Dolwyddelan is unusual within Wales. In a land of castles, Dolwyddelan stands apart not as a stronghold erected by Norman or English forces but as a fortress of the native Welsh princes.

The castle occupies a magnificent location deep in Snowdonia, on a ridge set against the rugged backcloth of Moel Siabod. It was built between about 1210 and 1240 by Wales's most powerful medieval prince, Llwelyn the Great, ruler of Snowdonia.

Llwelyn's stark and functional square tower, which can be seen for miles around, controlled a strategic pass through his mountainous kingdom from Merionethshire to the Vale of Conwy.

The core of the castle, the rectangular stone keep, was supplemented later in the 13th century by a stone curtain wall enclosing the courtyard. If the battlements and wall walks look a little too perfect for such a weather beaten spot, it is because they were restored in Victorian times.

Dolwyddelan, a key mountain stronghold, saw active service in the late 13th century wars between the Welsh and Edward I. It fell to English forces in 1283 and was refortified, probably with a second rectangular tower which today stands in ruin.

A visit to this solitary sentinel is worth it for the views alone - the sweeping mountain vistas visible from its battlements are truly stunning.

Access:- A470(T) Blaenau Ffestiniog to Betws-y-Coed.

Railway:- Dolwyddelan 1 mile.

Opening Hours 2012 / 2013

Last admission half an hour before closing.

Summer:- 1^st April to 30^th September 10.00 to 17.00 Monday to Saturday.
11.30 - 16.00 Sunday

Winter:- 1^st October to 31^st March 10.00 to 16.00 Mon to Sat.
11.30 to 16.00 Sundays.

Closed:- 24^th, 25^th, 26^th December, 1^st January

Contact and Admission Information

Telephone:- +44 1690 750366

Admission Charge:- Adults £2.80, Reduced rate £2.10.

Family Ticket:- £8.40 - admits 2 adults and up to 3 children under 16 years.

Three or seven day explorer passes are available to give you free admission to the historic sites in the care of Cadw.

For a complete list of over 120 properties in the care of Cadw visit:-

Website:- http://cadw.wales.gov.uk/

Special Events

For details of any future special events please contact the custodian - +44 1690 750366.