If you are visiting Wales, this magnificent castle in the countryside is definitely worth a stop-by. Take some time to immerse yourself in the vintage glory of 19th-century architecture in the midst of a breathtaking countryside landscape.
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The castle is home to one of the finest art collections in Wales with pieces created by renowned artists such as Canaletto, Richard Wilson, Carl Haag, and Perino del Vaga.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Penrhyn Castle Located?
Penrhyn Castle is located in the beautiful countryside in Llandygai, Bangor, Gwynedd County in the north of Wales.
When was Penrhyn Castle Built? Who Build It?
The castle was built between 1822 to 1837 by the architect Thomas Hopper for Parliamentarian George Dawkins-Pennant.
When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
Although every season at the castle has its own charm and set of enjoyable activities, the best time to visit the castle is summertime between May and August.
What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
Monuments located close to Penrhyn Castle include North Wales Heroes Memorial Arch, Bulkeley Monument, and the Marquess of Anglesey’s Column.
FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS
Early History
Origins
Penrhyn Castle is one of the largest residences in Britain. It was mostly built during the 1820s and 30s by Thomas Hopper for George Dawkins-Pennant, a member of Parliament at the time. George Dawkins-Pennant had inherited the land from First Baron Penrhyn, who had acquired a large amount of wealth via sugar plantations and the slave trade in Jamaica. It was on this land that the earliest structures of the castle were built.
Succession
George Dawkins-Pennant had two daughters, the elder of whom, named Julianna, married an aristocratic guardsman called Edward Douglas. The guardsman inherited the land after George passed away and changed his surname to Douglas-Pennant. He was made the First Baron Penrhyn in 1866, the second creation of the title in the peerage as the prior first Baron had not passed the title. A vaulted subterranean portion and some other structures were added to the castle during this period.
Later years
After the Fourth Baron Penrhyn, Hugh Napier Douglas-Pennant, passed away in June 1849, the estate was inherited by his niece Lady Janet Pelham. She adopted the Dawkins-Pennant surname. In the year 1951, she had to give 40,000 acres of the land including the castle to the treasury as inheritance tax. It has since been in the possession of the National Trust and has been open to the public for visitation.
Revisit More Historic Places Below or Read Further
Current Times
Currently, the site is a widely visited tourist destination, having received 139,164 visitors in 2019 and 2020 alone. You can tour the castle and enjoy the marvelous architecture, landscape, and historical edutainment. It’s certainly worth a visit if you’re visiting the area.
Interesting Penrhyn Castle Facts
- The construction efforts between 1822 to 1837 are estimated to have cost £150,000, which today amounts to around £49,500,000 ($66,800,250 USD).
- Architectural writer Christopher Hussey called the castle “the outstanding instance of Norman revival.”
- The castle contains a one-ton slate bed which was designed especially for Queen Victoria when she paid a visit to the site in 1859.
- The castle is home to one of the finest art collections in Wales with pieces created by renowned artists such as Canaletto, Richard Wilson, Carl Haag, and Perino del Vaga.
Visiting Penrhyn Castle – Tips and Tricks
Penrhyn Castle is a stunning architectural marvel with interiors as awe-inspiring as they come. It should be a must-visit on your itinerary when you’re in Wales. Here’s some information to make your visit convenient and easy to plan:
How to get to Penrhyn Castle?
You can get to Penrhyn Castle from Cardiff via train, bus or car. Via train, it would take you around 5 hours and 42 minutes and would cost you between £87-£123 ($119-$169 USD). You would board the train at Cardiff Central, get off at Llandudno Junction, and board the train from there all the way to Tal-y-bont, Eglwys St Cross. From there on, the castle is a 34-minute walk away.
Going by bus is the cheapest option. It would cost you between £20-£32 ($28-$59 USD) and the journey would last around 6 hours and 16 minutes.
Going by car is the fastest option. It would take you around 3 hours and 55 minutes and the fuel cost is estimated to be around £32-£45 ($44-$62 USD).
Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
Information was checked & updated on October 24, 2023.
You do not need to pre-schedule your visit to Penrhyn Castle. Ticket pricing is as follows: £14 ($16 USD) for adults, £7 ($9 USD) for children, £35 ($43 USD) for families, and £23.10 ($29 USD) for an adult family. If you wish to donate via Gift Aid, the admission cost for an adult is £15.40 ($19USD), for a family, it is £38.50 ($48 USD) and for an adult family, it is £23.10 ($29 USD).
Opening timings of the castle are from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm all week round.
As for now under Covid-19 restrictions, only the ground floor of the castle is accessible for visiting. You can, however, also tour the gardens, the castle shop and the castle cafe. Victorian Kitchens and the Railway Museum are also open.
How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?
Recommended duration of the visit is 2-3 hours. You can tour the castle, take a stroll through the beautiful gardens, purchase a souvenir or two from the castle shop and top it off with a warm beverage at the castle cafe!
Up to Date Information
For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/penrhyn-castle/features/visiting-penrhyn-castle-and-garden-what-you-need-to-know
Some words of advice and tips:
- There is a 10-minute walk leading up to the castle from the ticket booth. You may take a buggy if you wish to avoid tiring yourself out before the castle tour.
- Make sure you try the delicious cream tea in the castle’s tea room!
- Please make sure to check in at the car park check-in area upon your arrival.
- Wear a mask in indoor spaces!
- Toilet facilities are available close to the visitor center as well as in the rear courtyard of the castle.
- Dogs are allowed on the grounds outside the castle building while on a leash, but only guide dogs are allowed inside.
