Rhuddlan Castle

Rhuddlan Castle is a stone Edwardian concentric fortress, built in impressive symmetry. Dominated by the diamond-shaped inner ward with its high curtain wall, flanked on the angles by massive four storey twin-towered gatehouses and round towers. A broad ditch with a stone revetment and flanked by small buttresses and turrets protects the narrow octagonal outer ward. The River Clwyd was canalised to give access from the sea and the defended water gate and dock are still overlooked by the four storey Gillot's Tower.

Although a sturdy and formidable fortress, which survived well against a major Welsh uprising, Rhuddlan Castle was eventually defeated in the Civil War of 1646, and soon after wantonly destroyed. For the next 300 years, what remained after local quarrying of the stone was left to decay. Conservation work began in 1947, and general maintenance has been carried out ever since to try and preserve these beautiful sandstone ruins.

The site is ideal for educational family and/or School visits. The Castle is open from the 1st April to 30th September. Admission for adults is £2.75, with a reduced rate of £2.25. Family Tickets are £7.75 - this admits 2 adults and up to 3 children under 16 years.