Castell y Bere, Gwynedd, United Kingdom

Castell y Bere is a Welsh castle near Llanfihangel-y-pennant in Gwynedd, Wales. Constructed by Llywelyn the Great in the 1220s, the stone castle was intended to maintain his authority over the local people and to defend the south-west part of the princedom of Gwynedd. In 1282, war with Edward I of England resulted in the death of Llywelyn's grandson, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, and Castell y Bere fell to English forces.

Edward I expanded the castle further and established a small town beside it. In 1294 the Welsh leader Madog ap Llywelyn mounted a major revolt and the castle was besieged and apparently burnt. Edward did not repair it and it became ruined. Today it is in the hands of Cadw and operated as a tourist attraction.

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User Reviews

Jennifer Perrey (10 months ago)
This a great place to visit for views and history, a nice hilly walk from the train and there is a ruined castle with rocks to climb on. Careful with very young children, there are some steep drop offs where walls have hollow parts inside.

Lyndon Penniall (10 months ago)
Amazing place to visit. Literally a 5 minute walk from the car park. Easy access from there (as long as you can walk!) There are some amazing views along with a fair few things to see. A wonderful piece of history that's been kept to see. Well worth a visit.

Stuart Bray (15 months ago)
Fascinating place to visit. You can feel the history of the site in the quiet tranquility. A place that was once hectic and violent, now just stunning in the surrounding picturesque valley. Definitely well worth a visit.

David Elliott (17 months ago)
Castell y Bere is a short and reasonably easy walk up from a small car park. The castle ruins are quite extensive and fun to explore. Entrance is free, so please help look after this site and take any rubbish away again. Enjoy the atmosphere of this special place.

L Lyons (2 years ago)
Picturesque ruins on a rocky outcrop overlooking the valley. Stunning views. When passing through the second gate there are three paths, the one to the left goes round to the steps leading into the castle. Not sure why a closing time is specified on the sign in the car park as it isn't manned and nothing is locked. Would recommend a visit.

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