The top 5 places in Wales to visit with your motorhome: Castles
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Wales is a beautiful country with a whole host of attractions. Here we list number 3 of 5 ...
3) The commanding castles
Wales is home to over 600 castles, four of which have been designated UNESCO World Heritage Sites.Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey (01248-810361) was built by Edward I and is special in that it was never completed to its full height. In architectural terms it is the most technically perfect castle in Britain. It consists of symmetrical concentric ‘walls within walls’ that were state-of-the-art for the thirteenth century and is partially surrounded by a water-filled moat.
A brute of a fortress is Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd (01286-677617). Again, created by Edward I, on the site of a Norman motte and bailey castle. Polygonal towers were the order of the day here with colour-coded stones arranged in bands. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for this masonry monster.
Harlech Castle, Gwynedd (01766-780552) combines medieval architecture with a breath-taking hilltop location. It is perched on rock looking out to Snowdonia and the panoramic view from its lofty battlements is a must-see.
Eight huge round towers give an intimidating presence to Conwy Castle (01492-592358). It is a gritty, dark-stoned fortress sitting above the Conwy Estuary with views from the battlements out across mountains and sea. Conwy is a classic walled town with over three-quarters-of-a-mile of walled circuit guarded by 22 towers.
For beautiful castle gardens try Powis Castle, Welshpool (01938-551944), for romance Castell Coch, Cardiff (029-2081-0101) is a luxury indulgence and Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire (01558-822291) sits on a limestone cragg with a view 300ft above the river.
All images copyright CADW, Welsh Assembly Government.
Campsites nearby:
Kingsbridge Caravan & Camping Park
Llanfaes, Beaumaris, Isle of Anglesey LL58 8LR
Tel: 01248-490636 Web: www.kingsbridgecaravanpark.co.uk Open: 1 March - 31 October
Modern state-of-the-art amenities and on-site shop. Public transport 700 yards from the park entrance. Pitches available in four areas, one designated adults-only. Beaumaris town has shops, pubs and restaurants. Coast is also nearby.
Llanaber, Barmouth, Gwynedd LL42 1RR
Tel: 01341-280999 Web: www.trawsdir.co.uk Open: 1 March - 5 January
Set in Snowdonia National Park and close to the sea. Fully serviced pitches. Toilets, showers, laundry and shop. Surrounded by countryside with great walking routes.
Pendyffryn Hall Caravan Park & Country Club
Penmaenmawr, Conwy LL34 6UF
Tel: 01492-623219 Web: www.pendyffrynhall.co.uk Open: 1 March - 10 January
Ten minutes from the beach and close to Snowdonia National Park. Games room, snooker hall, laundrette, adventure playground, and country club bar with balcony overlooking Anglesey.
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