Key facts
- Operator
- Cadw
- Condition
- Ruin
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
Pinpoint
Castle St, Criccieth LL52 0DP
Telephone 0300 025 2239
Possible Opening hours
Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A Welsh-built castle on a headland above Cardigan Bay, later captured and refortified by Edward I — the twin-towered gatehouse is the standout survival. It's a compact site, and reviewers are candid that there isn't a huge amount of it left, but the position does the work: sea on two sides and Snowdonia behind.
Worth the trip
The view from the headland across the bay to Black Rock Sands and the Llŷn mountains beyond.
Before you go
The climb up is steep with some real drops, so keep an eye on children and think twice if mobility is limited; the visitor centre by the entrance covers the history if the ruins themselves feel thin.
Most reviewers are drawn to the coastal and mountain views from Criccieth Castle, describing it as a worthwhile stop with a helpful visitor centre and reasonable entry price. A couple note the climb up is steep and includes some steep drops, making it less suited to elderly visitors or unsupervised children. One reviewer who wasn't especially keen on castles still rated it decent, mainly for the views, suggesting it appeals most strongly to genuine castle enthusiasts.
Welsh princes' castle on headland over Cardigan Bay
“The views over to Black Rock Sands were stunning. Full of history. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.”— Catherine Heather, visitor review
