10 great castles in Wales to visit

From defensive beginnings and the conflict of Civil War, to Tudor banqueting and Victorian decadence, the architectural splendour of these fortresses always stirs the soul. If you're looking for castles in Wales to visit, read on.

Perched on a rock against the backdrop of Eryri (Snowdonia), Castell Conwy (Conwy Castle has an indisputably magical feel. Some consider it the finest castle Edward I built, and the mesmerising views from the battlements are particularly famed within the walled town.

Castell Conwy is regarded as one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Europe. It is one of the castles in North Wales that forms a UNESCO world heritage site. It's quite amazing to stand in this castle and consider how it was built in only four years between 1283 and 1287. Castell Conwy remains incredibly well-preserved today. It contains the most intact set of residential rooms inhabited by the medieval monarchy anywhere in Wales or England. Edward I only stayed here once, trapped by a Welsh rebellion in 1294 over Christmas until January 1295. King Richard II hid at the castle from King Henry IV. With great halls, private chapels and royal chambers wind through this medieval marvel, it's a great castle to visit. If you have a head for heights, climb one of the castle's eight tremendous towers for breathtaking views of the harbour and the narrow streets of Conwy below.

Edward I wasn’t messing around when he built this polygonal 13th century castle on a former Roman fort. Grouped with Edward I's other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech it is part of the coastal World Heritage Site.The birthplace of Edward II and where the investiture of King Charles III as Prince of Wales took place, visit the Exhibition rooms to stir your senses. The mighty Castell Caernarfon (Caernarfon Castle) remains one of the most visually arresting sights you’ll ever see. The Eagle Tower, with its three great turrets and 18-feet thick walls, is the crowning glory of the castle (and it's where the royalty would sleep in lofty splendour). There's now step free access to the rooftop.

Read more: Caernarfon's military might.

The picturesque Welsh-English border offers few sites as magnificent as Chirk Castle. Roger Mortimer built the castle in the late 13th century. It was home for the Myddelton family from the 1595 until Thomas Scott-Ellis leased it in 1910. It is now owned and run by the National Trust. The elegant state rooms inside are an interior dream, combining elaborate plasterwork with a medieval tower, a dungeon and an 18th century Servants’ Hall. Enjoy an uplifting wander through the garden, terrace, pavilion and parkland enclosing Wrexham’s gem.

Powis Castle has a rich history, although it’s the gardens – famed for their French and Italian styles, adorned with plants and an orangery – that single it out, and that’s before you spot the medieval deer park. The perfect place to relax before heading inside to see the medieval fortress. Powis Castle was built in the mid 13th century by Gruffudd ap Gwenwynwyn, a Welsh prince. In 1578, Powis was leased to Sir Edward Herbert. It features decadent galleries and staircases aplenty.

The folkloric 12th century castle at Dinefwr Park is hugely atmospheric. This once much fought-over seat of the kingdom of Deheubarth is now run by the National Trust. Enjoy the wonderful views and guided tours that take in the nearby nature reserve, cottages, ponds, croquet lawn and a tea room. Look out for the rutting deer and cows who might join you during a stroll around the 18th century landscape park.

The magnificent medieval Castell Talacharn (Laugharne Castle) was part of a chain of Norman coastal castles from Chepstow in the east to Pembroke in the west. After centuries of conflict, The castle was rescued from near ruin by Elizabethan courtier Sir John Perrot. It's forever associated with Dylan Thomas, who escaped writer’s block at this 'brown as owls' castle. Discover his inspiration within the Victorian ornamental gardens, and relax near the Dylan Thomas Boathouse and Shed where poetry was once in motion.

The Normans’ penchant for defences with river views means 12th century Castell Cilgerra (Cilgerran Castle) has an amazing vantage point, overlooking the River Teifi. Circle the two vast round towers and walk between the walls of the Earl of Pembroke’s creation on a gorge – home to a castle which, even by Welsh standards, is particularly beautiful.

The largest castle in Wales, and the second-largest in Britain, Castell Caerffili (Caerphilly Castle) was locked within water defences when it was built by the English in the 13th century. The outside is the place, among an array of delights, to see four siege engines, and the inside has a hallowed, majestic feel.

Climb to the rooftop of the massive east gatehouse, from where you can see the rings of stone and water defences that made Caerphilly so impressive. Look out for the south-east tower – Wales’ very own Leaning Tower, wonkier even than that of Pisa – which is probably the castle's best-loved feature.

Raglan Castle's striking round towers make this fortress a singular classic, and there’s every chance you’ll be enraptured from the moment you see the astonishing gatehouse which once denied Oliver Cromwell at the end of the Civil War. Surrounded by fields, the romantic ruins even make space for a bowling green. Construction of this South Wales castle began in the 1430s by Sir William ap Thomas. It's one of the last true castles to be built in Wales.

Every view from the incredible medieval Caldicot Castle could be a picture postcard. The history of this 13th century castle, built by Humphrey de Bohun, Earl of Hereford, is the stuff of legend. From Norman beginnings, to conflict in the Middle Ages, and Victorian domesticity. Fifty five acres of country park await, as well as events such as re-enactments and a tearoom for unwinding.