criccieth's strategic siting, on a rocky peninsular overlooking Tremadog Bay. The core of the castle (a powerful twin-towered gatehouse) is Welsh, built by Llywelyn the Great probably between 1230 and 1240. The gatehouse is unique amongst Llywelyn's castles: he may well have copied an English model and even used expert masons familiar with the style.

The castle was taken by Edward's forces in 1283 and extensively refortified, work which included adapting a tower for use by a catapult or stone-throwing "engine". The improvements were put to the test a decade or so later when the castle had to withstand a long siege by the Welsh, during which supplies were brought in by ship. Its fate was finally sealed in 1404 when the Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr captured and burnt the castle, even today the walls still bear evidence of scorching.





General Information:
  • Parking nearby
  • Shop
  • Guide dogs only allowed
  • Guidebook available
  • Exhibition



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 31st October:
    Daily 10am - 5.00pm.

    1st November to 31st March:
    Friday, Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.

    Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan.

    Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £3.00; Concession £2.60.
    Family ticket (2 adults and all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £8.60.

    Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
    Under 5yrs Free.

    Directions
    A497 to Criccieth from Porthmadoc or Pwllheli.
    Show map of Criccieth Castle...

    Criccieth Castle Postcode for SatNav: LL52 0DP

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