4 Free castles to visit with kids in North Wales (also dog friendly!)
Did you know Wales has more castles per square mile than anywhere else in Europe? And you don't need to spend a fortune to visit them!
From hilltop ruins with amazing views to castles overlooking lakes and mountains, North Wales has plenty of places for children and teens to explore, burn off some energy and learn a little history along the way.
Who knows, it might even spark an interest in history! 4 free castles to visit with kids in North Wales (+ a bonus) worth adding to your bucket list.
Here are 4 Free castles to visit with kids in North Wales (+ a bonus)
1. Deganwy Castle, Conwy
Don't expect a fully intact castle here (or much of a castle at all, if we're being honest!). Most of the original structure has long disappeared. What remains, however, are some of the best views of Conwy town, its estuary and mountains and Llandudno along with information boards that help bring the history of the site to life.
The short climbs to the top rewards families with views across Conwy Castle, the estuary and over towards Llandudno. It's easy to see why this spot was chosen as a strategic lookout point all those years ago.
Why kids like it: The walk to the top feels like a mini challenge, and there's plenty to spot once you get there.
2. Castell Dinas Brân, Llangollen
Perched high above Llangollen, Castell Dinas Brân enjoys one of the most impressive positions of any castle in North Wales.
The walk up is a little challenging for younger legs, but older children often enjoy the sense of achievement when they reach the ruins. Once at the top, you'll be rewarded with fantastic views across the Dee Valley and plenty of space to explore.
Why kids like it: Reaching the top feels like an achievement, and there's lots of open space to explore.
3. Flint Castle, Flintshire
Flint Castle is one of the easiest castles to visit with children. The ruins are easy to access and there are plenty of open spaces for little legs to stretch.
Its location beside the estuary also makes it a lovely place for a family walk, picnic or, in the summer, an ice cream stop afterwards. If you're looking for a castle visit without a big hike beforehand, this is a great option.
Why kids like it: Lots of space to explore without a long walk first.
4. Dolbadarn Castle, Llanberis
If your family is visiting Llanberis, don't miss Dolbadarn Castle. Tucked amongst the trees and overlooking Llyn Padarn, it sits in one of the most beautiful locations on this list.
The short woodland walk to the castle adds to the experience, and the remaining tower is often the highlight for younger visitors. It's easy to combine with a walk around Llanberis or a visit to some of the area's other attractions.
Why kids like it: The walk through the woods and the tower at the end make it feel like a proper discovery.
5. Bonus: Conwy Castle Walls
While Conwy Castle itself isn't free to enter, you can still enjoy a taste of its history
without buying a ticket.
The medieval town walls that surround Conwy are free to access and offer fantastic views over the harbour, rooftops, castle and surrounding countryside. Children often enjoy spotting different parts of the town from above, and it's a great way to experience one of North Wales' most famous castle towns if you're trying to keep costs down.
If you're already spending the day in Conwy, it's well worth adding a walk along the walls to your plans.
Why castles make great Free family days out
Let's be honest - free family days out are always a win.
These castles are a great way to combine fresh air, local history and a bit of adventure without spending a fortune. They also work well as part of a wider day out, whether that's a picnic, a beach visit, a family walk or exploring a new town.
Unlike museums where children are often encouraged not to touch anything, castle ruins tend to spark lots of questions, plenty of exploring and the occasional debate about who might have lived there hundreds of years ago.
Top tip for visiting North Wales' free castles
Pack snacks.
Castle visits nearly always seem to involve more walking, climbing and exploring than children expect, and hungry children tend to lose interest surprisingly quickly. A few snacks and a drink can make all the difference.
Planning on visiting one of these castles with a Dog?
Another bonus is that all five castles featured in this guide are dog-friendly too. So if your family day out usually includes the dog, you won't need to leave them behind.
The only exception is Conwy Castle itself, which isn't dog-friendly. However, dogs are welcome on the town walls, meaning you can still enjoy some of Conwy's medieval history together.
