Dolwyddelan Castle

Dolwyddelan
Gwynedd
North Wales
LL25 0JD

Tel: +44 (0)1690 750 366
Fax: +44 (0)1690 750 366
Web: http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk/default.asp?id=6&PlaceID=68


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)*
    Travel back in time behind a historic ex-quarry steam engine 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.
    more nearby attractions...
    * Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

    Nearby Hotels
    Swallow Falls Hotel (4 Miles)*
    Situated just opposite Wales' most beautiful waterfall 3.2 km (2 miles) outside of Betws-y-Coed, this hotel combines the classic quality of a Victorian coaching house with the informal ambience of a modern establishment.
    Craig-y-Dderwen Riverside Hotel (5 Miles)*
    Built in late Victorian times and set amidst the dramatic scenery of Snowdonia National Park, this elegant 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 Conwy, ...
    Foelas Arms Hotel (5 Miles)*
    Beautifully located in the picturesque village of Pentrefoelas, just 5 miles outside Betws-y-Coed, this small, family-run hotel provides a warm welcome and good value for money.
    more nearby hotels...
    * 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 in 2008 to a very high standard.
    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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