Dolwyddelan Castle
Visitor Notice
This monument can be viewed externally throughout the year.
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.
Overview
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.
Opening times
Friday, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 10am–4pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
*External viewing only
Prices
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Admission |
Free
|
Facilities
Assistance dogs only at this site.
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.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
Directions
A470(T) Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed.
2km/1.25mls Dolwyddelan,
Llandudno-Blaenau Ffestiniog route.
X1 From Llandudno North Western Gardens to Capel Bethel, Dolwyddelan.
NCN Route No.8 (15km/9mls).
Postcode LL25 0JD
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
AddressDolwyddelan Castle
A470, Dolwyddelan LL25 0JD
A470, Dolwyddelan LL25 0JD
