Flint Castle - Castell y Fflint — Attraction in Flint

It was a quiet, peaceful day when I visited. A gentle 'glo marne' was descending and there was nothing from the 21st century interfering with my experience as I hobbled around the remains of Flint Castle. I am not entirely furnished with the events surrounding the demise of this sturdy landmark - but whatever happened here, its clear that from the day that the first stone was laid, Flint was built to receive it. One can virtually here the screams of men from the battlements as they are slain or writhe in agony from injuries sustained by shot aimed at the castle & striking its walls. It is clear that Flint sustained hit after hit, after hit - high explosive shot has ripped through the walls evident by the holes impacted in its superstructure - Flint was never going to celebrate victory on this day. Today - the owners of the site haven't attempted to create imitation battle scenes, there are no medieval soldiers trying to have you believe that they are battle weary men enduring another night of onslaught (however good they are st acting) ...No - you are left to be absorbed back to the 13th century by your own means, by your own knowledge however advanced or otherwise that may be. Flint Castle, in my humble opinion, is worth a visit. I don't think that it's a mine of historical interest - but it figures heavily in what we have all come to acknowledge as 'fly on the wall' or a 'reality' experience because Flint isn't embellished ...

Dozens of motorists drive through Flint every day. Many passing through on their way to and from the seaside resorts of Prestatyn and Rhyl. Flint is a functional, small town which at first sight appears to be nothing special. Most will be completely unaware of this "hidden" gem. Flint castle was the first castle built by Edward the 1st. Located right beside the River Dee, it affords stunning views across the estuary. Although the castle was ruined several hundred years ago, there are still good opportunities to explore the remains. One tower has a modern spiral staircase leading to a viewing platform. The Donjon is a tower separate from the main castle building and is unique in Britain. It is usually open and has some dark passages in the basement. The castle features in a painting by JMW Turner and in a play by Shakespeare. Basically, its an important historic location and very much worth visiting. It's right on the Wales Coastal Path and the National Cycle Network route 5. Entry is free of charge. Parking is plentiful although not free. Great place for a picnic or to enjoy a takeaway from Flint. If visiting by car, access is via a road at the side of Aldi. Less than a 5 minute walk from bus stops in Flint. 3 minute walk from Flint railway station. Fantastic photo location. Occasionally at "spring" high tide, the waters spill over the salt marsh, right up to the...

Five star ruins with one small issue. Flint castle is the first of Edwards castles built to suppress the Welsh and taking a look around you get a feeling of just how foreboding this military monster would have been to any would be rebels. Unlike Caernarfon and to a lesser extent Conwy flint seems to have lacked any of the luxury's afforded to them. Instead you get the impression this was built for one purpose, to help the English get the foothold in Wales they needed. The ruins are fantastic with loads left to see. The tower that is separate from the main body of the castle and would have been accessible via draw bridge is something a little special being unique in Wales. The metal staircase that has been put in helps you get to the top of one of the towers is a great addition giving you fantastic views of the surrounding area. My one issue is that because it's free to get in there are occasions when you will find people hanging around smoking and drinking and there does tend to be rubbish scattered around. Personally I would happily pay an entrance fee to avoid this being the case. However don't let this put you off coming to see this military...