At a glance
Criccieth Castle (founded c.1230) is a rare surviving native Welsh castle, begun by Llywelyn the Great on a dramatic Cardigan Bay headland. Later enlarged by Edward I, it was burned by Owain Glyndŵr in 1404 — scorch marks still visible on the stonework. A Cadw site with some of the most spectacular coastal views in Wales.
About Criccieth Castle
Most of the great castles of North Wales were built by Edward I as instruments of English conquest, but Criccieth is different — it was founded by the Welsh themselves. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth, known as Llywelyn the Great, built the first castle here around 1230 on a rocky headland jutting into Cardigan Bay. The twin-towered inner gatehouse — the most prominent surviving structure — is thought to be his original work, and represents one of the finest examples of native Welsh castle architecture.
After the death of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1282, Edward I captured Criccieth and extended it with an outer ward and additional towers, integrating it into his network of North Welsh strongholds. The castle's coastal position made it ideal for supply by sea — a key factor in Edward's campaign strategy. It remained an English garrison post until 1404, when Owain Glyndŵr swept through North Wales and burned Criccieth to the ground. The castle was never rebuilt, and scorch marks from the fire are still visible on the inner gatehouse stonework today.
The Cadw-managed ruins occupy one of the most spectacular castle sites in Wales. The headland gives 270-degree views across Cardigan Bay to the mountains of Snowdonia and Cadair Idris, and the town of Criccieth below — with its two beaches and Victorian seaside character — makes it an excellent base for exploring the south Llŷn Peninsula.
What to see at Criccieth Castle
- The inner gatehouse — The twin-towered gatehouse built by Llywelyn the Great, with visible fire damage from Owain Glyndŵr's 1404 burning.
- The outer ward — Added by Edward I, the outer ward expanded the castle's defensive perimeter and garrison capacity.
- Cardigan Bay views — From the battlements, identify the sweep of the bay from the Llŷn Peninsula to Cadair Idris — one of the finest coastal panoramas in Wales.
- Cadw interpretation — Good display boards explain the castle's dual Welsh and English history and its dramatic final destruction.
- Criccieth town and beaches — The Victorian resort town below the castle has two beaches, a Marine Lake and traditional seaside character well worth combining with your castle visit.
Visiting tips
Getting there
Criccieth railway station on the Cambrian Coast line is 400 m from the castle — one of the easiest castle arrivals by train in North Wales. By road from the north, take the A487 to Porthmadog then the A497 west to Criccieth. Town car parks are signed from the main road; the castle is a short uphill walk from the seafront.
Combining with other attractions
Criccieth makes an ideal base on the south Llŷn Peninsula. Portmeirion is 6 miles north-east via the A497; Harlech Castle is 12 miles south along the coast. The Cambrian Coast railway links Criccieth to both Porthmadog (for the Ffestiniog Railway) and Barmouth to the south, making a full day of coastal attractions possible without a car.
Find it on the map
Frequently asked questions
Criccieth Castle was founded around 1230 by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth — Llywelyn the Great — making it a native Welsh castle rather than an English one. It was later enlarged by his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, and then captured and further extended by Edward I after 1283. The twin-towered inner gatehouse, the most prominent surviving feature, is thought to be Llywelyn's original work.
Exceptional. The headland site gives 270-degree views across Cardigan Bay — on clear days you can see from the Llŷn Peninsula to the south all the way to Cadair Idris to the south-east. The Snowdonia mountains fill the northern horizon, and sunsets over Cardigan Bay from the castle battlements are among the finest anywhere in Wales.
Criccieth Castle was captured and burned by the Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr in 1404 during the Welsh uprising against English rule. The castle was never rebuilt after this destruction and has remained a ruin since. Scorch marks from Glyndŵr's burning are still visible on the inner gatehouse stonework.
Yes. Criccieth railway station on the Cambrian Coast line is approximately 400 m from the castle entrance — one of the most convenient rail connections of any Welsh castle. Trains run from Pwllheli in the west and Machynlleth and Shrewsbury in the east, passing through Porthmadog, Barmouth and the full length of the spectacular Cambrian Coast.
Yes. Criccieth has two beaches below the castle headland. The east beach holds a Blue Flag award and has a tidal Marine Lake providing a calm, sheltered swimming area suitable for all ages. The west beach is shingle-edged with views of the castle. Both are within a few minutes' walk of the castle entrance.