Beaumaris Castle is a moated 13th-century castle in the town of Beaumaris on the Isle of Anglesey, Wales. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was last updated in September 2026. Unlike some older guides, it reflects the ticket prices that took effect on 1 September 2026, confirmed on the official Cadw website.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | 9.30am–5pm (1 Mar–30 Jun & 1 Sep–31 Oct); 9.30am–6pm (1 Jul–31 Aug); 10am–4pm (1 Nov–28 Feb) |
| Ticket prices | Adult £10.40; Senior (65+) £9.30; Junior (5–17) / Student £7.20; Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) £33.30; members and disabled visitors’ companions free |
| Address | Beaumaris Castle, Castle St, Beaumaris, Anglesey, LL58 8AP |
| Nearest transport | Bus routes 53, 57 and 58 from Bangor; the main town car park is directly opposite the castle |
| Typical time needed | 1 to 2 hours |
Beaumaris Castle opening hours
Beaumaris Castle opens every day of the year, apart from a few dates around Christmas and New Year, with hours that change by season.
- 1 March to 30 June: 9.30am to 5pm
- 1 July to 31 August: 9.30am to 6pm
- 1 September to 31 October: 9.30am to 5pm
- 1 November to 28 February: 10am to 4pm
- Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
- Closed 24, 25 and 26 December, and 1 January
These times apply across the whole year, not only the current month, so check the season that matches your visit.
Beaumaris Castle ticket prices
Buying tickets online saves 5% compared with paying on arrival at Beaumaris Castle.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member | Free |
| Adult | £10.40 |
| Senior (65+) | £9.30 |
| Junior (5–17) / Student | £7.20 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children) | £33.30 |
| Family (1 adult + up to 3 children) | £22.90 |
| Disabled visitor and companion | Free |
Children under 5 always enter free, and visitors receiving Universal Credit or other named benefits can book £1 tickets online in advance.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in September 2026, for the pricing period running from 1 September 2026 to 31 March 2027. Book tickets on the official Cadw site.
Beaumaris Castle is covered by the Cadw Explorer Pass, alongside Caernarfon Castle, Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle, and Caerphilly Castle.
How to get to Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle stands in the town centre, a short walk from the main car park and bus stops.
- By road: take the A545 from Menai Bridge or the A5 from Bangor.
- By rail: the nearest station is Bangor, about 15km (9 miles) away, on the Crewe–Bangor/Holyhead line.
- By bus: Arriva Wales routes 53, 57 and 58 run between Bangor, Beaumaris, and Llandonna/Penmon, stopping about 100 yards from the castle.
- By bike: National Cycle Network Route 5 passes within 5km of the castle.
- Address: Beaumaris Castle, Castle St, Beaumaris, Anglesey, LL58 8AP.
Parking at Beaumaris Castle
The main town car park, opposite the castle entrance, offers the most direct route in, though it involves two-way traffic to watch for.
There is no dedicated Cadw car park at the site itself, so visitors use this nearby public car park, which charges for parking.
How long to spend at Beaumaris Castle
Most visitors spend between one and two hours at Beaumaris Castle, enough time to walk the wall walks, courtyard, and chapel. Allow closer to two hours if you plan to watch the introductory film and read the interpretation boards in full.
Accessibility at Beaumaris Castle
Beaumaris Castle rates its terrain as “Level 2 – Easy” in its official access guide, though some areas involve uneven ground.
- Reaching the entrance involves a short walk past the wet moat, over a wooden bridge, including a steep resin ramp and a gravel path.
- The wall walks are reached by external stone steps, so they are not suitable for wheelchairs or those with limited mobility; handrails are provided.
- A portable induction loop is available for visitors with hearing loss.
- Dogs on short leads are welcome on ground floor levels of the site.
- Mobility scooter users should check their scooter suits uneven ground, including gravel paths and cobbles, before visiting; contact Cadw in advance with any questions.
Full details are available in the official Beaumaris Castle access guide, linked from the main visitor page.
Inside Beaumaris Castle: what to see
Beaumaris Castle has four concentric rings of defences, including a water-filled moat with its own dock, making it one of the most technically advanced medieval castles in Britain.
The outer walls originally held around 300 arrow loops, reflecting the scale that Edward I and his architect, James of St George, intended for the site.
The south gatehouse and six great towers of the inner ward were never completed to their full planned height, since building work stopped by the 1320s.
Visitors can walk the wall walks that circle the castle, taking in views over the town, the Menai Strait, and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia).
An on-site exhibition and introductory film explain the castle’s construction and its place within the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site.
The chapel, within the inner ward, survives along with the remains of domestic buildings that were never finished.
Beaumaris Castle is one of four UNESCO World Heritage castles in North Wales, alongside Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech.
Practical visitor tips for Beaumaris Castle
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Timing | Visit early on a summer weekday to avoid the busiest midday period, when coach groups often arrive. |
| Crowds | Beaumaris draws fewer visitors than Caernarfon or Conwy castles, so queuing at the ticket desk is uncommon. |
| Layout | Wall walks and internal staircases can be windy, uneven, and dimly lit, so wear flat, sturdy shoes. |
| Entry process | Watch the introductory film near the entrance first, since it gives useful context before you explore. |
| On-site logistics | Picnic tables are available on site, and there is a gift shop, but please do not feed the wildlife. |
Frequently asked questions about Beaumaris Castle
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is Beaumaris Castle suitable for children? | Yes. Children can explore the courtyard, moat, and wall walks, though climbing carries a risk of injury. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance for Beaumaris Castle? | Booking online is not compulsory, but it saves 5% compared with buying on arrival. |
| Is Beaumaris Castle open on Sundays? | Yes. The castle opens daily, except 24, 25 and 26 December and 1 January. |
| Are dogs allowed at Beaumaris Castle? | Yes, on short leads, though they may only access ground floor levels of the site. |
| Is Beaumaris Castle wheelchair accessible? | Ground-floor areas rate as “Level 2 – Easy,” but the wall walks require external stone steps. |
Things to do near Beaumaris Castle
- Beaumaris Pier and Puffin Island boat trips: A Victorian pier in the town, with boat trips out to Puffin Island for seabird and seal watching.
- Beaumaris Gaol and Courthouse: A restored Victorian prison and adjoining courthouse in the town centre, both open to visitors.
- Penmon Priory, Cross and St Seiriol’s Well: A medieval religious site around 3 miles from the castle, also managed by Cadw.
- Penmon Point and Trwyn Du Lighthouse: A coastal viewpoint around 4 miles away, looking out to Puffin Island and its lighthouse.
- Menai Suspension Bridge, Menai Bridge: Thomas Telford’s 19th-century bridge over the Menai Strait, a short drive from Beaumaris.
Alternative attractions to Beaumaris Castle
- Caernarfon Castle: Another of Edward I’s UNESCO World Heritage castles, around 20 minutes’ drive from Beaumaris.
- Conwy Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage castle paired with largely intact town walls, around 50 minutes’ drive away.
- Harlech Castle: A UNESCO World Heritage castle on a dramatic coastal outcrop, around an hour’s drive south.
- Denbigh Castle: A 13th-century castle with a notable triple-towered gatehouse, around an hour and 10 minutes’ drive away.
- Criccieth Castle: A native Welsh castle on a headland on the Llŷn Peninsula, around an hour’s drive from Beaumaris.
More Wales travel
Other Wales travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- How to get the best out of a visit to Pembroke Castle.
- Riding the Fforest Coaster in Betws-y-Coed: How to do it.
- Plan your visit to Chepstow Castle in Monmouthshire.
- Key information for visiting Monmouth Castle in South Wales.
- What to expect at Raglan Castle in Monmouthshire.
