Beaumaris Castle Anglesey Wales

UK Castles: Beaumaris Castle & Town (Castell Biwmares)

Beaumaris Castle Guide, Anglesey, Wales

Jake Davies

Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, a World Heritage Site, Wales. — Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey, a World Heritage Site

2 of the 12 turrets on the outer wall of Beaumaris Castle. — 2 of the 12 turrets on the outer wall of Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey was the last of the great castles constructed by Edward I in the late 13th century to consolidate his control of Wales. Like the castles at Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech, Beaumaris Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The main gate into Beaumaris Castle, Wales. — The main gate into Beaumaris Castle

Planned to be the greatest castle, a shortage of funds led to the construction of Beaumaris Castle being incomplete. — Planned to be the greatest castle, a shortage of funds led to the construction of Beaumaris Castle being incomplete

History

Intended to be the grandest of all the castles, finances ran out so it was never completed as designed, however is is generally considered to be an excellent example of castle architecture of the time.

Construction began in 1295 and ceased around 1330. Like the other castles in the group Beaumaris was designed by James of Saint George and a statue of Master James can be seen within the castle.

Built on flat land and therefore not constrained by any topographic features, the most striking thing about Beaumaris castle is its symmetry.

Constructed as a series of concentric layers, the central walls are 4-sided, surrounded by an eight-sided wall, though it appears almost 6-sided. Some of the moat has been filled in but much remains.

Beaumaris Castle is also noted for the beauty of the proportions used in its design and also the quality of the masonry and stonework employed. Thus, it is generally considered one of the finest examples of its type. What is incomplete at Beaumaris is the height. The gate houses, towers, and inner buildings were all meant to be much taller.

Over the centuries the castle saw a little fighting and at times was held by enemy forces, but eventually fell into disuse and partial ruin. In 1925 restoration work began and much of the moat was dug out, all the ivy and vegetation cut back, and stonework repaired.

Part of the moat at World Heritage Beaumaris Castle. — Part of the moat at World Heritage Beaumaris Castle

Beaumaris Town & Puffin Island

Another major attraction in Beaumaris is Puffin Island, an uninhabited island located off the nearby northeast coast of Anglesey.

A wildlife sanctuary, boat tours from Beaumaris offer fantastic views of not only the Puffins after which the island is named, but also Great Cormorants, Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags and Kittiwakes, as well as other nesting birds.

Seals can usually be seen and sometimes porpoises and even dolphins make an appearance.

The coast of North Wales across the Menai Straits. — The coast of North Wales across the Menai Straits viewed from Beaumaris

Several companies operate boat trips out of Beaumaris to view Puffin Island, and also offer other tours including one down the narrow Menai Straits viewing the Menai Bridges.

The town of Beaumaris is a small, pleasant town with picturesque views of the straits and the mainland, though it has no "beach" culture, though there is a short pier.

Puffin Island, a wildlife paradise, a popular site for boat trips from Beaumaris. — Puffin Island, a wildlife paradise, a popular site for boat trips from Beaumaris

Nearby

Other attractions in the town include the unusual museum housed in a former Victorian prison, the Carchar Biwmares (Beaumaris Gaol) and the Beaumaris Courthouse, a 400-year-old former courthouse.

The small Museum of Childhood Memories at 1 Castle Street is now unfortunately closed.

There are numerous historic churches to visit including the largest, the Church of St. Mary & St. Nicholas which has an impressive 15th century alabaster tomb of William Bulkeley and his wife. Bulkeley was a constable of the castle.

The town has plenty of interesting shops with local crafts and a few art studios. Pubs, bistros, restaurants, cafes, tea rooms, and bakeries are also abundant. Try the restaurants at the Liverpool Arms and Bishopsgate House hotels.

Liverpool Arms Hotel, Beaumaris. — Liverpool Arms Hotel

Accommodation

For an overnight stay or longer there are many hotels, guesthouses, B&B's etc. One recommendation is The Bulkeley Hotel at 19 Castle Street. Opposite the castle is the Castle Court guesthouse with a bar and terrace.

The Liverpool Arms Hotel has a good restaurant and also rooms. The Bishopsgate House Hotel occupies a former Georgian property and offers 9 rooms.

See a listing on hotels in and near Beaumaris

Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey is noted for the quality of its stonework. — Beaumaris Castle on Anglesey is noted for the quality of its stonework

Access & Hours

Castle Street
Beaumaris LL58 8AP
Tel: 01248 810361

The castle is open every day with times varying according to the season, from 10 am to 4 pm in winter and 9 am to 6 pm in summer.

15th century alabaster tomb of a former constable of Beaumaris Castle. — 15th century alabaster tomb of a former constable of Beaumaris Castle in the Church of St. Mary & St. Nicholas

Entry is 7.79 GBP for adults, 21.60 GBP for a whole family

The nearest railway station is Bangor, on the mainland across the Menai Straits. Numerous and frequent bus services make the 7 mile journey in about 30 minutes.

From Manchester Piccadilly Station or Liverpool Lime Street Staton, change trains at Chester for Bangor.

Also 7 miles away and accessible by bus is Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrngogogoch Station.

From Liverpool, Beaumaris is approximately 1 hours, 40 minutes by car on the North Wales Expressway/A55. From Manchester the journey is around 2 hours on the M56 motorway and North Wales Expressway/A55.