Why Visit Castles in Wales When You Can Stay in One?
From Conwy and Caernarfon to Chirk and Caerphilly, Wales is peppered with castles. In fact, there are more than 400 strongholds to visit across the country, ranging from decadent Victorian fortresses to imposing Tudor towers. If you’re the type of traveller that loves to live and breathe a destination, why not skip the Premier Inn and check into a history-soaked castle hotel in Wales?
Forget five stars. These castle hotels to stay in Wales are truly fit for royalty. Want to know more? Here’s our pick of the best castles to stay in Wales, ranging from budget-friendly conversions to sumptuous estates.
Budget-friendly castles to stay in Wales
West Blockhouse, Dale
Perched on a Pembrokeshire clifftop, West Blockhouse combines historic accommodation with stunning coastal scenery. This former military stronghold is all business, with imposing stone walls and a simple yet comfortable décor. If you’re looking for Welsh castle accommodation on a budget, West Blockhouse will tick all your boxes.
Mold Tower
Set in sprawling parkland, Mold Tower is a fantastic base for exploring Snowdonia National Park and the rugged North Wales coast. Rooms at this castle to stay in Wales are bought to life with gleaming antiques, gold-framed oil paintings and richly coloured carpets. Our favourite suites include the peach-coloured Front Tower Room with cavernous 16-feet ceilings and the sun-drenched Lake View Room overlooking the south gardens. Start your day right with a traditional Welsh breakfast served in the oak-panelled dining room.
Castle hotels with a touch of luxury
Ruthin Castle Hotel and Spa, North Wales
Set in the shadow of the Clwydian Range, Ruthin Castle is an enchanting medieval stronghold that’s been reimagined as a luxury hotel and spa. While Oliver Cromwell endeavoured to quash the castle in the 1600s, it survived his fierce attack and has since been beautifully restored. The tower houses the magnificent Prince of Wales Suite, a plush chamber where you can sink into a king size bed, sip whiskey by your blazing fireplace and survey your newfound kingdom from the enormous bay windows.
Clytha Castle, Monmouthshire
Run by the Landmark Trust, Clytha Castle commands sweeping views over the Usk Valley. The Gothic fortress has a romantic past, with Welshman William Jones building it in the 1700s to honour the memory of his recently deceased wife. We like to call it the Taj Mahal of Wales. Clytha has all the hallmarks of a fairy-tale castle, including circular turrets, arched Gothic windows and tooth-shaped battlements. A stroll around the picturesque castle grounds is the perfect way to start your day.
Opulent castles to stay in Wales
Castell Deudraeth, Portmeirion
From the moment you step foot in Castell Deudraeth, you’ll fall under its Victorian spell. One of the more modern castles, Deudraeth was built in the 19th century and will charm you with Welsh oak panelling, slate floors and original artwork by masters such as William Selwyn, Sarah Nechamkin and Fred Uhlman.
After a day of castle hopping, a glass of wine and a chef-inspired meal at the conservatory brasserie is just the ticket. The castle is a stone’s throw from the village of Portmeirion, a charming Italianate-style village where you can sip espresso in sun-drenched piazzas, wander through lush subtropical gardens and devour some of the best gelato outside of Rome.
Château Rhianfa, Isle of Anglesey
Set beneath the rugged peaks of Snowdonia and overlooking the Menai Strait, Château Rhianfa offers a unique chance to stay in one of the most beautiful Grade ll-listed properties in Wales. Settle into one of the exquisitely decorated rooms or escape to a private self-catering cottage.
This castle to stay in Wales has a fascinating history, with Welsh Baronet Sir John Hay-Williams inspired by sketches his wife had made of fairy-tale chateaux in the Loire Valley. The French flair makes this picture-perfect castle ideal for celebrating anniversaries, engagements and other romantic occasions.
Roch Castle, Pembrokeshire
From the outside, Roch Castle looks like a centuries-old Norman sentry. Step inside and you’ll be smitten by the luxurious retrofit, which has seen the interior divided into six well-appointed suites. You’ll love exploring the communal spaces, including the fourth floor Sun Room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows and the alfresco terrace set on the original battlements. When you’re not enjoying your castle accommodation in Wales, spend your time beach hopping along the stunning Pembrokeshire coast, horseback riding along tidal estuaries and teeing off at world-class links golf courses.
