Visit Rhuddlan Castle and Get Your Cadw Explorer Pass to Visit 20 Historic Monuments in Wales

Your key to unlock Wales' greatest castles, in one ticket!

The Castles of Wales Explorer Pass offers the freedom to explore all of Cadw's historic attractions and help you get the most out of your visit to Wales. 

• Entry to 20 Welsh castles and attractions (see additional info for full list)
• Visit as many castle as you want
• Choice of either the 3 day pass or 7 day pass (the 3 day pass gives you 3 days of entrance and is valid for a 7 day period. The 7 day pass gives you 7 days of entrance, valid for 14 days)
• Save lots of money!

Book your Castle of Wales Explorer Pass by tapping 'Book' on this page. Once booked, your pass will be sent to you by email. Show this pass upon entry to all attractions either on your device or print if you prefer.

A castle on the coast

You'll be impressed by the diamond-shaped layout of the beautiful Rhuddlan Castle in Denbighshire. It took five years to build this stunning fortress after the first Welsh War.

We can guarantee your mouth will drop open as you become obsessed with the view from the tops of the castle walls. Climb up the spiral staircases to discover a truly gorgeous panorama of the Welsh countryside.

You'll no doubt see the geese and swans as they glide along the River Clwyd. 

Did you know King Edward actually diverted the river to make way for Rhuddlan Castle? He recruited hundreds of ditch-diggers to extend and divert the Clwyd's path as he wanted the building to be safe. Actually, quite a few of his castles were built on the coast for this very reason.

The kids will love running around and enjoying their time in the sun while they inspect all the nooks and crannies of the castle.

The perfect spot

Get lost in your imagination as you picture a ship's hull coming up the river and the English troops arriving at the castle, as Edward I continued his ruthless campaign against the Welsh.

Hear the sound of the Welsh flag now fluttering in the wind from one of the turrets as you walk in between the castle walls. This ancient building was designed by the architect James of St George back in 1277.

Why not bring a picnic and settle down on the grass surrounded by the old castle ruins? Rhuddlan Castle was the first place to be built with the revolutionary concentric walls - some might call it ‘walls within walls’.

Keep the adventure going

If you want to continue exploring, Twthill is just an eight-minute stroll away, with great views of the river and the Clwydian hills.

Feel the peace and quiet in this very historically important area. Its location is at the ancient crossing of the River Clwyd and this is the spot where Rhuddlan's first castle was built.

Listen to the water splashing over the stones as you reach the massive earthen motte where the castle once stood. Above the River Clwyd, the medieval castle was constructed in 1073 by Robert of Rhuddlan before it was replaced by Rhuddlan Castle.

We know you'll enjoy a day out discovering Welsh history in a beautiful setting. Don't forget to take lots of pictures to remember your magical time here.

What other Cadw attractions can I visit with the Castles of Wales Pass? 

• Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey
• Blaenavon Ironworks, Torfaen
• Caerleon Roman Baths, Newport
• Caernarfon Castle, Gwynedd
• Caerphilly Castle, Caerphilly
• Carreg Cennen Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Castell Coch, Cardiff
• Chepstow Castle, Monmouthshire
• Cilgerran Castle, Pembrokeshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Conwy Castle, Conwy
• Criccieth Castle, Gwynedd
• Denbigh Castle, Denbighshire
• Harlech Castle, Gwynedd
• Kidwelly Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Laugharne Castle, Carmarthenshire
• Oxwich Castle, Swansea - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• Plas Mawr Elizabethan Town House, Conwy
• Raglan Castle, Monmouthshire
• Rhuddlan Castle, Denbighshire
• Rug Chapel, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024
• St Davids Bishop's Palace, Pembrokeshire
• Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire
• Tretower Court and Castle, Powys
• Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire - please note, this attraction is closed for 2024