Penrhyn Castle

Built for the wealthy Pennant family on the profits of Welsh slate and Jamaican sugar, Penrhyn Castle is an extravagant example of early 19th century neo-Norman architecture. Buried within its walls lie an earlier mock castle and a medieval hall, each a tribute to Penrhyn's long and fascinating past, with links to the Welsh princes, a pirate and an Archbishop.

Penrhyn's architect Thomas Hopper, who also designed much of its furniture, filled the castle with intricate carvings, stained glass and handmade wallpapers. Visitors can walk through its rooms and see the one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and a Grand Staircase that took ten years to build. On the walls hang one of the best art collections in Wales.

The castle is surrounded by acres of parkland and wooded walks with beautiful plants. There are also extensive kitchen gardens, a Victorian walled garden, an exhibition gallery, a railway museum, dolls museum and stables.

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