Built by Welsh princes and conquered by an English king, only to be torched by a Welsh rebel.
Standing high on a promontory, the ruins of Castell Criccieth today offer a peaceful, if windswept, spot from which to gaze out over the waters of Tremadog Bay. But as the broken walls and battle-scarred towers testify, the site was the subject of several violent assaults during its life.
Construction of the castle seems to have begun in the early 13th century, at the instigation of Llywelyn the Great. He was probably responsible for the most striking architectural features of the place – two great D-shaped towers that flank the inner gatehouse, once also guarded by a portcullis and iron gates. The towers still dominate the ruin and the town of Criccieth.
As well as keeping invaders out, the stout walls of the castle were used to keep men in; the fortress was used as a prison more than once. After the death of Llywelyn the Great his sons quarrelled over the succession, and Dafydd ap Llywelyn held his half-brother, Gruffudd, prisoner at Cricieth for two years.
Llywelyn the Last seems to have extended the fortifications in the 1260s, adding the outer wall and the two rectangular towers to the north and south-west. Then in 1283, when Edward I conquered Gwynedd, he adapted the north tower to accommodate a great catapult. These defences allowed the English to withstand a siege by Welsh rebels in 1292.
However, it was a Welshman who finally did for Castell Cricieth. In 1404, as part of his uprising against the English, Owain Glyndŵr captured the place and set it alight, leaving the magnificent shell that you see today. Try and find the scorch marks from this final fiery destruction on the ruins of the south-west tower.
An excellent site for the family, with beautiful sea views; perfect for a picnic – if it’s not too wind.
The castle overlooks the town of Criccieth.
Less than 1 mile from Criccieth railway station.
Regular buses serve Criccieth. Call Traveline on 0871 200 2233 or go online at http://www.traveline-cymru.info for the latest public transport information.
The castle is in the centre of Criccieth.
The castle is in the centre of Criccieth.
Easy. Walking boots advised. Dogs allowed.
Full Figure Grid Reference: NGR SH49993773 Coordinates for Garmin satnav users: -4.232499, 52.916064 OS explorer map sheet: 254