Penrhyn Castle, North Wales, in autumn — Penrhyn Castle, North Wales | © National Trust Images/John Millar

Castles and forts in Wales

Explore some of the finest and most famous castles in Wales, from the home of the Welsh princes at Powis Castle, to Chirk’s medieval fortress and sugar and slate fortunes at Penrhyn Castle.

From dungeon adventures to Victorian extravagance, explore castles routed in Welsh history from Wrexham to Gwynedd.

The west front of Penrhyn Castle and Garden on a sunny day in Gwynedd, Wales.

Place

Penrhyn Castle

A fantasy castle with industrial and colonial foundations, learn more about a long history of sugar and slate fortunes and social unrest at this enormous 19th-century neo-Norman castle.

View of the castle from the garden in springtime

Place

Chirk Castle

Complete with dungeons and stunning views, there’s plenty to explore on a visit to this impressive fortress, built by Edward I to subdue the last princes of Wales.

Walk in the footsteps of the princes of Powis and discover one of the most magnificent castle interiors in the country.

View from the Wilderness of Powis Castle and it's terraces, Wales

Place

Powis Castle

Discover a vast collection of paintings, sculptures and furniture inside Powis Castle, a medieval fortress towering above world-famous garden terraces.

Explore castle ruins rich in myths, legends and history from Carmarthenshire to Monmouthshire.

View through an arched water gate to stairs beyond at Skenfrith Castle

Place

Skenfrith Castle

Explore the ruins of a 13th-century fortress built by the Normans to command one of the main routes from England.

The 13th century ruin of Cilgerran Castle, perched over the spectacular Teifi gorge. The steep banks surrounding the castle are covered with various plants including small trees.

Place

Cilgerran Castle

Uncover nearly 800 years of history at the magnificent Cilgerran Castle. Overlooking the spectacular Teifi Gorge, this striking 13th-century fortress is under the guardianship of Cadw.

View from Dinefwr castle, looking over the National Nature Reserve in Carmarthenshire, Wales.

Place

Dinefwr Castle

Dinefwr Castle overlooks the National Nature Reserve, historic Newton house and 18th century landscape park. The castle is managed by Cadw.

A watercolour painting of Edward Herbert, 1st Lord Herbert of Cherbury (1581/3-1648), by Isaac Oliver, showing a man with a doublet and shield reclining by a stream in a wood surrounded by trees with his grooms and horse in background

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Collections in Wales

Explore rich and diverse collections throughout Wales from sculptures, tapestries and paintings to hidden family gems, and a 16th century bible that saved the Welsh language.