Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle sits on the eastern shore of Anglesey, Wales, beside the Menai Strait. Edward I ordered its construction in 1295 as the final fortress in his ring of castles to control north Wales. Master James of St George designed it on a concentric plan — walls within walls — that Arnold Taylor called Britain's most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning. Despite costing some £15,000, it was never finished; the gatehouses remain a storey short. Welsh forces seized the castle in 1403 during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion, retaken in 1405.
Now a well-preserved ruin, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site managed by Cadw and is open to visitors year-round.
Visitor information
- Location
- United Kingdom
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Tier
- C (Worth a visit if you're already in the area)
- Coordinates
- 53.2649, -4.0896
- Official site
- http://www.beaumaris.com
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Beaumaris Castle?
- Beaumaris Castle is in United Kingdom, United Kingdom (approximately 53.2649, -4.0896).
- Can you visit Beaumaris Castle?
- Yes — Beaumaris Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://www.beaumaris.com for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Beaumaris Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Beaumaris Castle is rated C tier on the Castle Atlas — Worth a visit if you're already in the area.
- What can you see at Beaumaris Castle?
- Beaumaris Castle sits on the eastern shore of Anglesey, Wales, beside the Menai Strait. Edward I ordered its construction in 1295 as the final fortress in his ring of castles to control north Wales. Master James of St George designed it on a concentric plan — walls within walls — that Arnold Taylor called Britain's most perfect example of symmetrical concentric planning. Despite costing some £15,000, it was never finished; the gatehouses remain a storey short. Welsh forces seized the castle in 1403 during Owain Glyndŵr's rebellion, retaken in 1405.
All castles in the United Kingdom · Explore the full Castle Atlas →