Welsh Castles: Your Complete Family Adventure Guide

Wales is home to more medieval castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world,

Castle Country.

With over 400 spectacular fortresses dotting our landscape. As your hosts at Happy Days Stays, we've watched countless families return from castle adventures with eyes sparkling with wonder and pockets full of treasured memories. There's something magical about stepping through ancient doorways where princes and paupers once walked, and we're here to help you plan the perfect family castle-hopping adventure.

Planning Your Welsh Castle Adventure

We've learnt from our guests that the most successful castle visits happen when families plan ahead. Start by choosing castles within a reasonable distance of each other, allowing time for spontaneous ice cream stops and playground breaks that make family travel so special.

Age-Appropriate Expectations Different castles suit different ages brilliantly. For families with toddlers, we recommend Caerphilly Castle, where the vast grassy areas provide perfect space for little legs to run. The leaning tower (which tilts more than Pisa's famous one) creates fantastic photo opportunities, and the shorter walls feel less overwhelming for young children.

Families with older children often find Cardiff Castle irresistible. The Victorian Gothic revival interiors and Roman wall remnants create layers of history that capture teenage imaginations. We've had guests tell us their 12-year-olds became impromptu tour guides after visiting, regaling everyone with tales of Roman soldiers and medieval feasts.

Timing Your Visits We always suggest visiting castles earlier in the day when children are freshest and crowds are thinner. Most Welsh castles open at 9:30am, giving you golden hour lighting for photographs and peaceful moments to absorb the atmosphere. Plan for 2-3 hours per castle, including travel time between locations.

Essential Family Castle Kit

Through years of welcoming families back to our accommodations, we've compiled the ultimate castle-visiting kit based on their experiences:

Weather-Ready Clothing Welsh weather changes faster than a medieval battle scene. Pack layers, waterproof jackets, and comfortable walking shoes with good grip. Stone steps can be slippery, especially after rain, and many castles involve climbing spiral staircases and walking across uneven surfaces.

Entertainment for Quiet Moments Bring a small backpack with snacks, water bottles, and perhaps a castle-themed activity book. We keep similar items at our properties, and we've noticed children who engage with castle stories beforehand show more enthusiasm during visits.

Photography Gear Castle photography creates lasting memories, but phone batteries drain quickly in cold Welsh air. Consider bringing a portable charger and perhaps a small tripod for family photos against dramatic castle backdrops.

Top Family-Friendly Welsh Castles

Caerphilly Castle This massive fortress, Britain's second-largest castle, sits just 30 minutes from our Bridgend properties. The audio tour brings medieval life alive for children, whilst parents appreciate the fascinating engineering stories behind its water defences. The castle grounds host regular medieval events, complete with knights in armour and traditional crafts demonstrations.

Cardiff Castle Located in Wales' capital city, Cardiff Castle combines Roman fort, Norman stronghold, and Victorian mansion in one extraordinary location. The guided tours reveal hidden tunnels and opulent rooms that feel straight from fairy tales. Children particularly love the interactive exhibitions and dressing up opportunities.

Castell Coch This 19th-century reconstruction of a medieval castle looks exactly like something from a Disney film. The red sandstone walls and fairy-tale turrets create magical photographs, whilst the restored interiors showcase Victorian interpretations of medieval life. It's perfect for shorter attention spans, as you can explore thoroughly in about an hour.

Making History Come Alive

We encourage our guests to think beyond simply looking at old stones. Welsh castles tell incredible stories that capture young imaginations when presented thoughtfully.

Interactive Learning Before visiting, try reading Welsh legends together. The Mabinogion tales feature many locations you'll recognise, and children love spotting connections between stories and real places. Many families staying with us have reported that learning about Owain Glyndŵr or Prince Llywelyn before castle visits made the experience far more engaging.

Hands-On Activities Pack sketchbooks and encourage children to draw what they see. We've displayed some wonderful castle sketches left by young guests, and the concentration required for drawing helps children observe architectural details they might otherwise miss.

Create simple treasure hunts based on castle features. "Find the murder holes," "count the arrow slits," or "spot the oldest stones" games keep children engaged whilst teaching historical concepts naturally.

Combining Castles with Other Attractions

One advantage of staying in our Bridgend area properties is the proximity to complementary attractions that round out perfect family days.

Beach and Castle Combinations Many Welsh castles sit near beautiful coastlines. Combine morning castle visits with afternoon beach time at places like Ogmore-by-Sea, where Ogmore Castle ruins provide impromptu picnic spots overlooking the Bristol Channel. Children can burn off energy building sandcastles after exploring real ones.

Adventure Activities For active families, consider combining castle visits with adventures at nearby Zip World or Go Ape locations. The contrast between ancient history and modern thrills creates memorable days that cater to different family interests.

Practical Tips from Experienced Hosts

Refreshment Planning Most major castles have cafés, but prices reflect tourist locations. We suggest packing picnics using fresh Welsh produce. Many castles have designated picnic areas with stunning views, and children often prefer eating outdoors anyway.

Souvenir Strategy Castle gift shops can quickly empty young purses. Consider setting spending limits beforehand or bringing small amounts of pocket money specifically for souvenirs. Welsh dragon toys and replica swords remain perennial favourites.

Educational Follow-Up Back at your accommodation, encourage children to research more about what they've seen. Our properties all have excellent WiFi and comfortable spaces perfect for family research sessions. We've provided books about Welsh history in each property, and families often spend enjoyable evenings connecting their day's adventures with broader historical contexts.

Creating Lasting Memories

The real magic of Welsh castle adventures lies in shared family experiences. We've watched families bond over trying to imagine medieval daily life, debating which tower room they'd choose as their own, or collaborating to solve historical mysteries.

These adventures become family legends, retold around our cosy fire pits during evening gatherings. Children who initially grumbled about "boring old buildings" transform into enthusiastic historians, planning return visits to explore more Welsh heritage.

Your castle adventure awaits, and we're here to provide the perfect base for your explorations. From our comfortable beds ensuring good rest between adventures to fully equipped kitchens for preparing hearty breakfasts before castle conquests, we've created the ideal launching point for your Welsh historical journey. Let us help you create those precious family memories that will last lifetimes.