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Beaumaris Castle is a medieval castle on Castle Street in Beaumaris, on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales (postcode LL58 8AP). Edward I began building it in 1295, but it was never finished. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is run by Cadw, the Welsh Government's heritage service, not the National Trust. From March to October, it opens at 9.30am and closes at 5pm; in July and August, it closes at 6 pm. From November to February, it opens from 10am to 4pm. It is closed on 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. An adult ticket costs £10.40 until 31 March 2027; under-fives go free, and booking online saves 5%. Dogs on short leads are welcome on the ground floor. The main town car park is right opposite, and The Bulkeley Hotel is a few minutes' walk up the road.
Beaumaris Castle is often called the greatest castle never built. It sits at the end of our street, so guests ask about it every day. Here's how to plan your visit.
Where is Beaumaris Castle?
The castle stands on Castle Street in Beaumaris, on Anglesey's south-east coast. It looks across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). By car, take the A545 from Menai Bridge. Buses 53, 57 and 58 run from Bangor and stop about 100 metres from the entrance. The nearest railway station is Bangor, around nine miles away (Cadw).
Beaumaris Castle tickets
From 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027, an adult ticket costs £10.40. Seniors aged 65 and over pay £9.30. Juniors aged 5 to 17 and students pay £7.20. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children costs £33.30, or £22.90 for one adult and up to three children. Children under five go for free. Disabled visitors and their companion also go free, as do Cadw members.
You can pay at the gate. Booking online saves 5%, but online tickets are non-refundable.
Beaumaris Castle opening times
From 1 March to 30 June, the castle opens from 9.30am to 5pm. In July and August, it stays open until 6pm. From 1 September to 31 October, it is back to 9.30am to 5pm. From 1 November to 28 February, it opens from 10am to 4pm.
Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. In very bad weather, Cadw may close the castle at short notice. Check its social media before you set off.
Beaumaris Castle parking
The main town car park is directly opposite the castle. Cadw says it gives the most direct route in. Staying with us? Our parking guide explains our residents' spaces and other nearby car parks. Or leave the car behind. The castle is a short stroll from our front door.
Is Beaumaris Castle dog friendly?
Yes. Dogs on short leads can explore the ground-floor areas. Cadw asks owners not to let dogs eat any plants, as some can be poisonous. Your dog is welcome at The Bulkeley, too. See our dog-friendly stays.
Beaumaris Castle history
Work began in 1295. It was the last of Edward I's great castles in north Wales, after Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech. His architect, James of St George, planned four rings of defences. There was a water-filled moat with its own dock. The outer walls alone had 300 arrow slits (Cadw).
Then the money ran out. Trouble in Scotland also pulled the king away. By the 1320s, building had stopped. The towers never reached their full height, which is why the castle looks so low and squat today.
In 1986, UNESCO listed it with Conwy, Caernarfon and Harlech as the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site.
What to see inside
Cross the wooden bridge past the moat and into the inner ward. Climb the stone steps to the wall walks for views over the water. Look for the chapel and the long north gatehouse passage. There is an exhibition, a gift shop and picnic tables. Most visitors spend one to two hours here. Wear sensible shoes, as the grass can be slippery after rain.
Make a day of it in Beaumaris
Beaumaris Gaol is a few minutes' walk away. It opened in 1829 and closed in 1878. Inside you'll find a rare treadmill that prisoners worked to pump water up to the cells. The gaol and the courthouse usually open from spring to autumn, so check before you go.
Then walk the pier and seafront. For more ideas, read our guide to things to do in Beaumaris. Hungry? See our local's guide on where to eat in Beaumaris, or book lunch with us in the bistro or Hansom's.
Stay a few minutes from the castle
The Bulkeley has stood on Castle Street since 1832. It is a Grade I listed Georgian hotel with 43 en-suite rooms, some with views across the Menai Strait. Wake up, have breakfast, and be at the castle gate when it opens. See our rooms or check the latest offers, and book direct for our best rates.
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