5 Incredible Castles in North Wales You Can Visit for Free

When people think of North Wales, they often picture the massive stone fortresses of the coast. But beyond the famous pay-to-enter sites lies a collection of atmospheric, mysterious, and historically rich castles that won’t cost you a penny to explore.

At National Park Adventure Tours, we love showing our guests the side of Wales that many tourists miss. Here are our five favorite free-to-enter castles in North Wales that belong on your bucket list.

1. Ewloe Castle (Castell Ewlo) – The Hidden Native Fortress

Best for: Mystery and getting off the beaten track.

Ewloe Castle is our absolute favorite, which is why we make it a key stop on our North Wales Adventure Tour. Unlike the English-built castles on the coast, Ewloe was built by the Welsh Princes (Llywelyn the Great).

What makes it special is its "hidden" nature. Tucked away in the middle of Wepre Park, you have to walk through ancient woodland to find it. It’s quiet, atmospheric, and feels like a discovery every time you turn the corner. It’s the perfect place to talk about the resistance of the Welsh princes without the crowds of the larger sites.

2. Dolbadarn Castle – The Guardian of Llanberis Pass

Best for: Incredible photography and mountain views.

Located at the base of Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Dolbadarn Castle consists of a solitary, iconic round tower overlooking the Llyn Peris lake. This was another stronghold of Llywelyn the Great, built to guard the gateway to the mountains.

3. Castell y Bere – The Remote Royal Stronghold

Best for: Hikers and those seeking peace.

If you want to feel the true "wild" spirit of Wales, head to Castell y Bere in the Dysynni Valley. Built by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s, it’s remarkably sophisticated for its remote location. Because it’s a bit of a drive, you will often have the entire ruins to yourself. The stone carvings found here (now in museums) prove this was once a site of immense royal luxury.

4. Flint Castle – The First of the Iron Ring

Best for: History buffs and coastal walks.

Flint Castle holds a unique place in history as the first castle built by Edward I during his campaign in Wales. Its design is famous for the "great tower"—a massive, isolated keep protected by its own moat. It’s also famously the setting for a key scene in Shakespeare’s Richard II. Today, it sits right on the Dee Estuary, offering great views and plenty of space for a breezy coastal walk.

5. Dolwyddelan Castle – The Birthplace of a Prince

Best for: Dramatic, rugged landscapes.

Standing defiant against the backdrop of the Moel Siabod mountain, Dolwyddelan is a classic Welsh "square tower" castle. Legend has it that Llywelyn the Great was born here. It looks like something straight out of Game of Thrones. While there is occasionally a small fee for the very top of the tower during peak summer hours, the grounds and the surrounding historical landscape are generally accessible and offer a stark, rugged beauty that defines North Wales.

Why visit these free castles?

While the famous UNESCO World Heritage sites are impressive, these free sites offer a more intimate connection to Welsh history. At National Park Adventure Tours, we believe the best stories are often found in the quietest places.

Want to see Ewloe Castle with an expert guide? Join us on our North Wales Tour and let us handle the navigation while you soak in the history of the Welsh Princes.