Beaumaris Castle

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About

Beaumaris Castle, located in the town of Beaumaris in Wales, is a medieval fortification and a popular tourist destination. This impressive castle was built in the 13th century during the reign of King Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. Today, Beaumaris Castle is one of the best-preserved castles in Wales, and it attracts thousands of visitors each year who come to admire its beauty and learn about its rich history.

The castle was designed by James of St George, the leading military engineer of his time, and its construction began in 1295. Beaumaris Castle was built on a tidal island, which made it easily defensible and allowed it to be supplied by sea. The castle was never fully completed due to a shortage of funds, but despite this, it remains an impressive feat of medieval engineering.

Visitors to Beaumaris Castle can explore the castle's well-preserved walls, towers, and gates, and imagine what life was like for the soldiers and workers who lived and worked there centuries ago. The castle's walls, which are over 30 feet tall and up to 12 feet thick, offer stunning views of the surrounding area and provide a glimpse into the military tactics used during the castle's construction.

One of the most unique features of Beaumaris Castle is its concentric design, which was ahead of its time and made it one of the most advanced castles of the medieval period. The castle had several rings of walls and towers, each of which was designed to defend against an attacking army. Visitors can walk along the ramparts and see how the castle was designed to keep invaders at bay.

In addition to exploring the castle's walls and towers, visitors can also visit the castle's great hall, which was used for banquets and meetings. The great hall is a large, open space with a high ceiling and large windows, and it provides a glimpse into the daily life of the castle's inhabitants.

Beaumaris Castle is surrounded by a beautiful and well-manicured garden, which provides a peaceful and serene setting for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of the castle. The garden is a great place to have a picnic, go for a walk, or simply enjoy the scenery.

In conclusion, Beaumaris Castle is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Wales. This impressive medieval fortification is a testament to the skill and creativity of the builders of the past, and it provides a fascinating glimpse into the life and times of medieval Wales. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy a beautiful day out, Beaumaris Castle is the perfect destination for you.

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Things to do nearby

Beaumaris Castle, located on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales, is a magnificent example of medieval military architecture. Built by King Edward I in the 13th century, it is considered one of the finest and most sophisticated castles in the world. But while the castle is undoubtedly the main attraction for many visitors, there are plenty of other interesting places to see and things to do nearby. Here are some of the highlights.

1. Visit the town of Beaumaris

The castle is located in the charming town of Beaumaris, which is worth exploring on its own. The town is full of picturesque streets and historic buildings, including the 14th-century St Mary's Church, which has a fascinating collection of misericords (carved wooden seats) in its choir stalls. There are also plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants to explore, as well as a busy waterfront.

2. Take a boat trip to Puffin Island

Just off the coast from Beaumaris is Puffin Island, a small uninhabited island that is home to a large colony of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, and guillemots. Several companies offer boat trips to the island, which is a great way to get up close to the wildlife and enjoy some stunning views of the coast.

3. Explore the Anglesey Coastal Path

Anglesey is home to some of the most beautiful coastline in the UK, and the Anglesey Coastal Path offers the perfect way to explore it. The path covers over 125 miles of coast, and there are plenty of shorter walks and sections to explore, depending on your level of fitness and how much time you have. Some of the highlights include the rugged cliffs at South Stack, the stunning beaches at Llanddwyn Island, and the peaceful estuary at Newborough.

4. Visit the town of Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch

OK, this one is a bit of a mouthful, but it's worth a visit just to say you've been there! Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is a small town on the island of Anglesey, and it's famous for having the longest place name in the UK (and one of the longest in the world). There's not much to do in the town itself, but it's a fun photo opportunity and there are some nice views of the Menai Strait from the nearby bridge.

5. Explore the Menai Strait

The Menai Strait is the narrow stretch of water that separates Anglesey from mainland Wales, and it's a beautiful place to explore. There are plenty of boat trips available, or you can simply take a drive along the coast road and stop off at some of the viewpoints along the way. Some of the highlights include the impressive Menai Suspension Bridge (designed by Thomas Telford in the early 19th century), the picturesque town of Menai Bridge, and the historic Plas Newydd estate.

In conclusion, while Beaumaris Castle is undoubtedly the star attraction on the Isle of Anglesey, there are plenty of other interesting places to see and things to do nearby. Whether you're interested in wildlife, history, or just enjoying the beautiful Welsh coastline, there's something for everyone in this stunning part of the world.