Beaumaris Castle — Attraction in Beaumaris

As someone who has visited numerous castles across the UK, I can confidently say that Beaumaris Castle holds a unique and powerful charm. It’s not just a ruin to be admired from afar; it's a deeply immersive experience that allows you to walk through the mind of a medieval architect.

What truly sets Beaumaris apart is its design. It's a textbook example of concentric castle architecture, a symmetrical and stunningly complete series of defensive walls. The outer walls with their multiple gatehouses and towers perfectly complement the taller, imposing inner ward. The most striking feature, however, is the moat, which is still filled with water and adds a layer of serene beauty to the castle's formidable appearance. You can walk along the entire length of the outer walls, and the scale of the structure is simply breathtaking.

Walking through the castle feels like a journey through history. The narrow, winding stone staircases, though a little challenging, are so worth the climb. From the top of the towers, the views are spectacular—you get a panoramic sweep of the Menai Strait, the town of Beaumaris, and the majestic mountains of Snowdonia in the distance. It’s a perfect spot for photos and to simply sit and absorb the centuries of history that have unfolded here.

What makes it even more fascinating is the story of its unfinished state. As the last of Edward I's great Welsh castles, it was meant to be the most perfect of all, but its construction was halted due to lack of funds. This unfinished quality adds a certain poignancy to the site; you can almost see the work stopping mid-stride, frozen in time.

The staff at the castle were friendly and knowledgeable, and the entire site is well-maintained and clean. It’s a brilliant day out for families, history buffs, or anyone who simply appreciates stunning architecture and scenery. Beaumaris Castle is not just a destination; it’s a living piece of history that you can feel, touch, and explore. It is an absolute must-visit if you're in...

Hauntingly beautiful and enchantingly magickal, in every way! Out of all the numerous castles I have been as fortunate enough to see in England, Wales, and Ireland, Beaumaris Castle is absolutely my favorite. Being able to roam around the stone skeleton of this castle, not being crowded by thousands of other tourists, having the freedom to just explore was absolutely priceless. An unforgettable experience. I will never forget walking through, between the interior and the back wall, the way the structure made the wind blow in such a way you could almost fully lean into it and remain supported.

Additionally, the people I interacted with here were just lovely, so friendly, laid back, yet still professional. What's more, they did not try to helicopter around you like at most places, which I really appreciated. Their presence was noted yet they gave you your privacy and remained rather inconspicuous for the rest of the time, but let you know where to find them should one need assistance or have a question.

All in all, Beaumaris Castle is just magickal. Being over 1,000 years old, there is an almost tangible sense of history there, so rich in the air, you can feel it all around you. It is simply magickal. If you're in Wales, you simply must visit Beaumaris Castle; you will...

If you're visiting North Wales, take the opportunity to cross the Menai Bridge to the island of Anglesey & on to Beaumaris Castle. One of Edward I's Ring of Iron series of castles under the direction of castle-builder James of St. George, construction started in 1295. Due to a series of events, it was never completed but enough of it had been constructed to allow it to be fought over for the next several hundred years.

Beaumaris was never finished because Edward I's attention moved northward, to Scotland. Despite rebellion in Wales and the English Civil War (1640's), little was done to improve the deteriorating condition of the structure.

It fell into ruin in 1660 and Thomas Bulkeley, 7th Viscount Bulkeley bought the castle from the Crown in 1807 for £735, incorporating it into the park that surrounded his seat, Baron Hill. It was finally restored in the early 20th century. Designed much like Harlech Castle to the south, with double walls & concentric architecture, it is unlike Harlech in that it sits close to sea level and is partially surrounded by a water moat (as opposed to a dry moat).

We visited in mid-Sept on a lovely afternoon with awesome views of the sea. We were able to enter quickly & the site was...