Criccieth Castle
Gwynedd, Wales
Photo: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Nilfanion, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Entry pass
- Cadw Explorer Pass
- Nearest station
- Criccieth, 0.3 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Welsh princes' castle on headland over Cardigan Bay
Pinpoint
Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Opening Hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| 30th March - 1st November | 10am-5pm (Closed Tue-Wed) |
| 2nd November - 29th March | 10am-4pm (Closed Mon-Thur) |
Last entry: 30 minutes before closing
- Closed
- Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Checked against the official page on 13 August 2026.
A Welsh-built castle on a headland above Cardigan Bay, later captured and refortified by Edward I - the twin-towered gatehouse is the standout survival. It's a compact site, and reviewers are candid that there isn't a huge amount of it left, but the position does the work: sea on two sides and Snowdonia behind.
At a glance
Who to know
Edward I · captured and refortified this Welsh-built castle
Worth the trip
The view from the headland across the bay to Black Rock Sands and the Llŷn mountains beyond.
Before you go
The climb up is steep with some real drops, so keep an eye on children and think twice if mobility is limited; the visitor centre by the entrance covers the history if the ruins themselves feel thin.
What visitors say
Criccieth Castle reviews · 4.4 / 5 across 2,806 Google reviews
Most reviewers are drawn to the coastal and mountain views from Criccieth Castle, describing it as a worthwhile stop with a helpful visitor centre and reasonable entry price.
A couple note the climb up is steep and includes some steep drops, making it less suited to elderly visitors or unsupervised children.
One reviewer who wasn't especially keen on castles still rated it decent, mainly for the views, suggesting it appeals most strongly to genuine castle enthusiasts.
“The views over to Black Rock Sands were stunning. Full of history. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.”- Catherine Heather, visitor review
Getting in - what Cadw says
Level 3 terrain (Moderate difficulty); main route steep with handrails; alternative routes available with different views; uneven surfaces and falling masonry are hazards
Taken from Cadw’s own website and read 28 July 2026 - check the current version. Access can change with building work, weather and staffing - if the visit depends on it, ring ahead.
History
Llywelyn ap Iorwerth
Llywelyn the Great founded this castle around 1230 on a rocky headland commanding Cardigan Bay. After Edward I's conquest, he extensively refortified it as part of his Welsh castle ring; Owain Glyndŵr burnt it during his 1404 rebellion.
Drawn from Cadw's own page.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Criccieth Castle is at the top of a steep hill which is you get too through the visitors centre where you can find information, gift shop and toilets.” - Louise Evans
- Facilities
- “Interactive exhibition upon entry with a lovely little gift shop.” - Jess R
Common questions about Criccieth Castle
Where is Criccieth Castle?
Criccieth Castle is in Gwynedd, Wales, at Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP.
Do you need a ticket to visit Criccieth Castle?
Yes - Criccieth Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Cadw. Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Criccieth Castle?
The view from the headland across the bay to Black Rock Sands and the Llŷn mountains beyond.
Is Criccieth Castle a ruin or still intact?
Criccieth Castle is a ruin - Welsh princes' castle on headland over Cardigan Bay.
