Historic Castle on the Menai Strait
If you are visiting Anglesey, it is certainly worth making your way to the attractive coastal town of Beaumaris (pronounced Bew-maris). There’s a great deal to enjoy around the town including the fascinating castle.
Beaumaris Castle was built from local stone between 1295 and 1330. The castle was constructed as a feature of Edward I’s attempts to conquer North Wales. Edward’s invasion of Scotland later diverted funding from the project which saw construction cease until an invasion scare in 1306. Unfortunately, the castle was never finished. Boasting a colourful history spanning rebellions and invasions, the castle was surrendered to parliamentary armies in 1646 having been held by the forces loyal to Charles I during the English Civil War. It fell into ruin around 1660 and then became part of a stately home and grounds in the 19th century. The stately home was the seat of Thomas Bulkeley, 7th Viscount Bulkeley.
In 1925 Sir Richard Williams-Bulkeley, 12th Baronet retained the freehold of the castle and placed it into the care of the Commissioners of Works. A significant restoration project ensued which involved stripping back vegetation, digging out the moat and repairing the stonework. Beaumaris Castle is now a toruist attraction and has been described by UNESCO as one of “the finest examples of late 13th century and early 14th century military architecture in Europe”. It has been classified as a World Heritage Site.
All areas of the castle are open to tourists including the walkway around the ramparts which affords incredible views in all directions. The castle is open throughout the year except 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. The entrance fee for adults is currently £10.40. A family ticket costs £33.30 (2 adults and up to 3 children). There are reduced fees for children, students, disabled guests and senior citizens.
UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Dogs
Dogs are permiited to enter the castle and grounds but must remain on the ground level. If you wish to visit the upper level of the castle, you will need to leave your dogs with someone while you explore.
Directions
From The Woollen Mill, head towards Bangor on the A487 and bypass and then follow the signs to Holyhead. As soon as you have crossed the bridge onto Anglesey, take the sliproad to the left and then turn right towards Menai Bridge. When you reach the T junction at the high street in Menai Bridge, turn left and then drive until you arrive at Beaumaris. Shortly after entering the high street you will see a sign for the car park. Turn right here and follow the road around the sea front. The grassy car park will be to your right. There’s a charge for parking which is currently £8 for the day. During busy times, a car park attendent will take your payment (card or cash). In quieter times you can find that there is no attendent and you need to use the machine which is just before the barrier. This machine is very confusing, not to mention slow! Please note that when it says “press button to pay by card” the button in question is the white one below the letter P. Sadly, the machine does not tell you this!
