STAGE 1 - Conway Castle
Conway Castle
With the dramatic Snowdonia skyline sitting behind, Conway Castle is one of the finest medieval fortifications still standing in modern day Britain. The castle will enchant any visitor, thanks to its grandeur architecture and breath-taking views over the surrounding area. Explore the splendour of the castle’s eight high towers and wander through the great hall and out ward chambers to get a true taste of medieval history.
Make the most of your visit to Conway Castle with a stay at the Sychnant Pass Country House. Set in the heart of the Welsh woodlands, this idyllic hotel is the perfect location to rest after a long day of historic exploration.
WHERE TO STAY
Sychnant Pass Country House
Conwy, Gwynnedd, North Wales, Wales
STAGE 2 - Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle
Head west around the North Wales coastline and find a fortification regarded as the ‘unfinished masterpiece’. Although incomplete, the beautiful preserved Beaumaris Castle sits proudly on the banks of the Menai Strait and is part of the Edward 1 World Heritage Site, first established in 1986. You’ll find one of the best places to stay right on the castle's doorstep, too.
A seamless mix of low, wooden-beamed ceilings with sophisticated boutique rooms, the Olde Bull’s Head Inn brings traditional ambience into the modern age, making it a unique place to stay in the area. Sink into one of the lounge sofas after a long day outdoors and enjoy a fresh seafood dinner at the Olde Bull’s Head’s renowned Loft Restaurant.
WHERE TO STAY
Olde Bull's Head Inn
Beaumaris, Anglesey, North Wales, Wales
STAGE 3 - Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon Castle
Take in one of Wales’s most intimidating fortresses at Caernarfon Castle, just a half hour drive away from Beaumaris. The castle was the jewel on Edward I’s crown, perfectly placed on the seafront and built solely for the purpose of battle and defense thanks to its sheer size.
In contrast to this brute of a building, Ty'n Rhos offers a quaint stay in the grassy foothills of Snowdonia, overlooking the Menai Strait and Isle of Anglesey. From Egyptian cotton bedding to the fresh, local produce used in the kitchens, this understatedly luxurious country house is an absolute delight.
WHERE TO STAY
Ty'n Rhos
Caernarfon, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales
STAGE 4 - Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle
Standing on the shores of the Irish Sea, Harlech Castle holds the most commanding position of all Welsh castles. The fortress was renowned for its impregnable defense, thanks to its iconic two-ringed wall and tower architecture, design to keep inhabitants protected and the enemy out. Taking in the whole castle is simple too, thanks for the ‘floating’ bridge offering views of Harlech like never seen before.
The picturesque Castle Cottage is the ideal coastal retreat for those wanting to take in Harlech. Here you’ll find the perfect mix of fine cuisine, sumptuous comfort and inspiring decor - it champions hospitality without the hassle.
WHERE TO STAY
Castle Cottage
Harlech, Gwynedd, North Wales, Wales
STAGE 5 - Powis Castle
Powis Castle
Your next stop takes you into the heart of Wales and the grandeur setting of Powis Castle. Sitting high above the world-famous gardens, Powis has over 800 years of history and today, the medieval castle homes ones of the finest collections of art in the country. There’s no finer way to spend a summer’s afternoon than strolling in the Italian and French inspired gardens, or if the weather is a little on the wet side, exploring the castle’s elegantly embellished rooms.
Homely and comfortable, book up for the night in Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel and spend the evening off the beaten track, relaxing in beauty of the Welsh/English Border.
WHERE TO STAY
Pen-y-Dyffryn Country Hotel
Oswestry, Powys, Mid Wales, Wales
STAGE 6 - Dinefwr Park and Castle
Dinefwr Park and Castle
Head south to the town of Llandeilo and find Dinefwr Park and Castle. An area loved by travel writers and photographers, the park sits proudly above the Tywi Valley and is renowned for its majestic hilltop location. Now run by the National Trust, enjoy being at one with nature in this 18th century landscape, before visiting Llandovery for a night at the Castle Hotel. Acting as the town’s social hub, the hotel boasts a beautifully rustic-yet-sophisticated decor, with welcoming sofas on your arrival after a day of walking. The Castle Hotel’s rooms are are just like the Llandovery itself - quaint and cosy.
WHERE TO STAY
The Castle Hotel
Llandovery, Carmarthenshire, Mid Wales, Wales
STAGE 7 - Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle
Bring your castle tour to a close with a trip east through the Brecon Beacons National Park and visit a stunning statement of wealth and power. From the imposing towers to gateways, Raglan Castle’s purpose was to empower, intimidate and flaunt the riches on those inside.
Sitting among 20 acres of land, Llansantffraed Court is close to the historic Raglan and boasts traditional comfort with gracious ambience - this is a stately home you can feel at ease in. And with the beautiful bordering counties just a short drive away, it’s truly the perfect way to end your castles tour.
WHERE TO STAY
Llansantffraed Court
Abergavenny, Monmouthshire, South East Wales, Wales