Castell Rhuddlan

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 to save 5%*
- view our opening times and prices below
- check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
*Booking online guarantees the best price for your visit.
You can book tickets up to 24 hours in advance.
Online ticket prices include a 5% discount and are non-refundable.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
1st April - 31st October | 10am-5pm (Closed Tue-Wed) |
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1st November - 2nd November | 10am-4pm |
3rd November - 1st April | Closed |
Last admission 30 minutes before closing |
Prices
Category | Price | |
---|---|---|
Members - Join now |
Free
|
|
Adult |
£6.50
|
|
Family* |
£20.70
|
|
Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
|
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.50
|
|
Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.80
|
|
Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *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 individual admission (not available online). |
Category | Price | |
---|---|---|
Members - Join now |
Free
|
|
Adult |
£6.20
|
|
Family* |
£19.80
|
|
Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
|
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£4.30
|
|
Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£5.50
|
|
Cadw £1 ticket – for those on Universal Credit and other named benefits *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 individual admission (not available online). |
Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Car park
On site parking available for approx 25 cars.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
EV charging points
Car charging points - Two Type 2 (22kW) electric charge points available in castle car park — charges for use apply
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
There is a single toilet onsite, which is fully accessible and has baby changing facilities.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Water refill station
Water refill station available at this site.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Refreshments
Light refreshments are available.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
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!
Health & Safety
Situated on one of the biggest dry moats in the Cadw estate, Rhuddlan castle boasts lower and upper viewing areas.
Care must be taken to avoid using the bank as a direct route down to the tower on the right-hand side of the site.
Please avoid standing on any uncut areas of grass; whilst we are increasing biodiversity here, we are also identifying the safest rote around the site.
Access down into the moat is made via a set of historic steps, these are uneven and may be slippery when wet. There are no handrails so please take care.
The moat is steep in places, especially in the areas where boats used to dock. Please stay away from the edges.
Modern sets of steps enable you to go further up into the castle space, always use the handrails. These can be slippery when wet and are open to the elements.
There is some exposed bedrock on the entrance path, please navigate with care as you approach the site entrance.
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
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Falls from height
Steep and uneven steps
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Falling masonry
Directions
Address
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.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email RhuddlanCastle@gov.wales
Postcode LL18 5AD
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For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.