Castles, Abbeys, Museums; Wales is called the "castle capital" of the world. It had about 600, of which over 100 are still standing either as ruins or as restored buildings. Listed in distance from the Haybarn, all are well worth a visit.
Dolwyddelan Castle 8.3 miles 0871 2002233 (route map)
Windswept, isolated and dramatic, Dolwyddelan castle was built between 1210 and 1240. Formed as part of a collection of strategically important mountain fortresses for the welsh ruler llywelyn Fawr ( Llywelyn the Great ). Later Llywelyn supplemented the castle with a stone wall enclosing the courtyard. The English went on to refortify further adding another tower.
Harlech Castle 13 miles 01766 780552 (route map)
With its distinctive profile set against the skyline of Snowdonia and its turbulent history, Harlech is one of Wales most famous castles and a world heritage site too. It was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289 at a relatively modest cost of £8,190.
Criccieth Castle 15.8 miles 01766 522227 (route map)
Beguiling from afar, this castle is perched on a headland with the sea pounding below. Get closer, however and its twin-towered gatehouse intimidates prospective attackers. It was built by Llwelyn the Great, but it was heavily modified following its capture by English forces of Edward I in the late 13th century.
Caernarfon Castle 27.2 miles 01286 677617 (route map)
Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress. It was a Motte-and-Bailey castle from the late 11th century until 1283 when King Edward I began replacing it with the current stone structure. While the castle was under construction town walls were built around Caernarfon. The work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the end of work in 1330.
Conwy Castle 29.7 miles 01492 592358 (route map)
Conwy Castle, and its walls were constructed by the English monarch Edward I between 1283 and 1289 as one of his North fortresses.The views from the battlement are breathtaking, looking across mountains and sea and down to the roofless shell of the castles 125ft Great Hall. Conwys other great medieval glory is its ring of town walls, being over three-quarters of a mile long and guarded by no less than 22 towers. It is one of the finest in the world.
Dolbadarn Castle 26.3 miles 01443 336000 (route map)
Built at the base of the Llywelwn Pass in the early 13th century. The welsh Prince Llywelyn the Great used it for both militarily and as a symbol of power. It once held a prisoner (Owain ap Gruffydd ) for 20 years.
Castell y Bere 32.6 miles (route map)
Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s and intended to maintain his authority over the local people. It guarded his cattle range, as cattle were as good as currency in medieval Wales. After Llywelyn died his successors continued to use the castle, after which it was taken by English King Edward I in 1283.
Penrhyn Castle 34.5 miles 01248 353084 (route map)
This 19th century neo- Norman castle is crammed with fascinating items. Originally a medieval fortified manor house. In 1438 Ioan ap Gruffudd was granted a licence and he founded the stone castle and added a tower house. Samual Wyatt reconstructed the property in the 1780s.
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Abbeys and Museums
Cymer Abbey 18 miles 01443 336000 (route map)
The Abbey was founded in 1198 for a small group of Cistercian monks. The only remains standing to any height are those of the abbey church, which reaches 30 meters in length.
Ffestiniog Railway Museum 2.9 miles 01766 516000 (route map)
A collection, conservation and display of narrow gauge railway relics
Yr Ysgwrn 7.8 miles 01766 772508 (route map)
Minimal changes have been made to this once family home, so you believe you are stepping back in time. Self taught poet Hedd Wyn lived here, until he was shot during the First World war.
Porthmadog maritime museum 10.5 miles 01766514581(route map)
The museum tells the story of the port's bustling harbour, shipyard, slate exporting and western ocean yachts. Round everything off by hopping on the narrow gauge railway to trace the journey of the slate from mine to port.
Conwy valley railway museum 14.5 miles 01690 710568 (route map)
Located in the beautiful village of Betws-y-Coed. It is a must-see for all the family. On show is a 15inch gauge Britannia locomotive, along with several other showcases. Access can be obtained through the model shop. There is also a small cafe housed in a mk1 coach.
Ty Mawr Wybrnant 15 miles 01690 760213 (route map)
A traditional stone built 16th century farmhouse, which belonged to Tudor Bishop William Morgan, who was the first person to translate the Bible into Welsh. Explore the Tudor gardens with over 140 different plants or walk the 3 mile path.