Rhuddlan Castle (Castell Rhuddlan)

Designed by top military architect Master James of St George, Rhuddlan Castle—one of Edward I’s so-called "Iron Ring" of defensive fortifications and castles—played a crucial role in Welsh history. However, it was ultimately conquered during the English Civil War and then partially demolished in the mid-17th century. For visitors looking to immerse themselves in the castle culture of North Wales, some multi-day castle tours stop at Rhuddlan Castle, as well as Caernarfon Castle and Conwy Castle.

• Rhuddlan Castle is a must for history buffs looking to get off the tourist trail.

• Disabled visitors and children under five enter for free.

• There’s an on-site gift shop, as well as accessible toilets, bike storage, and baby changing facilities.

• Rhuddlan Castle is mostly accessible to wheelchair users, although there are some unprotected drops.

Rhuddlan Castle is situated in Rhuddlan, Denbighshire and is accessible by both private vehicles and public transit. By road, follow signs for Rhuddlan on the A525 or A547 roads. There’s on-site car parking available. Rhuddlan Castle is also just a 5-minute walk from the closest bus stop, which is served by routes 35, 36, and 51.

Rhuddlan Castle is open daily between April 1 and November 30, typically from 10am to 5pm. Last admission is usually 30 minutes before closing. The castle is closed entirely during the winter months.

Edward I’s Iron Ring of castles was developed to quash any Welsh uprisings against English rule. After visiting Rhuddlan Castle—the first of the Iron Ring to be constructed—stop by the last to be built, Beaumaris Castle, which sits just 40 miles (65 kilometers) to the west. Other North Wales castles built at the request of Edward I include Caernarfon and Conwy, which can be visited alongside Rhuddlan on a multi-day castle tour.