Castell Rhuddlan
Overview
Awesome feat of engineering still towers above the River Clwyd
King Edward I liked his castles to be on the coast. It was safer that way. If his ruthless campaign to subdue the Welsh ran into trouble, supplies could still get through by sea.
At Rhuddlan, several miles inland, the plan was to use a river instead. Just one problem – the meandering Clwyd wasn’t quite in the right place. So Edward conscripted hundreds of ditch-diggers to deepen and divert its course.
More than seven centuries later Rhuddlan still looks like a castle that was worth moving a river for. Begun in 1277 it was the first of the revolutionary concentric, or ‘walls within walls’, castles designed by master architect James of St George.
Most impressive was the inner diamond-shaped stronghold with its twin-towered gatehouses. This sat inside a ring of lower turreted walls. Further beyond was a deep dry moat linked to the River Clwyd.
This bristling statement of Edwardian intent guarded a new town surrounded by ditched defences. You can still clearly make out the medieval grid layout of the streets in modern-day Rhuddlan.
How to visit
• purchase your admission tickets on arrival (or book online)*
• view our opening times and prices below
• check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*pre-booked tickets are non-refundable.
Pamphlet Guide
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
Thursday–Monday 10am–5pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£5.90
|
| Family* |
£18.90
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.70
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
On site parking available for approx 25 cars.
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
Light refreshments are available.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
There is a single toilet onsite, which is fully accessible and has baby changing facilities.
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Water refill station available at this site.
Directions
Postcode LL18 5AD.
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
RhuddlanCastle@gov.wales
Castle St, Rhuddlan LL18 5AD
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01745 590777
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
