Gwrych Castle

Gwrych Castle is a Gothic-style fortress in Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-Foel, Wales. The property consists of eighteen towers linked by long walls that stretch across a wooded hillside above the coast.

The estate began in 1819 following plans by Thomas Rickman for the Bamford-Hesketh family and expanded over several decades. Later the building served intermittently as a residence and fell into disrepair during the 20th century before preservation efforts began.

The walls and towers of the estate carry Welsh names that recall local history and landscape. Today the site represents a restoration project supported by volunteers and donors, showing how a community can reclaim a decaying building.

The paths across the grounds can be uneven and require sturdy footwear, as some areas remain under restoration. A visit works best in dry weather to safely explore the viewpoints and outdoor sections.

During World War II the building sheltered 200 Jewish children from occupied Europe as a temporary home. Later the rooms briefly operated as an entertainment park before falling vacant.

Location: Llanddulas and Rhyd-y-Foel

Inception: 1819

Architects: Thomas Rickman

Elevation above the sea: 61.5 m

Part of: Gwrych Castle Estate, Gwyndu Ucha Estate

Address: Gwrych Castle, Llanddulas Road, Abergele, Conwy, North Wales, LL22 8ET

Website: https://gwrychcastle.co.uk

GPS coordinates: 53.28354,-3.60959

Latest update: December 12, 2025 17:44