Castell Dolbadarn
Welsh castle and solitary guardian of Eryri's (Snowdonia’s) Llanberis Pass
Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn, native-built Castell Dolbadarn was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley.
Today the site is dominated by the sturdy round tower, very different in style to the unmortared slate slabs which make up the castle’s curtain walls. Standing 50ft/15.2m high, the tower’s design was probably inspired by that of similar fortresses built by Llywelyn’s rivals in the borderlands of the southern Marches.
Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st April - 31st March | Open all year |
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Open all year — during reasonable daylight hours |
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Visitor information
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Pay and Display car park
Local authority paying public car park available across the road from the castle.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
Directions
Google MapPostcode LL55 4UB
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
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