Castell Dolwyddelan

Visitor Notice

The internal area of the castle is now open April to September on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays & Bank Holidays - 10am-4pm. All other days, external viewing only.

There is no dedicated parking available – please do not use the car park near the farm house.

The pathway via the farm house to the castle is private property and there is no access to the castle via this route.

There is a layby on the A470 – 500m to the east of the monument with a public right-of-way.

Commanding Welsh stronghold in spectacular mountain setting

Dolwyddelan is as Welsh as the rugged mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia) that provide its spectacular backdrop.

One of a group of fortresses built to command the mountain passes, it stands as a lasting memorial to Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, or Llywelyn the Great. He was the undisputed ruler of Gwynedd from 1201 to his death in 1240.

But Dolwyddelan was finally conquered during the reign of his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd by the English king Edward I. It marked a crucial stage in his relentless campaign to crush the Welsh once and for all.

Edward set his own stamp on Dolwyddelan from the day it fell in 1283. The garrison was hastily equipped with camouflage white tunics – perfect for winter warfare in the mountains. He raised the height of the keep, built a new tower and installed a siege engine complete with stone ‘cannon balls’.

Nothing lasts for ever. By the early 19th century Dolwyddelan was a romantic ruin popular with landscape artists. Then Lord Willoughby de Eresby decided to ‘restore’ the keep with medieval-style battlements.

You can still clearly see the join between his fantasy architecture and the genuine handiwork of Llywelyn the Great underneath.

More about Castell Dolwyddelan

Opening times & prices

Opening times

1st April - 30th September	10am–4pm (Fri, Sat, Sun)
1st October - 31st March	10am–4pm (External viewing only)
Last admission 30 minutes before closing Open Bank Holidays 10am-4pm Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Visitor information

Assistance dogs only

Assistance dogs only at this site.

Car park

There is no dedicated parking available – please do not use the car park near the farm house.

The pathway via the farm house to the castle is private property and there is no access to the castle via this route.

There is a layby on the A470 500m to the east of the monument with a public right-of-way leading up to the monument which can be viewed externally.

Walking difficulty

Terrain: Level 4 – Strenuous

Drone policy

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

No smoking

Smoking is not permitted.

Health & Safety

Situated high up above the A470, limited parking is possible in the layby alongside the access route to the castle.

The route is clearly signposted through a small gate a few meters away from the layby. This will be back from where you came if you parked up on the same side of the road as you travelled. The outer grounds are owned by the local farmer, who may have livestock in the area, please proceed with caution.

The route will take approx.15 minutes using farm tracks, crossing small wooden bridges on the castle grounds. Take care when accessing in wet conditions, the route can be quite muddy.

Access into the castle requires crossing over large flat smooth stone, this may be slippery when wet and is angled, which may cause difficulties for some.

Please use the handrail when using the entrance steps and proceed directly into the castle. It’s advised that small children are strictly supervised when entering the castle.

Whilst inside, you will find opportunity to climb a steep stone staircase to the upper wall walks. Please take your time, use handrails and navigate using the side of the walls when in this space. We have supplied some lighting where we can, but we will rely on you allowing time for your eyes to adjust, when entering and existing the internal staircase.

As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.

Climbing may result in serious injury.

There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.

Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.

Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety

Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales