Deganwy Castle

Perched high above the town, it's easy to see why a castle was built here all those years ago. While only a handful of ruins remain today, the setting is what makes this place worth visiting.

If your family enjoys getting outdoors and using their imagination this is a great place to spend an hour or so. Older children and teenagers will enjoy scrambling up the grassy mounds and exploring the site, while everyone can appreciate the views once they reach the top.

Exploring Deganwy Castle

Most families spend around 45 minutes to an hour here, although you can easily make your visit shorter if you're just stopping to enjoy the views.

The lower paths are fairly gentle, but if you want to reach the best viewpoints you'll need to tackle a few steep grassy slopes. It’s worth noting that younger children will likely find these difficult depending on how confident they are on going up and down again.

Although there isn't much of the castle left, it's still an interesting place to wander around. It's easy to imagine what once stood here, and children often enjoy scrambling over the grassy banks while exploring the remains.

From the top, you'll have panoramic views across Conwy Castle, the estuary, Deganwy Marina and towards Llandudno. It's a great place to stop for a drink or picnic before making your way back down.

Planning Your Visit

Parking is available on nearby residential roads, with most visitors parking on Gannock Park Road before following the footpath to the castle.

There are no toilets, cafés or other facilities here, so it's worth bringing drinks and snacks if you're planning to stay for a while.

Deganwy Castle is only a few minutes from both Conwy and Llandudno, making it an easy addition to a wider day out in the area.

As this is an open hillside with uneven ground, steep grassy slopes and exposed viewpoints, children should be supervised throughout your visit.

Why parents love it

• Free to visit.

• Amazing views across Conwy and the estuary.

• Plenty of open space for children to explore.

• Easy to combine with a visit to Conwy or Llandudno.

• Usually much quieter than some of the area's bigger attractions.

Top Tip: If the weather is clear, spend a little time at the top before heading back down. It's one of those places where you notice something different every time you look, whether it's boats on the estuary, trains crossing the bridge or the views over Conwy Castle.

Please note: Information correct as of July 2026. We do our best to keep our days out information up to date, but details such as parking, access routes, facilities and local conditions can change. We recommend checking before you travel, especially if accessibility or specific facilities are important for your visit.

FAQs

How long does it take to walk around Deganwy Castle?

Most families spend between 45 minutes and an hour exploring the site, although you can make your visit shorter if you're simply stopping to enjoy the views.

Is Deganwy Castle suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs?

No. The uneven ground, grassy slopes and steep sections mean it isn't suitable for pushchairs or wheelchairs.

Is there parking at Deganwy Castle?

Yes. Most visitors park on Gannock Park Road before following the footpath up to the castle.

Are there toilets or cafés?

No. There are no facilities on site, so it's worth bringing drinks and snacks with you.

Is Deganwy Castle dog friendly?

Yes. Dogs are welcome, and there is plenty of open space for them to enjoy. Sheep can sometimes be present in the surrounding fields, so dogs should be kept under control where needed.

Is Deganwy Castle worth visiting all year round?

Yes. The views are just as impressive in winter as they are in summer, and it's often much quieter outside of the school holidays.

As this is an exposed hillside, the weather can change quickly. After rain, the paths and grassy slopes can become muddy or slippery, so suitable footwear is recommended. On windy days, wrap up warm as there's very little shelter.