Castell Cricieth
Overview
Spectacular coastal castle built – and destroyed – by powerful Welsh princes
Cricieth is truly a castle to capture the imagination. Crowning its own rocky headland between two beaches it commands astonishing views over the town and across the wide sweep of Cardigan Bay.
No wonder Turner felt moved to paint it. By then it was a picturesque ruin – destroyed by one of Wales’s most powerful medieval princes, Owain Glyndŵr.
But it was built by two of his illustrious predecessors. First Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) created the immense gatehouse flanked by D-shaped stone towers. Then his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd – or Llywelyn the Last – added the outer ward, curtain walls and two new towers.
Still this craggy fortress wasn’t enough to withstand the invasion of Edward I. The English king made a few improvements of his own, equipping the north tower with a stone-throwing machine to deter Welsh attacks.
It was still in English hands in 1404 when the towers were burnt red by Owain Glyndŵr. Without a garrison to protect it, the town became entirely Welsh once more.
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.
Opening times
Thursday–Monday 10am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am–4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed Monday–Thursday
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£7.50
|
| Family* |
£24.00
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£5.30
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£7.00
|
|
*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 site.
On street parking available nearby. Local authority pay and display available near the beach (approx. 300 metres)
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
On-site exhibition within monument.
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.
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!
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
A video presentation is available at this site.
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Directions
A497 to Criccieth from Porthmadog or Pwllheli.
400m/440yards, Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route
200m/220yards, route No 3, Porthmadog-Criccieth/Pwllheli.
NCN Route No.8 On route.
Postcode LL52 0DP
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
Criccieth.Castle@gov.wales
Castell Cricieth
Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 522227
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 522227
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
