Beaumaris Castle.North.Castles.Historic Sites

Visit Wales Image Centre

Beaumaris Castle

Top choice


Beaumaris is the last and most technically perfect of the ring of great castles built by Edward I of England to consolidate his Welsh conquests. Started in 1295, but never completed as fully designed, it enjoys World Heritage status. With its pleasing symmetry, water-filled moat, succession of four concentric 'walls within walls' and stout towers and gatehouse, it’s what every sandcastle maker unknowingly aspires to.

The overall effect may seem more fairy tale than horror story, but the massive gates with their murder holes (used to pour boiling oil on invaders) hint at its dark past. The walk along the top of part of the inner wall gives super views of the castle layout and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it. Look out for the old privvies (drop toilets, marginally less unpleasant than the murder holes for those walking below) and the arrow slits in the wall for picking off unwelcome visitors.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Beaumaris Gaol

0.25 MILES

This grim, stout-walled jail, built in the early 19th century and largely unaltered since, was modern for its time, with toilets in every cell and a…

2. Garth Pier

2.34 MILES

Given the large expanse of tidal mudflats here (a paradise for wading birds), it's surprising that the Victorians chose this site to build Britain's ninth…

3. Penrhyn Castle

2.67 MILES

Funded by the vast profits from the slate mine of Caribbean sugar-plantation owner and anti-abolitionist Baron Penrhyn, and extended and embellished by…

4. Clock Tower

2.95 MILES

This listed Victorian clock tower is Bangor's central point.

5. Storiel

3.05 MILES

The title 'Storiel', a portmanteau of the Welsh words for 'story' and 'gallery', signals the combined historical and artistic focus of this well-curated…

6. Bangor Cathedral

3.07 MILES

More formally known as the Cathedral Church of St Deiniol, this building occupies one of the oldest ecclesiastical sites in Britain, dating from AD 525,…

7. Penmon Priory

3.16 MILES

After the tearoom pleasantness of Beaumaris, Penmon, 4 miles north, provides a glimpse of Anglesey's long spiritual significance. An early Celtic…

8. Plas Newydd

6.64 MILES

Plas Newydd (New House) was the grand manor of the marquesses of Anglesey. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and pastures, with fine prospects across the…