10 North Wales Castles to Curb Your ‘I’m a Celeb’ Castle Cravings
Although this year’s show has been presented in a brand new format, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! has, once again, firmly gripped the nation.
And, the biggest difference this year? Well, it has to be the change in setting — from a jungle in New South Wales to a castle in north Wales!
What’s more, we’re willing to bet that watching the celebs in their new historical venue has given you a craving for Welsh castles — and who could blame you? Thankfully, we’ve got castles covered, with an epic selection dotted around the landscape of north Wales.
From Conwy to Criccieth, Denbigh to Dolbadarn; these 10 castles represent the very best of Welsh heritage in north Wales — all without a terrifying night trial in sight!
1. Conwy Castle
What Conwy lacks in creepy crawlies, it certainly makes up for in character — boasting over 700 years’ worth, in fact.
Together with the Castles of Beaumaris, Caernarfon and Harlech, Conwy forms part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is cited as one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe — a true A-list celeb of a Castle!
Where? Conwy, LL32 8AY
How can I visit? Check the latest restrictions, opening days and times before booking your compulsory entry ticket here.
2. Harlech Castle
As the above photo so beautifully shows, Harlech is a commanding presence on camera — which puts it right at home with many of this year’s celebrity contestants.
Arguably the greatest setting of all the castles on this list, Harlech not only boasts views of the dunes and sea — but also the breathtaking peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia).
Where? Harlech, LL46 2YH
How can I visit? Harlech is now free to visit with no pre-booking required. Before your visit, please check the latest restrictions, opening days and times here.
3. Flint Castle
Whilst it doesn’t house any modern-day celebs, Flint’s sophisticated, castle-within-a-castle design has played host to some of history’s biggest names: not least Richard II.
Flint Castle was the setting of the King’s fateful meeting with rival to the crown, Henry Bolingbroke, in 1399 — a moment which made it to the hallowed pages of Shakespeare’s Richard II.
Where? Flint, CH6 5PF
How can I visit? Flint Castle is a free entry site, with no need to book advance tickets. Before your visit, please check the latest restrictions, opening days and times here.
4. Denbigh Castle
As a reality show that thrives on drama, I’m a Celeb’s producers might well have considered Denbigh as a venue for this year’s instalment. No other castle evokes the sheer drama of medieval warfare.
Steeped in history surrounding some of Wales’s most pivotal battles, our favourite feature of this castle is its nifty ‘sally port’: a sturdy-yet-secret doorway that allowed defenders to sneak out during an emergency.
Where? Denbigh, LL16 3NB
How can I visit? Check the latest restrictions, opening days and times before booking your compulsory entry ticket here.
5. Caernarfon Castle
It’s likely that year’s contestants will be paid a small fortune for taking part in I’m a Celeb — but their riches still won’t match that of Edward I, who spent a then-staggering £25,000 on the creation of Caernarfon Castle.
Situated in the heart of Caernarfon town, this iconic fortress is widely recognised as one of the most ambitious architectural creations of the Middle Ages.
Where? Caernarfon, LL55 2AY
How can I visit? How can I visit? Caernarfon Castle is currently closed in line with the latest COVID-19 restrictions and due to ongoing conservation works, but will reopen to visitors next year.
6. Criccieth Castle
Although low on cockroaches, kangaroos and other critters, Criccieth is high (quite literally) on locality and lookouts. Built by Llywelyns Great and Last — but destroyed by Owain Glyndŵr — Criccieth offers views like no other.
Where? Criccieth, LL52 0DP
How can I visit? Check the latest restrictions, opening days and times before booking your compulsory entry ticket here.
7. Castell Caergwrle
2020 has brought a number of firsts for Wales’s castles: Gwrych is making its debut as a celebrity camp and meanwhile, Caergwrle has just been added to Cadw’s iconic collection of sites!
Perhaps not as well-known as other castles on this list, make no mistake that what Caergwrle lacks in fame, it more than makes up for in history. Before its construction as a castle in 1277, for example, it’s believed to have been a late Roman / post-Roman hill fort.
And, if you love Wrexham as much as Ryan Reynolds, then Caergwrle, which is only five miles away from the town centre, may just be the castle for you…
Where? Wrexham, LL12 9DG
How can I visit? Castell Caergwrle is a free entry site, with no need to book advance tickets. Before your visit, please check the latest restrictions, opening days and times here.
8. Beaumaris Castle
While the countryside of Abergele inspired the producers of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, it was Anglesey and its ‘beau mareys’ or ‘beautiful marsh’ that inspired famed medieval architect, James of St George.
It was here that he chose to build Edward I’s Beaumaris Castle — a fortress of near-perfect but unfinished symmetry often cited as ‘the greatest castle never built’.
Where? Beaumaris, LL58 8AP
How can I visit? Check the latest restrictions, opening days and times before booking your compulsory entry ticket here.
9. Castell Ewloe
Next, we have Ewloe. A Castle which, despite not having a dungeon for night trials, evokes a similar sense of spookiness — thanks to its setting in a hollow surrounded by deep woodlands.
What’s more, the Castle’s lack of historical records adds to its mysticism — making it a great option for those with a vivid imagination.
Where? Deeside, CH5 3BZ
How can I visit? Castell Ewloe is a free entry site, with no need to book advance tickets. Before your visit, please check the latest restrictions, opening days and times here.
10. Castell Dolbadarn
Forget being crowned King of the Jungle, because Castell Dolbadarn is the perfect reminder of why it’s always better to be a Welsh prince!
While Gwrych Castle overlooks the countryside of Abergele, Dolbadarn sits upon a lofty, lonely spot with views across the stunning waters of Llyn Padarn and the upper Conwy valley.
Believed to have been built by Llywelyn the Great, this atmospheric fortress was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd.
Where? Eryri (Snowdonia), LL55 4UB
How can I visit? Castell Dolbadarn is a free entry site, with no need to book advance tickets. Before your visit, please check the latest restrictions, opening days and times here.
