Criccieth Castle
Criccieth, United Kingdom
A castle of the Welsh princes, later taken by Edward I, standing on a headland between two beaches. Cadw runs it with a small fee; park on the seafront below and walk up for views over Cardigan Bay.
Criccieth Castle (Welsh: Castell Cricieth) stands on a rocky headland above Tremadog Bay in Gwynedd. Llywelyn ap Iorwerth began building it in the 1230s; his grandson Llywelyn ap Gruffudd extended it between about 1255 and 1282, mainly with the outer ward. Edward I captured the castle in 1283, repaired it and heightened the towers and gatehouse. In the revolt of Owain Glyndŵr it was taken in 1404 and probably burnt. The most striking surviving structure is the gatehouse with two D-shaped towers, which stands almost to its full height. J. M. W. Turner sketched the castle in 1798 and painted it in watercolour in 1835.
The castle is looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service. The town of Criccieth lies on the A497 between Porthmadog and Pwllheli; Castle Street leads off the main road towards the castle. From the castle you look out over the bay.
- Nearest town
- Criccieth, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 52.9170, -4.2330
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
.jpg){kind=link}
Campsites nearby
- Black Rock Sands Camping & TouringCampsite3 km from Criccieth CastleTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Glan y Mor Camping ParkCampsite3 km from Criccieth CastleTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Llwyn Griffri FarmCampsite19 km from Criccieth CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityShowersToilets
- Cae AddaCampsite19 km from Criccieth CastleTentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowed
- Llyn Gwynant CampsiteCampsite21 km from Criccieth Castle · 1,000 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Tyn-Yr-Onnen Farm & CampsiteCampsite21 km from Criccieth CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Criccieth Castle?
Criccieth Castle is in Criccieth, United Kingdom, at GPS 52.9170, -4.2330. It is about 7 km from Porthmadog.
Can you camp near Criccieth Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Meldrum Leisure Holiday Homes, about 2 km away; within 25 km there are 167 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Criccieth Castle?
Criccieth Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Anglesey and the Llŷn peninsula.
What is there to see near Criccieth Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Portmeirion (9 km), Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) (20 km), Porthdinllaen (23 km) and Caernarfon Castle (25 km).
When is the best time to visit Criccieth Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June. Still fine, with some compromises, in May and July–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)