Denbigh Castle

Denbigh Castle is a great place to visit. The castle sits overlooking Denbigh town and has magnificent views over the Vale of Clwyd and the Clwydian Range.

The castle was built in the 13^th century as part of Edward I famous ring of castles. It was designed by Master James of St George, who was one of the best military architects of the time. It was part of a string of castles that were built during his conquest of Wales to contain the Welsh princes into the Snowdonian heartland.

The cost of these castles nearly bankrupt Edward’s exchequer and he had to borrow money from overseas bankers. In modern terms the cost of each castle would be the equivalent of an aircraft carrier.

Visiting Denbigh Castle

Although Denbigh Castle is largely ruined, once you get to the top of the walls it doesn’t take much imagination to envisage how magnificent and imposing the building would have been.

The castle still has impressive walls and much of the imposing triple towered gate house remains. The bits that are left, show that this was once an enormous castle, with very high impressive double walls and built over a large area occupying the whole top of a hill.

Denbigh Castle History

The word ‘Denbigh’ or ‘Dinbych’ means little fort, and even before Edward we know the site of Denbigh Castle was used a fortification by the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd. As you climb to the top of the castle walls you will realise why this location was chosen.

There is quite a lot to explore and the views from the highest point on a clear day are just breath-taking.

Don’t miss borrowing the key to the woodland trail which takes around 30 minutes and there are helpful CADW staff on hand should you need help. The trail takes in part of the Denbigh walls and there are free brochures to keep you informed as you go round.

The castle site is bigger than most people anticipate, but there is plenty of signage and information to help you understand the history and background. The children’s quest is a great activity to keep the youngsters entertained as they explore the castle and collect clues.

Denbigh Walls

The Denbigh walls are the first line of defence for the medieval castle. They were built around 1285, and were constructed before the castle that sits inside them, presumably to protect the workforce from attacks by native forces.

During the 14^th century, the walls were extended to include the impressive Goblin Tower. This housed a secondary well within the town’s defences, which went on to help Denbigh survive sieges in the 16th-century English Civil War.

Much of the wall still stands, along with the remains of a number of towers and two gatehouses. Of these, the Burgess Gate to the north is the best preserved.

To get the most from your visit to Denbigh make sure you experience the Town Walls. Borrow the key from the library at the top of Vale Street, or from the Castle and explore to your heart’s content!

Denbigh Castle Prices

• CADW member – Free
• Adult ticket – £4.80
• Junior (aged 5-17) – £3.40
• Family ticket (2 adults and 3 children) – £15.80
• Seniors (aged 65+) – £4.60

Denbigh Walls Prices – Free

Check the CADW website for opening times and pre-book tickets

Address
Denbigh Castle
Castle Hill, Denbigh LL16 3NB

Denbigh Castle is a 5-minute drive from Oak View Lodge Park at Bryn Morfydd.

Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

There is a small gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.