Journey Through Time: Discovering the Magnificent Castles of North Wales with Windward Retreats

At Windward Retreats, we believe in offering our guests more than just a beautiful place to stay; we invite you to immerse yourselves in the rich tapestry of North Wales. From our award-winning glamping pods at Emlyn's Coppice near the coast to our cozy cottages nestled in the heart of Snowdonia at Llanddoged and Betws-y-Coed, we're perfectly positioned for you to embark on a captivating journey through time.

North Wales is often called "Castle Country," and for good reason. From formidable fortresses built by medieval kings to picturesque ruins with dramatic stories, each castle offers a unique glimpse into centuries past. Let's explore some of the most impressive ones within easy reach of all our Windward Retreats locations.

Castell Conwy

Castell Rhuddlan

Gwrych Castle

Castles on Your Doorstep

• Gwrych Castle (A must-see for all guests): Famously the filming location for "I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!", Gwrych Castle is a truly unique experience. This stunning, semi-ruinous fortress stands dramatically on a wooded hillside overlooking the Irish Sea, offering incredible views. Its 19th-century Gothic Revival architecture sets it apart from the region's medieval castles. A visit here offers a blend of intriguing history and modern pop culture, and it's easily accessible from all our locations.

• Conwy Castle (A short drive from our Snowdonia cottages): A UNESCO World Heritage site, Conwy Castle is arguably one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe and is just a short drive from our Llanddoged and Betws-y-Coed cottages. Its eight massive towers and impressive curtain walls rise dramatically from a rock outcrop overlooking the Conwy Estuary. You can walk the full circuit of the battlements, explore its grand halls, and even walk along the incredibly well-preserved town walls that encircle the historic town of Conwy. It’s an unmissable experience.

• Caernarfon Castle (A short drive from our Snowdonia cottages): The sheer scale and architectural grandeur of Caernarfon Castle will take your breath away. Another UNESCO World Heritage site and perhaps the most famous of Edward I's 'iron ring' of castles, it was designed to impress, with polygonal towers and banded masonry evoking the walls of Constantinople. It has hosted the investiture of the Prince of Wales twice and continues to be a symbol of Welsh identity. Allow plenty of time to explore this monumental site.

• Flint Castle (A short drive from Emlyn's Coppice): As one of Edward I's first castles in Wales, Flint Castle holds a significant place in history. Though now a ruin, its imposing single tower and riverside location still evoke its former power. Immortalized in Shakespeare's Richard II, it’s a site brimming with stories, offering wonderful views across the Dee Estuary.

• Rhuddlan Castle (A short drive from Emlyn's Coppice): Another easy trip from our glamping site, Rhuddlan Castle is a magnificent example of a concentric castle. Built by Edward I in the late 13th century, its distinctive 'castle within a castle' design made it incredibly strong. Wander its walls, climb the towers, and imagine the pivotal role it played in shaping Welsh history – it was here that the Statute of Rhuddlan was signed in 1284, placing Wales under English law.

Castell Conwy

Castell Caernarfon

Castell Harlech

Further Afield (A great day-trip for all)

• Denbigh Castle (Accessible from all locations): Standing majestically above the town, Denbigh Castle is another of Edward I's ambitious projects. Its unique triple-towered gatehouse is a marvel of medieval engineering. Explore the vast outer walls, the well-preserved inner structures, and enjoy panoramic views of the Clwydian Range. The town walls themselves are also worth a stroll!

• Beaumaris Castle (Accessible from all locations): Located on the Isle of Anglesey, Beaumaris Castle is the last and largest of Edward I's Welsh castles, and considered technically perfect in its concentric design. Though never fully completed, its symmetrical walls and moats are incredibly impressive, earning it another UNESCO World Heritage designation. It's a fantastic place to explore, and the journey across the Menai Strait offers beautiful coastal views.

Beyond the Walls

Visiting these castles isn't just about admiring ancient stones; it's about connecting with the stories of kings and princes, battles and sieges, and the enduring spirit of Wales. Each site offers visitor facilities, often with exhibitions, cafes, and gift shops, making for a perfect day out.

We encourage all our Windward Retreats guests to delve into the captivating history on our doorstep. So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and prepare to be transported to a bygone era.

We can't wait to hear about your castle adventures!

Warmly,

The Windward Retreats Team