Dolwyddelan Castle

Dolwyddelan
Gwynedd
North Wales
LL25 0JD

Tel: +44 (0)1690 750 366
Fax: +44 (0)1690 750 366
Web: Attraction's Own Web Site

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Dolwyddelan Castle is unusual within Wales. In a land of castles, Dolwyddelan stands apart not as a stronghold erected by Norman or English forces but as a fortress of the native Welsh princes. The castle occupies a magnificent location deep in Snowdonia, on a ridge set against the rugged backcloth of Moel Siabod. It was built between about 1210 and 1240 by one of Wales's most powerful medieval princes, Llywelyn the Great, ruler of Snowdonia.

Llywelyn's stark and functional square tower, which can be seen for miles around, controlled a strategic pass through his mountainous kingdom from Merioneth to the Vale of Conwy. The core of the castle, the rectangular stone keep, was supplemented later in the 13 century by a stone curtain wall enclosing the courtyard. If the battlements and wall walks look a little too perfect for such a weatherbeaten spot, it is because they were restored in Victorian times.

Dolwyddelan, a key mountain stronghold, saw active service in the late 13 century wars between the Welsh and Edward I. It fell to the English forces in 1283 and was refortified, probably with a second rectangular tower which today stands in ruin. A visit to this solitary sentinel is worth it for the views alone - the sweeping mountain vistas visible from its battlements are truly stunning.


General Information:
  • Car and coach parking
  • Toilets
  • Guide book available
  • On-site exhibition
  • Guide dogs only allowed



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    Opening Times
    (2009 times)
    1st April to 30th September:
    Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 5.00pm, Sunday 11.30am - 4.00pm.

    1st October to March:
    Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm.
    Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

    Admission Charges
    (2009 prices)
    Adult £2.60; Concession £2.25.
    Family ticket (2 adults and all children/grandchildren under 16yrs) £7.50.

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

    Directions
    A470(T) Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-coed road.
    Show map of Dolwyddelan Castle...

    Dolwyddelan Castle Postcode for SatNav: LL25 0JD

    Nearby Attractions
    Snowdon Mountain Railway (10 Miles)*
    Travel by train on Britain's only Rack and Pinion Railway up Snowdon, the highest mountain in England and Wales 3,560ft (1085m).
    Llanberis Lake Railway (10 Miles)*
    Discover the timeless appeal of our narrow-gauge steam trains on an hour long excursion along the shores of Lake Padarn in the heart of Snowdonia.
    Portmeirion Village (12 Miles)*
    This unique village is set on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. It was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel (5 Miles)*
    Built in late Victorian times and set amidst the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia National Park, this elegant 4 star country house hotel makes the most of its tranquil and secluded position within 16 acres of gardens and grounds on the banks of the river ...
    Foelas Arms Hotel (5 Miles)*
    In the picturesque village of Pentrefoelas, 5 miles (8 km) outside Betws-y-Coed, this small, family-run hotel provides a warm welcome and good value for money. Snowdonia National Park is a 30-minute car-ride away, as is white-water rafting in Bala.
    Best Western Waterloo Hotel (5 Miles)*
    Set at the edge of Betws-y-Coed, amid the National Park, this hotel with leisure centre and indoor pool is ideal for the North Wales Coast, Snowdonia and the countryside.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Self Catering
    Lloft OT (3 Miles)*
    Lloft OT is a delightful, stone built holiday cottage in Capel Curig, Betws-y-Coed in the heart of Snowdonia. The cottage sits on the slopes of Moel Siabod, above the river Llugwy at Pont Cyfyng.
    Dolawel Cottage (4 Miles)*
    Dolawel Cottage is an attractive 19th Century stone built quarryman's cottage located in the small village of Rhiwbryfdir on the outskirts of Blaenau Ffestiniog in the centre of Snowdonia.
    The Ferns Cottage (5 Miles)*
    The Ferns Cottage is a beautifully presented 4 Star property modernised throughout to a very high standard. The Cottage is perfectly situated in the centre of Betws-y-Coed, right in the heart of The Snowdonia National Park.
    Your property could be here
    Advertising your self catering property or holiday cottage on AboutBritain.com will get you noticed by thousands of potential guests every day.
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    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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