Site logo
Description

Occupying a lofty, lonely spot overlooking the waters of Llyn Padarn (close to LLanberis), native-built Dolbadarn Castle was once a vital link in the defences of the ancient kingdom of Gwynedd. Most likely constructed by Llywelyn ap Iorwerth (Llywelyn the Great) in the late 12th or early 13th century, it stood watch over the strategic route inland from Caernarfon to the upper Conwy Valley.

Today the site is dominated by the sturdy round tower, very different in style to the unmortared slate slabs which make up the castle’s curtain walls. Standing 50ft/15.2m high, the tower’s design was probably inspired by that of similar fortresses built by Llywelyn’s rivals in the borderlands of the southern Marches.

Weather Forecast

Location
Ordnance Survey
Closed
Open hours today: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
  • Monday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Tuesday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Wednesday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Thursday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Friday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Saturday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • Sunday

    10:00 am - 4:00 pm

  • June 10, 2023 6:36 pm local time

    The information on Monty's Guide website is advisory and some places have restricted access during temporary closures or special event days. Please be sure to check the website of the place you intend to visit before travelling

Additional visitor information

For further details of our opening times, please visit our website.

A family heading towards a museum
Get in touch

  • No comments yet.
  • Add a review