Ewloe Castle, Hawarden, United Kingdom

Ewloe Castle is a native Welsh castle built by the Kingdom of Gwynedd near the town of Ewloe in Flintshire. The castle, constructed in the early 13th century, was one of the last fortifications to be built by the native Princes of Wales, was abandoned at the beginning of the invasion of Wales by Edward I in 1277. Its construction, using locally quarried sandstone, appears to have continued piecemeal over many years and may have not been completed. On taking the castle, the English Crown gave it little military value and allowed it to fall into ruin. The last known mention of Ewloe Castle dates back to 1311.

Ewloe Castle combines features from both motte-and-bailey and enclosure castles. An asymmetrical curtain wall – with parapets – encloses two courtyards. A rock-cut neck ditch defends the southern side of the castle. In the upper triangular inner ward is a D-shaped tower known as the 'Welsh keep'.

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User Reviews

Danny (2 years ago)
Really interesting castle. Not huge but good ruins to explore and you can still climb up the remaining tower. The location is what makes it particularly interesting, as it is nestled in a wooded valley rather than perched on the high ground or by the head of a valley or river. Very nice to walk around the surrounding woodland. Can park on the road and just cut across the field to reach it. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area

Russell Harland (2 years ago)
The woodland park and Ewloe Castle make a brilliant free day out in the country, with the added bonus of some Welsh history. We went on a soggy day when proper walking boots should have been worn.... the mud was slippy, deep and squelchy. Includes a children's playground, picnic area, cafe and toilet facilities. For free, well worth 5 stars!

Hollie Sutton (3 years ago)
Majestic and interesting place to see! Free parking on the side of the road and only a 5min walk from the road itself. You would never believe it was there! So intact for it’s age and can climb all the way to the top safely! Suitable for families.

Julie Edwards (3 years ago)
I have been going here for year's. Beautiful woodland and stream and obviously the castle. Wonderful café and children's playground, skate park, football pitch. Toilets in the park and in the café.

Chris Lewis (3 years ago)
Amazing little castle, with lots of history to go with it. Great spot for a picnic and some pictures too. There are lots of paths through the surrounding woodland, I recommend taking a trail or two as it’s a beautiful woodland. There is a wetland are and a river too, a great walk along a boardwalk so you and the little ones can see down and look for frogs and lizards.

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