Welsh castles you can stay in

Built in the style of a sturdy stone castle with tall crenellations and Gothic flourishes, this grand Victorian mansion was originally the home of an early Victorian MP. Castell Deudraeth is now a boutique hotel within the Portmeirion estate. Even if you’re not staying, you can drop in for lunch in the stylish conservatory brasserie.

Until recently, Cardigan Castle was in desperate need of repair, but a community project stepped in to give it the overhaul it deserves. Castle Green House is an elegant Regency house within the 13th century castle walls. Recently restored, it’s been turned into two luxurious self-catering apartments. Ty Castell offers contemporary, river-view B&B rooms if you fancy a treat. Both options include free entry to the castle.

Sir John Hay Williams, Baronet of Bodelwyddan, loved French chateaus so much that he commissioned one for his wife, Lady Sarah – only instead of standing in the Loire Valley, his creation, Plas Rhianfa, gazes out over the Menai Strait. Completed in the 1850s, it’s now a hotel called Château Rhianfa (AA 4 Stars), with 22 elegant bedrooms and two self-catering cottages.

Sat high on a hilltop, Roch Castle has incredible panoramic views over St Brides Bay and Preseli Hills and six characterful rooms. There's a seamless mix of historic structure with contemporary decor and all the mod-cons you could need. Tuck in to the traditional Welsh breakfast before exploring the nearby sights – St Davids, Skomer Island and the numerous hills and beaches. 

We might be stretching the definition of 'castle' a bit here, as technically Bodelwyddan is a Victorian folly - a reconstructed version of the original castle that was built here in 1460. But this is all semantics. This castle hotel is a Grade II listed Victorian building near the North Wales coast, close to the dramatic backdrops of Eryri (Snowdonia). Set within the grounds of a romantic castle, but with all the amenities of a modern hotel, including a superb range of leisure facilities, live entertainment, and a 4* AA award.

In the heart of Ruthin, Ruthin Castle Hotel & Spa offers a relaxing retreat in an historic market town. The surrounding gardens are beautiful, while the spa (based in the old moat) offers a steam room, an outdoor hot tub and pampering treatments. Dining options include  afternoon tea, table d’hote every evening and a proper Sunday Lunch.