Welsh Castles: Criccieth Castle

Criccieth, Gwynedd, North Wales
(52.916°N 4.2325°W)

c.1230-1280s
Open to Public

Criccieth Castle (or Castell Cricieth in Welsh) is a Welsh castle situated on the headland between two beaches in Criccieth, Gwynedd, in North Wales, on a rocky peninsula overlooking Tremadog Bay.

The castle was built by Llywelyn the Great of the kingdom of Gwynedd, who created the immense gatehouse flanked by D-shaped stone towers. Later, his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd – or Llywelyn the Last – added the outer ward, curtain walls and two new towers. Criccieth was heavily modified following its capture by English forces of Edward I in the late 13th century.

Although the stone castle was begun in the 1230s, there were three main building phases plus several periods of remodelling. It was still in English hands in 1404 when the towers were burnt red by Owain Glyndŵr. Without a garrison to protect it, the town became Welsh once more.

Visit Criccieth Castle

Facilities

Dog Friendly
Giftshop
Exhibition
Accessible Restrooms
Carpark (on street)
Bike Access
Cafe / Restaurant
Accessibility
Wi-Fi
View of Cricieth Castle perched on the cliff.
View of Cricieth Castle perched on the cliff. Houses can be seen along the coast and boats are visable on the stormy sea. Source: Wikimedia Commons.
Looking across the bay at Criccieth, with the castle beyond.
Looking across the bay at Criccieth, with the castle beyond. Source: Wikimedia Commons.

Hours

1 April – 3 November:
10am – 5pm daily.
 
4 November – 31 March:
10am – 4pm Wednesday – Saturday
11am – 4pm Sunday
Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Address

Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP

Phone

01766 522227

Prices

CADW Member – Join now
Free
Adult
£5.80
Family*
£16.80
Disabled and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans
£3.50
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£4.60

Location

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