Beaumaris Castle is the great unfinished masterpiece. Started in 1296, it was the last of the massive Edwardian fortresses of the 13th century to be built in North Wales, but money ran out before the fortifications reached their full height. Beaumaris is nonetheless an awesome sight, regarded by many as the finest of Edward's Welsh castles.

Caernarfon Castle is possibly the most striking medieval monument in Wales. Its sheer scale and commanding presence set it apart from the rest and, to this day still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder; Edward I. Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales Caernarfon was constructed not only as military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace.

Criccieth Castle, on its commanding headland overlooking Tremadog Bay, is one of those rare castles with a foot fitfully in both camps. Criccieth’s history is deeply entwined in the medieval conflict between Wales and England. Originally a stronghold of the native Welsh princes, it was later annexed and added to by the English monarch, Edward I.

Denbigh Castle, crowning a steep hill above the town, enjoys commanding views of the pastoral Vale of Clwyd. The castle, built as part of Edward I's 13th-century campaigns against the Welsh, was put up by Henry de Lacy one of the king's chief commanders.

Built by Llywelyn the Great in the early 13th century to guard against English invaders, Dolbadarn Castle lies in a wild landscape of breathtaking grandeur. Access to the castle is free.

Dolwyddelan Castle, a mountain stronghold of the Welsh princes, stands in a magnificent location deep in Snowdonia. It was built between about 1210 and 1240 by Llywelyn the Great, ruler of Snowdonia, to control a strategic pass through his mountainous kingdom. The core of the castle, the rectangular stone tower, was restored in Victorian times. It can be seen for miles around, standing proud on a ridge against the rugged backdrop of Moel Siabod.

Gwydir Castle is situated in the beautiful Vale of Conwy in the foothills of Snowdonia. Regarded as one of the finest Tudor houses in Wales, the castle was the ancestral home of the powerful Wynn baronets, descended from the Kings and Princes of Gwynedd and one of the most significant families in Wales during the Tudor and Stuart periods.

Harlech Castle Like an all-seeing sentinel, spectacularly sited Harlech Castle gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfill this very role. The rocky outcrop on which it is perched gives the castle immense strength. Looking seawards, Harlech's battlements are a continuation of a near-vertical cliff-face, while any landward attackers would first have to deal with a massive twin towered gatehouse

Penrhyn Castle in the care of the National Trust is located by the Menai Straits. It iscrammed with fascinating things – including a one-ton slate bed made for Queen Victoria and the superbly restored kitchens. Extensive grounds include a terraced walled garden and stunning views. Licensed tea rooms, shop, doll and railway museums, adventure playground. Special events held throughout the season – there’s plenty to see and do whatever the weather.