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7 of the Most Intact Castles in Wales - These castles come with incredible history.

Those who love castles - and Wales has lots to choose from - will probably enjoy this recent article from Mental Floss. However be warned, although splendid, all of the castles are ruined and not lived in.

I been to all of them over the years and all are worth visiting. Conwy is still my top favourite. Most castles are empty inside. Not Conwy. The walls of the internal buildings still stand giving a feel for what the castle would have ben liked (and how cramped it might have seeemed.)

There are so many ruined castles in Wales and so many that haven't been included in this list - Raglan, which must be one of the largest castles in Wales and Carreg Cennan with its passageway cut down through the cliff it stands on. And of course there is the wonderfully restored Castell Coch - everyone's dream of a fairy tale castle...

Posted by
8144 posts

Haven’t been to Chepstow yet, but have been to the others. I too enjoyed Raglan and Coch. Carreg Cennan Is on my to visit list next time I’m in that area.

Thank you for the article.

Posted by
5751 posts

Thank you. This reminds me that a return to Wales sits on my trip list. I’ve only been to a couple of these so far.

Posted by
10775 posts

I remember when I was in Wales back in 1996 and I just couldn't believe the number of castles I saw. It was really amazing. I didn't have much time to explore the country, but it's always been in the back of my mind to go back. Maybe I need to start doing some serious thinking about that. Thanks so much, wasleys!!!

Posted by
2846 posts

All of the castles mentioned in ‘Mental Floss’ are medieval castles. Most castles and historic monuments in Wales come under CADW = a department of the Welsh Government. If ever you are visiting a CADW castle and coming by train - keep your train tickets and show them on entry to get in 2 for the price of 1.

Note that Cardiff Castle is not a CADW castle as it is run by Cardiff Council - unfortunately as they keep turning the castle green over to pop concerts etc. to make money.

St. Fagans Castle & Museum of Welsh History - on the western edge of Cardiff, comes under the museum service - hence entry is free. https://museum.wales/stfagans/castle-and-gardens/

The National Museum of Wales is located in Cardiff city centre - about a 12 minute walk NE from the castle.

Note also that up to 2 children can travel for free with a fare paying adult on train routes that are covered by Transport for Wales - and that includes other train companies using the same tracks. SEE:> https://tfw.wales/ways-to-travel/rail/ticket-types/family-ticket

Here is a very good site about Welsh castles:> https://www.castlewales.com