Beaumaris Castle
Castell Biwmares
A never-completed, perfectly symmetrical concentric castle on Anglesey, surrounded by a moat and hailed as the most technically perfect castle in Britain.
Construction of Beaumaris Castle began in 1295 to a design by James of St George. Its two concentric rings of walls are perfectly symmetrical, and the outer ring has a moat and a dock. Because funds ran out, it was never completed, and the towers are lower than originally planned. Visitors can walk the passages along the inner walls and between the towers, looking out over the Menai Strait and the Snowdonia mountains across the water. It is a World Heritage Site managed by Cadw, with admission of about £9. The old town of Beaumaris has Victoria Pier, an old prison and a courthouse, and in summer boats run to Puffin Island. It is about 10 km from Bangor and requires crossing the Menai Bridge.
Opening hours
About 09:30–17:00 (check the Cadw website)
Nearby sights
- Penrhyn Castle
- Zip World Penrhyn Quarry (Velocity 2)
- Aber Falls
- National Slate Museum
- Dolbadarn Castle & Llyn Padarn
- Cwm Idwal
- Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Tryfan