Although the architecture borrowed much from the design of the mediaeval castles, these new castles were fashionable romantic follies rather than military fortresses - a status symbol of the new wealth of the Industrial Age. Beaumaris
Last of the great castles to be built by Edward I in North Wales. Construction began in 1295 but by 1298 the money had run out and the castle was never completed. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Bodelwyddan
Historic house and museum surrounded by 260 acres of formal gardens and parkland. The Williams Hall forms part of the National Portrait Gallery and houses a collection of 19th century portraits. www.bodelwyddan-castle.co.uk Bryn Bras
19th century castle built in the mock-Norman style with surrounding gardens and woodland. Now a private family home offering holiday accommodation. Castle tours can be made by prior arrangement with the owners. www.wales-national-parks-holidays.co.uk/brynbras.html Caergwrle
Built by Dafydd ap Gruffudd in 1277, Caergwrle later came under the control of Edward I, Dafydd's former ally. The castle was destroyed by an accidental fire in August 1283. www.castlewales.com/hope.html Caernarfon
Begun by Edward I in 1283, Caernarfon became a Royal palace and the centre of English government in North Wales. Birthplace of the first English Prince of Wales in 1284, the castle was also the setting for the investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales in 1969. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Directions to Caernarfon Castle
Castell Dinas Brân
Built by Madog, Prince of Powys in around 1270, little now remains of this native Welsh castle, sited on a steep hill above Llangollen. www.castlewales.com/dinas.html Castell y Bere
Ruined native Welsh castle remotely located below Cader Idris, north east of Tywyn. Castell y Bere was probably built around 1221 by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth but later fell to the English in 1283. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Chirk
Originally a mediaeval castle of the late 13th century, Chirk has seen many additions and alterations over the following centuries. Contains elegant state rooms and is surrounded by formal gardens and 18th century parkland. www.nationaltrust.org.uk Conwy
Edwardian castle of 1282 which dominates the town of Conwy. Conwy was both a military fortress and an English garrison town, and the present town retains its original 3/4 mile stretch of mediaeval walls, featuring 22 towers and 3 gateways. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Directions to Conwy Castle Criccieth
13th century castle built by the native Welsh princes, Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd. Captured and refortified by Edward I in 1283, the castle was finally destroyed by Owain Glyndwr in 1404. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Denbigh
Built by Henry de Lacy, Earl of Lincoln, in 1282. The castle was refortified by the Crown during the Civil War but later surrendered to the Parliamentary forces following a prolonged siege. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Dolbadarn
Early 13th century native Welsh castle overlooking Llyn Padarn on the Llanberis Pass.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Dolwyddelan
Built c1200 by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, the castle fell to Edward I's forces in 1283. The castle was much restored in the 19th century and the keep now houses an exhibition on the castles of the Welsh princes. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Ewloe
13th century native Welsh castle, built by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth and added to by Llwelyn ap Gruffudd. Taken by the English in 1277, the castle was later abandoned.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Flint
The first castle to be built by Edward I during his campaign into Wales in 1277. Richard II was held captive here by Henry Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) in 1399.
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Gwydir
Tudor courtyard house built by the Wynn family on the site of an earlier mediaeval castle. Gwydir is now a family home offering B&B accommodation. Guided tours available by arrangement with the owners. www.gwydir-castle.co.uk Harlech
Begun during the 2nd campaign of Edward I in 1283. During the 15th century "Wars of the Roses" Harlech was garrisoned by the Lancastrians but finally surrendered following a long siege. This siege inspired the famous Welsh song "Men of Harlech".
www.cadw.wales.gov.uk
Directions to Harlech Castle Hawarden Old Castle
Late 13th century English lordship castle, built on the site of Iron Age and Norman fortifications. www.castlewales.com/hawrdn.html Holt
Built after 1282 by John de Warenne, Earl of Surrey, on Welsh lands granted to him by Edward I. Little of the castle now remains. www.castlewales.com/holt.html Penrhyn
19th century mock-Norman castle built for the wealthy Pennant family. The castle interior features elaborate carvings and mock-Norman furniture.
The stable block now houses a number of exhibitions, a dolls museum and 2 railway museums. Surrounded by extensive grounds featuring a walled Victorian garden. www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Directions to Penrhyn Castle Rhuddlan
One of Edward I's earlier Welsh castles, built during his first Welsh campaign in 1277. A canal passage gave access to the sea and the castle would have been supplied by ship. www.cadw.wales.gov.uk Ruthin
Late 13th century castle destroyed by order of Parliament in 1646. Rebuilt as a castellated house in the 19th century, the castle is now a hotel and holds regular mediaeval banquets. Apply to hotel management for permission to view the mediaeval ruins. www.ruthincastle.co.uk Directions to, opening times and admission prices for the main CADW and National Trust sites can be found by searching under 'places to visit' on our What's on channel. | 
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