Is There a Castle in Llandudno?
Llandudno itself does not have a castle. The town was built in the Victorian era as a seaside resort, long after the age of castle building. The nearest thing within the town is the ruin of Gogarth, the remains of a medieval bishop's palace on the West Shore side of the Great Orme, now little more than low walls on the clifftop.
The good news is that Llandudno is surrounded by castles. North Wales has one of the greatest concentrations of medieval fortresses in Europe, and several of the most famous are within half an hour of the promenade. Here are the best, nearest first.
Conwy Castle (about 4 miles)
The big one, and the closest. Built for Edward I between 1283 and 1287, Conwy Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the complete ring of town walls around Conwy. You can climb its towers for views over the estuary, the harbour and back towards Llandudno. It is a short drive, bus or train ride away. See our Conwy from Llandudno guide.
Deganwy Castle (about 3 miles)
Much older but far less complete, Deganwy Castle stands on the twin rocky hills of the Vardre above Deganwy, just across the estuary from Conwy. It was fought over for centuries by Welsh princes and English kings and was finally destroyed by Llywelyn ap Gruffudd in 1263. Only fragments of wall remain, but it is free to explore, and the views of Conwy Castle and the estuary from the top are superb. See our Deganwy guide.
Gwrych Castle (about 12 miles)
A very different castle: a sprawling 19th-century Gothic Revival mansion on the hillside above Abergele, built to look like a medieval fortress. After decades of decay it was rescued by a preservation trust and shot to fame when it hosted ITV's I'm a Celebrity in 2020 and 2021. It is open to visitors on set days, so check opening before you go.
Further Afield
Penrhyn Castle (about 20 miles)
A grand 19th-century neo-Norman castle near Bangor, built on slate-quarry wealth and now cared for by the National Trust, with lavish interiors, a railway museum and gardens.
Beaumaris Castle (about 25 miles)
On Anglesey, Edward I's last great castle in Wales, famous for its near-perfect concentric design. Part of the same World Heritage Site as Conwy.
Caernarfon Castle (about 25 miles)
Perhaps the most famous castle in Wales, with its striking banded walls, where Prince Charles was invested as Prince of Wales in 1969. Another part of the World Heritage Site.
Planning a Castle Day
Conwy and Deganwy make an easy half day from Llandudno, and you can combine them with lunch in Conwy. For a full castle day, head along the A55 to Penrhyn and over the Menai Strait to Beaumaris, or down to Caernarfon. Opening times and prices vary through the year, and most of the medieval castles are managed by Cadw, so check before you travel. Our day trips from Llandudno page has more ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Llandudno have a castle?
No. Llandudno was built as a Victorian resort and has no castle of its own. The nearest is Conwy Castle, about four miles away.
What is the closest castle to Llandudno?
Deganwy Castle's ruins are about three miles away, and Conwy Castle, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain, is about four miles away.
How do I get from Llandudno to Conwy Castle?
It is a short drive, and regular buses and trains link Llandudno with Conwy. The castle is in the centre of Conwy, close to the station.