Dog friendly castles in North Wales
Put your best paw forward and get ready to be transported back in time with these ten dog-friendly castles in North Wales. Drenched in history and surrounded by awe-inspiring scenery, you’ll be struggling to decide which one you and your dog should visit first.
1)Denbigh Castle (Castell Dinbych) , Denbigh, Denbighshire
Denbigh Castle, a majestic fortress perched above the Vale of Clwyd, offers a captivating glimpse into medieval history. Visitors can explore its triple-towered gatehouse, towering curtain walls, and an ingenious 'sally port' that showcases the resilience of Welsh defenders. Denbigh Castle is a great destination for both humans and their four-legged friends to enjoy.
2) Deganwy Castle, Deganwy, Conwy
Free to visit
Before visiting Deganwy Castle, it's important to note that, unfortunately, there isn't much left of the castle itself as it hasn't been preserved like other castles in the area, except for a few ruins. However, we've included it in our list because the breath taking views from its elevated position will not disappoint. You'll enjoy clear vistas of Conwy and its medieval castle and walls, as well as the estuary and Llandudno from the other side. It's easy to see why Deganwy Castle was strategically built here as a vantage point. Further information about the castle can be found on the plaques in the area, and you can also learn more about this castle walk - including how to get there - in our dedicated blog.
3) Gwrych Castle, Abergele, Conwy
Gwrych Castle, a 19th-century Gothic-style castle, is situated on the North Wales coastline near Abergele, boasting spectacular architectural views of the surrounding area. What we admire about this castle is its exceptional dog-friendly policy, welcoming dogs both inside and outside its premises. Its most recent claim to fame is serving as the venue for "I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here." If you’re in the area seeking other walks and attractions in Abergele, explore more in our blog featuring 6 dog-friendly things to do in Abergele.
4) Castell Dinas Brân (Llangollen castle) , Llangollen, Denbighshire
Free to visit
Castell Dinas Bran sits on a hilltop site above the town of Llangollen. What remains are interesting ruins, not due to neglect over time, but rather because of an invading army that destroyed the castle back in the 1200s. You can learn more about its history through the educational plaques on-site. This castle is an excellent choice to visit if you and your dog are seeking a bit of history and a scenic walk to stretch your legs.
5) Flint Castle, Flint, Flintshire
Free to visit
For those who love Shakespeare's work and military architecture, this dog-friendly, free-to-visit castle is just for you. Situated in Flint, the castle boasts impressive military designs, and furthermore, it's even referenced in Shakespeare's play, "Richard II.
6) Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis, Gwynedd
Free to visit
Nestled in the heart of Llanberis, you’ll find Dolbadarn Castle, a small yet mighty fortress overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn and nestled between Snowdonia's rolling hills. While many of its walls have faded over time, the main turret still stands tall, offering grounds and ruins for you and your four-legged friends to explore. Once parked up, a short walk through the forest leads to the castle, making it a 100% worthwhile visit if you’re exploring walks and attractions in the area too.
So if you’re planning a day out in Llanberis, why not check out our blog of 7 dog friendly walks and attractions in the area.
7) Beaumaris Castle, Beaumaris, Anglesey
Beaumaris Castle, situated on the Isle of Anglesey, in the charming town of Beaumaris (known for its lovely attractions like PenMon Point lighthouse and beach), is a captivating medieval building renowned for its strategic design, including defences such as a water-filled moat with its very own dock. It's one of four World Heritage castles in the North Wales area (Caernarfon, Harlech, and Conwy being the others) and occupies a truly picturesque location.
Dogs are welcome inside the castle, but only on the ground floor levels. It's the perfect destination for a day out, especially with a picnic in tow.
8) Harlech Castle, Harlech, Gwynedd
Harlech Castle is a formidable coastal fortress with the peaks of Snowdonia as its backdrop. This heritage castle is suggested to have the most impressive scenery surrounding it compared to others on our list. A unique aspect of visiting Harlech Castle is walking along a floating bridge with your dog to access the castle, just as the designer from 600 years ago intended. Dogs are permitted inside, but only on the ground floor.
9) Criccieth Castle, Criccieth, Gwynedd
Criccieth Castle, situated in Criccieth, Gwynedd, another costal beauty perched on a rocky headland overlooking the scenic Cardigan Bay in Wales. Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, the castle boasts a strategic location that once played a significant role in Welsh history. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved ruins while enjoying panoramic views of the coastline and the charming town of Criccieth below.
Dogs are only allowed on the ground floor.
10) Caernarfon Castle , Caernarfon, Gwynedd (Dog friendly in low season only)
Caernarfon Castle was constructed by King Edward I in the late 13th century. Designed both as a military stronghold and a seat of government, its strategic location overlooks the Menai Strait. Here you’ll learn more about the history of Wales and how it served to assert English control over the region and intimidate Welsh rebels. Dogs are welcome around the whole castle, however, this castle is only dog friendly in low season - 1st December to 22nd March.
Bonus Castle - well, the castle walls
Is Conwy castle dog friendly?
You might wonder why Conwy Castle hasn’t made the list, and sadly, it's because it's not dog-friendly. However, that doesn’t mean you and your four-legged friend can’t immerse yourselves in medieval ambiance altogether. You can still stroll and explore the UNESCO castle walls that encircle the town, taking in the area's atmosphere and charm.
So, which castle will you and your four-legged friend visit first?