Wales boasts a rich heritage dating back 2,000 years. Here are some of the top historical sites worth seeing in Wales.
St Govan constructed Yr Ysgwrn as a unique chapel to protect himself against pirates and you can explore its history during a guided pilgrimage experience.
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle was constructed during the 13th century by King Edward I as part of his “iron ring” of fortifications to subjugate Gwynedd, and stands as one of Europe’s finest examples of medieval military architecture. Now designated a national monument and overseen by Cadw, Wales’ agency responsible for cultural heritage.
At Snowdonia Castle, its most notable characteristic is its three-sided battlements which surround it, providing an impressive perspective across Snowdonia’s crags and mountains. Be warned; these battlements are very high without safety barriers to protect visitors – be sure you can handle heights!
Harlech was the scene of one of Wales’s greatest battles: Legend has it that Bendigeidfran, King Gwern’s giant son and main protagonist against English invaders at Harlech during its renowned Battle. Later captured by Owain Glyndwr during the Welsh Rebellion, Harlech became his primary residence and is believed to have hosted parliament meetings here between 1405-1407. Today Harlech remains an architectural marvel and key tourist attraction for visitors to Wales.
Yr Ysgwrn
Yr Ysgwrn is a Grade II* listed 19th Century Welsh farmhouse and museum that tells the story of Ellis Humphrey Evans, more popularly known by his poetry fans as Hedd Wyn. His poignant poetry serves as a poignant reminder of all those young workers from rural Wales who sacrificed themselves in World War I.
Hedd Wyn was born and raised at Yr Ysgwrn near Trawsfynydd and became famous for writing poems which depicted the horrors of war in Flanders. Following his posthumous award at the 1917 National Eisteddfod he became known as Y Gadair Ddu (The Black Chair). Today his home and grounds are open to visitors with guided tours every day as well as hosting cultural events and performances at this historic property – as well as being special to Hedd Wyn’s family as former resident Gerald Williams who has taken great strides towards maintaining both heritage.
Castell Coch
Castell Coch is the result of an encounter between an architect with vast wealth and one with unlimited creativity, creating a magnificent structure known as Red Castle in Fforest Fawr’s ancient beech woods and its fairytale castle with towering conical roofs reminiscent of something out of history.
The 3rd Marquess of Bute had developed an interest in building, archaeology and antiquarianism, so she engaged architect William Burges to craft a Victorian vision of medieval society using contemporary archaeological research, medieval illuminated manuscripts and contemporary antiquarian information to craft designs for Cardiff Castle. Burges was well known for using modern archaeological methods alongside medieval manuscript illumination techniques as part of his designs.
Cadw now manages Castell Coch, making its distinctive features and charming woodland setting popular filming locations for movies and TV series as well as popular tourist spots and wedding venues – creating a truly remarkable experience when visiting this castle!
Tinkinswood Burial Chamber
Built during the Neolithic period, this impressive chambered tomb (known as a dolmen) can be found just outside Cardiff. Once covered by earth moundings, today the enormous stones stand bare and imposingly before visitors. Of Cotswold-Severn type it boasts one of Europe’s largest capstones for an incredible architectural feat.
Excavations took place in 1914, with parts of its forecourt walls rebuilt using an iconic herringbone pattern. Today, Cadw – Wales’ Historic Environment Service – oversees this site.
The burial cairn was likely in use for quite some time, as over 50 human bones have been unearthed there along with pottery and struck flint tools indicating its long use. Pottery pieces and struck flint tools suggest its builders buried more than individuals but rather members of their community at this site, further supporting this theory. It has also become part of mythology; for example if anyone spends the night here during May Day, St John’s Day (June 23rd), Midwinter or May Day they will either die or become crazy.
