Gwrych Castle – How to Visit the Gothic Ruin in North Wales (2026)!

An unforgettable adventure in North Wales is stepping inside Gwrych Castle. 

This picturesque historic residence is built on a lush hillside overlooking the sea. 

It’s a Gothic Revival ruin that will enchant you, as the scene looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a dark fairytale.

The estate is a portal that transports you back through time and allows your imagination to run riot.

Here is the ultimate guide for visiting Gwrych Castle, a fairytale fortress in North Wales. 

Gwrych Castle history

Although this castle looks like it belongs in the medieval era, it’s actually a Grade I listed property that dates back to the 19th century.

The residence was built by Lloyd Hesketh Bamford-Hesketh from 1812 to 1822 to honour his mother’s Welsh ancestral roots.

It was later owned by Winifred, Countess of Dundonald, and she left the castle in her will to King George V, the former Prince of Wales.  

During WWII, it was a haven for refugees, an agricultural training centre and then a medieval theme park. 

It was abandoned in 1987, and it slowly fell into ruin. The Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust acquired the estate in 2018 and began repairs. 

During the pandemic, this ruin gained media attention from I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!

Today, it’s once again reopened to the public as a tourist attraction and is one of the finest examples of a Gothic ruin found in the British Isles.

I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

In recent years, Gwrych Castle has become famous for a slightly different reason.

This haunting ruin was used as the setting for ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’.

They used this spectacular setting to film the outrageous survival reality show for two years running.

According to ratings, it was one of the most watched TV programmes during the times that shall not be named. 

Admittedly, I’ve never seen it. But the castle has embraced the theme and installed I’m a Celebrity props, gifts and photo zones for fans.

How to visit Gwrych Castle in Wales 

Gwrych Castle is located in Abergele, North Wales. The easiest and most convenient way to get there is to drive.

It’s an easy stop on the North Wales Expressway and is well signposted with brown tourist signs. 

A large car park is available on site, and there is a £2.50 parking fee per car.

The closest train station is Pensarn, and then you can take a local bus to Abergele. 

There is an Eldon Drive bus stop on Market Street where you can alight and then walk 20 minutes to the castle entrance. 

Things to do in Gwrych Castle

Gwrych Castle may be a Gothic ruin, but there are plenty of things to do there that make it worth visiting today.

You can explore the castle ruins, visit family rooms, pose with I’m a Celebrity props or sip a drink in the panoramic courtyard.

Here are all the enchanting things to do in Gwrych Castle.

1. Explore the fairytale ruins

By far, the best thing to do in Gwrych Castle is wander the whimsical ruins. 

You can climb up the fortress to find a pretty row of tall towers, Gothic windows and large gateways. 

I always love to explore castle ruins as I feel it’s a place where you can let your imagination run away with you.

I always think about how many people have explored this castle over the centuries and have admired the very same views.

If only walls could talk, I’d love to hear their tales of what they have seen.

2. Family staterooms

When you’re exploring Gwrych Castle, most of your visit will be outdoors.

But there are some indoor rooms which used to be family state rooms. 

Inside, there are panels where you can learn more about Lord Hesketh, who built the castle and his wife, Lady Emily Esther Ann Lygon.

There are portraits, coats of arms, furniture, pianos and weapons on display. As well as more modern I’m a Celebrity props. 

3. Admire panoramic views

The thing that left a lasting impression on me was the breathtaking views you could get from all over the castle.

As the fortress was built on a hillside, the elevated height provides a sweeping vista of the lush valley and coast. 

You can spot rolling emerald hills, colourful flowers, manicured gardens, and the turquoise Irish Sea.

All over the ruins, you can spot something spectacular. It was like a scene plucked from the pages of a fairytale. 

4. I’m a Celebrity mania

Gwrych Castle has really embraced the I’m a Celebrity theme, and so there’s lots to do here for fans.

You’ll find props from the show dotted around the castle ruins as well as photo panels showcasing notable moments.

After your visit, you can pop into their gift shop with oodles of themed souvenirs and photo opportunities.

I have to admit, it wasn’t for me as I don’t watch it; I was in it for the history. But I never like to yuck anyone’s yum.

5. Coffee in the Castle Courtyard 

As this ruin has no running water at the castle, you find a tea room. But they do have a coffee van in the courtyard.

This serves up hot and cold drinks throughout the day as well as light snacks.

There are some tables by the crenellated walls with panoramic views of the emerald valley and coast. 

It really is a stunning setting, and you’ll have to pinch yourself to believe it’s all real.

I visited after a long drive from Wiltshire to North Wales, so this pick-me-up was just what I needed.

6. Gwrych Castle events 

Gwrych Castle also has an exciting summer events programme. It’s always worth checking what’s on during your visit.

There are all sorts of artisan markets, carnivals, concerts, medieval reenactments and even a cowboy hoedown.

If you’re into your paranormal activity, you can join them for one of their spooky ghost tours after dark!

Why not stay overnight?

If you want to extend your visit to Gwrych Castle, why not stay overnight?

They have the Tan-yr-Ogo Lodge on the estate, a monumental gate lodge that used to be the principal entrance.

You can feel like a Lord or Lady for the night in this cosy self-catered accommodation that sleeps up to six people.

There’s also the Gothic Room, which is ideal for couples. It looks dreamy.

Is Gwrych Castle worth visiting?

Yes, I thought that Gwrych Castle was well worth visiting in North Wales. It’s like a portal that transports you back in time.

It looks like something that has been plucked from the pages of a dark fairytale. 

As someone obsessed with fantasy worlds and Gothic architecture, I was in my element. 

It’s a magical place I’ll never forget. I always believe there’s something so utterly romantic about exploring haunted ruins. 

Don’t skip Gwrych Castle on a road trip around North Wales; it’s a spectacular attraction on the Welsh coast. 

Opening hours and entry fees

Gwrych Castle is open every day from 10 am to 5 pm in summer, with a last entry one hour before closing time.

Opening times may vary during the rest of the year. So, it’s best to check opening hours before you go to avoid disappointment. 

They recommend booking tickets online and in advance. Tickets cost £10.65 for an adult.

This includes a payment processing fee and ticket fee if you buy them online. 

There are also child tickets, concessions, resident and carer tickets available. 

How long do you need to visit?

I would set aside around 1-2 hours to visit Gwrych Castle, as there’s plenty to see in this fairytale fortress.

Although there aren’t a lot of indoor spaces, the outer complex is vast with tall towers, lush gardens and crenellated castle walls to explore. 

I spent a long time here admiring the panoramic views as it’s a photographer’s paradise. 

My top tips

• Wear comfortable shoes to explore the ruins, as they are built on a hill. There are quite a few steep inclines and stairs.

• The castle is mostly exposed to the elements, so make sure to have waterproof layers if it’s wet or sun protection on warm days. 

• The castle is dog friendly; make sure to keep your furry friends on a lead.

• There is no running water, but there are some facilities like a coffee van and gift shop. There are also (very clean) port-a-loo toilets. 

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