Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle: Grandeur on the Edge of Snowdonia
Set between the Menai Strait and the foothills of Snowdonia, Penrhyn Castle is a striking neo-Norman fantasy built on an epic scale. Unlike the medieval fortresses scattered across Eryri, this 19th-century castle was created as a lavish private home, designed to impress, intimidate, and showcase vast wealth. With its turrets, towers, and sweeping gardens, Penrhyn is one of North Wales’ most extraordinary historic buildings.
It’s not just a castle, it’s a monument to power, industry, and the complexities of Welsh history.
A Castle of Contrasts
Constructed between 1820 and 1837 for the Pennant family, Penrhyn Castle was funded by profits from sugar plantations in Jamaica and the local slate industry. Inside, you’ll find rich interiors filled with intricate carvings, fine art, and opulent furnishings. Outside, manicured gardens and woodland walks contrast with views of Snowdonia’s rugged peaks and the sparkling Menai Strait.
© Brad Carr
Walks & Hikes Around Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon)
Snowdon offers a range of paths to the summit, each with its own character and level of difficulty. Here are some of the most popular routes to experience this legendary peak:
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Llanberis Path
- 9 mi
- 4 hrs 30 m
The most popular route, the Llanberis Path offers a gradual climb from the village, ideal for beginners up for a full-day hike.
Pyg Track
- 7 mi
- 4 hrs 30 m
The Pyg Track starts at Pen-y-Pass and offers a shorter, steeper climb with dramatic views, great for a rugged hike.
Miners' Track
- 8 mi
- 5 hrs 30 m
The Miners’ Track starts gently by the lakes before climbing steeply to the summit, which is ideal if you want an easier start.
Crib Goch
- 7 mi
- 6 hrs 30 m
Crib Goch is an exposed, knife-edge ridge for confident scramblers, thrilling, technical, and not for the faint-hearted.
Snowdon Ranger Path
- 8 mi
- 5 hrs 30 m
The Snowdon Ranger Path offers a quieter, steady climb with scenic views, once a favourite of Victorian visitors.
What to Know Before You Go
• Managed by the National Trust – entry is free for members
• Café, gift shop, and toilets available on-site
• Dogs are welcome in the grounds (but not inside the castle)
• Allow 2–3 hours to fully explore
Why We Love Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle is a place of grandeur and contradiction. Its beauty is undeniable, but it also tells a deeper story about the history of wealth and power in Wales. A visit here sparks curiosity, not just about what you’re seeing, but about how it came to be. It’s part fairytale, part history lesson, and fully unforgettable.How to Get to Penrhyn Castle
Penrhyn Castle is located on the outskirts of Bangor, just off the A5 and A55. There’s a large car park on-site and good access by bus from Bangor city centre. Bangor railway station is a 10-minute taxi or bus ride away.
A Bit of Penrhyn Castle History
Though built on the site of a medieval manor house, today’s Penrhyn Castle is entirely the product of the 19th-century industrial age. Constructed between 1820 and 1837, it was financed by the Pennant family’s earnings from slavery and later from the Penrhyn Slate Quarry, one of the largest in the world at the time.
Inside, the castle is filled with lavish rooms, intricate carvings, and fine art. But behind the splendour is a story of inequality, with connections to both the transatlantic slave trade and later the Penrhyn Quarry strikes, some of the most significant industrial disputes in Welsh history.
Keep exploring
Penrhyn Castle is just one chapter in North Wales’ layered history. Ready to discover more castles, fortresses, and heritage sites across the region? Continue your journey into Snowdonia’s past below.