★ 4.8 · 543 reviews
Castell y Bere is genuinely unlike most Welsh castles you'll visit — built not by an English conqueror but by Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd, in 1221 to secure his southern frontier. It stands on a rocky outcrop in the beautiful Dysynni Valley, beneath the slopes of Cadair Idris, and its isolated, atmospheric setting is often described as one of the most romantic of any Welsh castle. The site fell to Edward I's forces in 1283 during the Welsh Wars, was briefly held by the English, then besieged and burnt during the Welsh revolt of 1294, after which it was abandoned. Today only foundations and low walls remain, but the setting more than makes up for the modest ruins — Frances Lynch's guidebook describes it as appearing to 'grow naturally' from the rock. It's free to visit and open all year, managed by Cadw. There's a small car park a short, steep uphill walk from the site (unsuitable for wheelchairs or prams), no toilets on site, and dogs are welcome on leads. It's a genuinely quiet, off-the-beaten-track spot — you may well have it to yourself — and pairs nicely with a visit to the historic church at nearby Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, once home to Mary Jones, whose story helped inspire the founding of the Bible Society.
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