Criccieth Castle

Dominating the local bay, this 13th century castle also has stunning views as far as Snowdonia and Harlech

Perched in an imposing position atop a rocky promontory which juts dramatically out into Tremadog Bay, Criccieth Castle is still dominated by the twin-towered gatehouse built by Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth ('the Great'). Extended by his son Llywelyn ap Gruffudd ('the Last'), and later remodelled by Edward I and Edward II, there is much speculation about which areas of the castle belong to which building periods. It was most likely founded in the 13th century, and the earliest mention of a stronghold here is to be found in the Welsh chronicles, the Brut y Tywysogyon, in 1239, when Llywelyn ap Gruffydd was imprisoned in the castle by his half-brother, Dafydd.

Today, visitors are still impressed by the structure itself and the spectacular views from Criccieth's peak - on a clear day, you might see as far as Snowdonia to the north, along the entire Lleyn Peninsula to the west, and even spy Harlech Castle to the southeast, across Tremadog Bay.

1 April to 31 May 2006: 9.30am - 5.00pm daily
1 June to 30 September: 9.30am - 6.00pm daily
1 to 31 October: 9.30am - 5.00pm daily
1 November to 31 March 9.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Saturday
2007: 11.00am - 4.00pm Sunday