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North Wales Heritage Attractions
Heritage sites such as castles, Roman remains, stately homes & gardens, cathedrals, country houses, historic monuments, etc in North Wales...
Since the stone age, man has been creating majestic structures that we still marvel at today. Whether you are interested in ancient monuments, battlefield sites, re-enactments, Roman and Norman forts and castles, stately homes, country houses, historic cathedrals, ruined abbeys etc, this is the page that should give you the information you need.
Here we try to list properties in private ownership but open to the public (even if only occasionally) as well as those in the care of the organisations like National Trust or English/Scottish Heritage. Please help us make this guide comprehensive by sending us details of missing attractions.
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North Wales Ancient Monuments, Castles, Roman Forts, Battlefield Sites, etc |
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Rhuddlan Castle
Castle Street, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Clwyd, LL18 5AD Rhuddlan, lying near to the coast by Rhyl, was one of the ‘iron ring’ of fortresses built by Edward 1 during the English king’s late 13th-century campaigns against the Welsh. Its massive twin-towered gatehouse - heralding the inner core of a characteristic concentric ‘walls within walls’ system of defences - immediately catches the eye. Possibly the most impressive engineering achievement here is the way in which the castle- almost 3 miles from the sea was given access by ship through the canalisation of the River Clwyd, a mammoth task involving 1,800 ditchers. Remains of a defended river gate can still be seen in the outer ring of walls, overlooking by the towers of the powerful diamond-shaped inner ward. 
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Denbigh Castle
Castle Hill, Denbigh, Clwyd Denbigh Castle is located on a steep hill overlooking its town and enjoying views of the Vale of Clwyd and the hills of the Clwydian range. The remains of 13th century Denbigh Castle, built by Edward I, overlooks the town of Denbigh. The castle is haunted by a grey lady , whilst the castle's small Goblin Tower is said to be haunted by a boy who peers from its windows.
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Penrhyn Castle
Bangor, Gwynedd, LL57 4HN Penrhyn Castle was built by Thomas Hopper between 1820 and 1845 for the Pennant family who had made their fortune through their Jamaican sugar estates and local slate quarry. The castle is neo-Norman and contains fascinating 'Norman' style furniture, whilst housing a collection of paintings from old masters. The castle is surrounded by beautiful grounds with attractive walks, a Victorian walled garden, Industrial Railway Museum, Dolls Museum, Countryside Exhibition, National Trust Shop and an Adventure Playground.
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Valle Crucis Abbey
Llantysilio, Llangollen, Clwyd, LL20 8DD The evocative ruins of Valle Crucis lie in green fields beneath Llangollen’s steep-sided mountains. It was an ideal location for the Cistercians, medieval monks who deliberately sought out wild and lonely places. Their abbey, founded in the 13th century, has fared better than many of its contemporaries against the ravages of time, history and neglect. Many original features remain, including the glorious west front complete with a richly carved doorway and beautiful rose window. Other well-preserved features include the east end of the abbey (which still overlooks the monks’ original fishpond) and lovely chapter house with its striking rib-vaulted roof. Valle Crucis, the ‘Abbey of the Cross’, is named after Eliseg’s Pillar, a nearby 9th-century Christian memorial cross.
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Bryn Bras Castle
Llanrug, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4RE Bryn Bras Castle is unique in Wales, "A Land of Castles", as one of the few Castles in which you can enjoy a stay in a selection of beautiful appointed, spacious, warm and comfortable APARTMENTS, each with its suite of rooms of distinctively individual character, and generously and conveniently enhanced from dishwashers .... to flowers. The Regency Romanesque Castle (Grade II* Listed Building of Architectural and Historic Interest) was built on an earlier structure in 1829-35 and is attributed to Thomas Hopper.
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Bodelwyddan Castle
Bodelwyddan, Rhyl, Clwyd, LL18 5YA Discovering Bodelwyddan Castle ~ Approach in anticipation along the elevated terrace which gives stunning vistas of sea and hills. Then beyond the walls to enter a captivating blend of history and activity. Beautifully furnished rooms with exhibits from major national collections. Follow the Castle’s story using the free state-of-the-art audio guide. Admire a changing programme of gallery exhibitions. Guaranteed fun for all ages with the Victorian ‘hands-on’ games and inventions. The Lowther College Tea Room traces the history of the former ‘School in the Castle’ - it also serves tasty meals and teas as well! Spoil yourself in style. The Castle Gift Shop offers a wide range of gifts and souvenirs for everyone.
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Harlech Castle
Castle Square, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2YH Harlech Castle Like an all-seeing sentinel, spectacularly sited Harlech Castle gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfil this very role. The rocky outcrop on which it is perched gives the castle immense strength. Looking seawards, Harlech's battlements are a continuation of a near-vertical cliff-face, while any landward attackers would first have to deal with a massive twin towered gatehouse. Unsurprisingly, it is now a World Heritage Site. The fortress's massive inner walls and towers still A stand almost to their full height (the views from its lofty battlements are some of the best in Wales. Ironically, in 1404 this seat of English power was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr who proceeded to hold a parliament here. A long siege here during the Wars of the Roses inspired the stirring song 'Men of Harlech'.
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Caernarfon Castle
Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2AY Caernarfon Castle is possibly the most striking medieval monument in Wales. Its sheer scale and commanding presence set it apart from the rest and, to this day still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder; Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales Caernarfon was constructed not only as military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. Its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour-banded walls were designed to echo Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw, of Welsh myth and legend. After all these years, Caernarfon's immense strength remains undimmed. The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in1284. In 1969, the castle gained worldwide fame as the setting for the Investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. History comes alive at Caernarfon in so many ways - along the lofty wall-walks, beneath the twin-towered gatehouse and in imaginative exhibitions located within the towers. This supreme -and supremely beautiful - fortress is a World Heritage listed site.
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Conwy Castle
Rose Hill Street, Conwy, Gwynedd, LL32 8LD Conwy Castle & Town Walls Gritty, dark-stoned Conwy has the rare ability to evoke an authentic medieval atmosphere. It was constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of his key North Wales fortresses In comparison to the other great Edwardian castles it is relatively straightforward in design, a reflection of the inherent strength of its sitting. Conwy's massive military power springs from the rock on which it stands and seems to grow naturally Soaring curtain walls and eight huge round towers give the castle - a World Heritage Site - an intimidating presence undimmed by the passage of time. The views from the battlements are breathtaking, looking out across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castle's 125ft Great Hall. Conwy's other great medieval glory is its ring of town walls. Its circuit of walls, over three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers, is one of the finest in the world.
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Chirk Castle
Y Waun/Chirk, Llangollen, LL14 5AF
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Tŷ Mawr Wybrnant
Penmachno, Betws y coed, Conwy, LL25 0HU
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North Wales Stately Homes, Country Houses & Gardens |
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Conwy Suspension Bridge
Castle Street, Conwy, Gwynedd, LL32 8LD Designed and built by Thomas Telford, this elegant suspension bridge was completed in 1826. It replaced the ferry, which was previously the only means of crossing the river. The toll-keeper’s house has recently been restored and furnished as it would have been a century ago.
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Plas Newydd - Home of the Ladies of Llangollen
Plas Newydd House, Hill Street, Llangollen,
Clwyd, LL20 8AW PLAS NEWYDD, LLANGOLLEN. Home of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, "The two most celebrated virgins in Europe" Plas Newydd has attracted visitors since 1780. An exceptional house, steeped in history containing many artifacts connected with the Ladies of Llangollen. Set in peaceful grounds, Plas Newydd is well worth a visit. Plas Newydd became the home of the "Ladies of Llangollen" after they left their homes in Ireland in 1780.
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Bodrhyddan Hall
Dyserth Road, Rhuddlan, Rhyl, Clwyd, LL18 5SB Bodrhyddan is a Grade I listed house situated at the northern end of the Vale of Clwyd. Much of the house is seventeenth century but major additions and alterations were carried out in 1875 - architect was William Eden Nesfield. The house contains an interesting collection of arms and armour, paintings, furniture and ceramics. There are extensive gardens in which to wander which include lawns, topiary, a Victorian parterre and the recently restored Pleasance with its summer house and ponds.
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Plas yn Rhiw
Rhiw, Pwllheli, Gwynedd, LL53 8AB
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Bodnant Garden
Tal-y-Cafn, ger Bae Colwyn/nr Colwyn Bay, LL28
5RE
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Moreton Park Garden Centre
Gledrid, Chirk, Wrexham LL14 5DG Come and enjoy our extensive range of plants and trees, as well as a wide selection of garden furniture. If you want excitement then why not come and visit our aquatic and reptile centres.
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North Wales Cathedrals, Historic Churches, Abbeys |
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Rug Chapel
Corwen, Clwyd, LL21 9BT A delightful religious site that is a rare example of a little altered private chapel of the 17th century. The chapel is filled with fantastic carvings and elaborate roof decor.
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St. Winefride's Well
Plessington House, New Road, Holywell, Clwyd,
CH8 7LS There's an atmosphere of peace in this place-a place of pilgrimage for 1300 years. A place where people come in faith to ask for God's favours. This is St. Winefride's Well. This holy place began with a legend. In 660AD the town of Holywell, located in northern Wales, was a cluster of huts centred around a church. Five hundred years of graffiti on the walls of the crypt attest to the years of unbroken faith in the well's healing powers. Thousands of visitors continue to come today. Candles of hope still shine. St. Winefride's Well is a place of pilgrimage, the Lourdes of Wales.
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