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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.

More about Rhuddlan Castle


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
£5.00
Family*
£16.30
Disabled person and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students 
£3.60
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£4.80

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry.

Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online)
 


Facilities

Access guide icon Bike storage icon Car park icon Dogs welcome icon Gift shop icon Guidebook icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Portable hearing icon Refreshments icon School visits icon Toilets icon Baby changing icon Venue hire icon Water refill station icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Rhuddlan Castle — Access Information

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.

On site parking available for approx 25 cars.

Dogs on 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

Road
Rhuddlan via A525 or A547.
Rail
6km/4mls Rhyl, Chester-Prestatyn/Llandudno route.
Bus
220m/250yards services 35/36, Rhyl-Rhuddlan/ Prestatyn, and service 51, Denbigh-Rhyl.
Bike
NCN Route No.84 (300m/328yds)

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

Address
Rhuddlan Castle,
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.