Penrhyn Castle and Garden
Bangor, Wales
Penrhyn Castle is a grand 19th-century fortress built for the anti-abolitionist Pennant family, who funded it from dealings in the Jamaica sugar plantations and North Wales slate industry. Today, the castle is managed by Britain’s National Trust, who invite visitors to discover its 5-story keep, neo-Norman architecture, and sizable gardens.
The basics
Penrhyn Castle and Gardens is a good stop en route to the ferry at Holyhead and a popular day trip option for travelers staying in Bangor, Colwyn Bay, Llanberis, or Llandudno. If you’re without transport, consider a private day trip from one of these places and add a visit to your customizable itinerary. This gives you the benefit of easy transport plus a driver-guide to provide historical commentary along the way.
Things to know before you go
There are reduced rates for families and one-adult families.
Facilities include a café, a car park with an electric vehicle charging point, a gift shop, and restrooms.
Wheelchair users should note that a gradually rising path leads from the car park toward the castle. There are on-site accessible restrooms.
There are mobility scooters, wheelchairs, and golf buggies available. Request these at the Visitor Welcome Centre.
How to get there
Take a public bus from Bangor or Caernarfon towards Llandudno and ask the driver where to disembark. The nearest stop is around a 20-minute walk from the castle driveway. Drivers will find the castle signposted from Junction 11 of the A55 and A5. You can put the postcode LL57 4HT in your sat nav.
When to get there
Penrhyn Castle and its Victorian kitchens, gardens, and shop are all open daily from mid-morning until mid-afternoon between March and early November. In the off-peak months, you can visit the gardens at weekends and during select weeks when it opens to accommodate UK school vacations. The castle remains closed out of season.
Enjoy picnics in the gardens
Bring your lunch and lay down a blanket on the lawns, as this is the best picnic spot in town. You can choose between the front lawns that look down over Eryri National Park (Snowdonia National Park) and Colwyn Bay or head to the back of the castle for coastal views that stretch over Llandudno and Puffin Island. If you prefer to sit at a table, you can also find picnic tables near the stable courtyard entrance.
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