Best Castles in Wales for a Half-Term Day Out
With around 600 historic fortresses scattered across its rugged landscape, it boasts more castles per square mile than anywhere else in the world. For the perfect family day out, not all castles are equal. The best ones offer hands-on history, space to explore, and family-friendly fun, from hidden tunnels to epic views.
Advertiser Disclosure
By accessing and depositing through our provided links, we may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More.
✖How We Rank Casino Bonuses using BonusRank
Not just any online casino makes the grade. We have a strict process for testing online casinos to determine whether we even list them.
Once we approve a casino, our team of experts starts the real work. And it's thorough. Our unique BonusRank algorithm considers all the important aspects of a bonus and calculates a score that allows meaningful and direct comparison between bonuses. You don't have to guess, our rating scale will clearly show you if a bonus is great, good enough, or should be avoided.
Read more about our BonusRank system and how we make bonus comparisons.
✖
Best Castles in Wales for a Half-Term Day Out
| Rank | Castle | Family Friendliness Score |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carew Castle & Tidal Mill | 70.34 |
| 2 | Chirk Castle | 61.43 |
| 3 | Pembroke Castle | 61.10 |
| 4 | Penrhyn Castle | 60.46 |
| 5 | Raglan Castle | 57.88 |
| 6 | Kidwelly Castle | 54.46 |
| 7 | Llancaiach Fawr | 53.16 |
| 8 | Beaumaris Castle | 48.71 |
| 9 | Castell Dinas Bran | 45.71 |
| 10 | Castell Aberystwyth Castle | 45.00 |
Carew Castle & Tidal Mill
Located in Pembrokeshire, Carew Castle combines history and nature for an engaging, budget-friendly family day out at just £22. Kids can explore the castle ruins, spot wildlife, and even try crabbing along the causeway. The tidal mill is the only fully restored one of its kind in Wales and provides a great opportunity for education too.
Chirk Castle
Chirk Castle, nestled on the Welsh side of the border between Wrexham and Oswestry, is a National Trust property offering plenty of half-term fun. Families can enjoy activities like a spring bingo trail and bug hunts, keeping kids engaged with nature and exploration. Entry costs £25 per family, but National Trust members can visit for free.
Pembroke Castle
Pembroke Castle is a 900-year-old fortress that ranked highest for family-friendly reviews, though admission is on the pricier side at £34 per family. This half-term, kids can join interactive tours, learning about the kings and princesses who once lived here or, for the more adventurous, take part in a hands-on castle defence experience.
Penrhyn Castle
Another National Trust-managed site, Penrhyn Castle, is located next to Bangor in North Wales. It is one of the more modern castles on the list, as it was constructed in the 19th century but in a Norman style. With seasonal activities and lush gardens, children will have plenty to see and do.
Raglan Castle
Raglan Castle, nestled in the hills between Monmouth and Abergavenny, is another one with plenty to offer for a half-term trip. Families with children will be entertained by all the things to explore, including hidden staircases and the moat around the castle. The castle itself has a fascinating history, as the site of one of the longest sieges of the English Civil War.
Methodology
Our rankings were based on Wales’ top castles based on TripAdvisor mentions, focusing on family-friendly appeal. The final score combines 50% family-friendly review ratings and 50% affordability (cost for two adults and two children). Castles with fewer than 500 reviews or 50 family-friendly mentions received a small penalty to ensure fairness. Oystermouth Castle ranked second but is closed for the season until April, so it was removed from the final ranking.