Historic Beaumaris & Castle

Explore a 13th-century stronghold of Edward I, then take an independent stroll through an ancient town. You'll travel across the island of Anglesey to the enchanting small town of Beaumaris. The nearby Beaumaris Castle is an unfinished masterpiece – a member of the "iron ring" of North Wales castles built by the English monarch Edward I. Beaumaris is nonetheless an awesome sight, regarded by many as the finest of all the great Edwardian castles in Wales, the most perfect in terms of design. The stronghold stands at one end of Castle Street, inextricably linked with the history of the town. This was the beau marais (fair marsh) that Edward chose for a castle and garrison town. Imagine yourself as a 13th-century courtier as you cross the moat via the drawbridge and enter Beaumaris Castle for independent exploration. If you had ever felt you wanted to see a real castle, then Beaumaris is it. The town of Beaumaris, looking out across the Menai Strait to the mountains of Snowdonia on the North Wales mainland, was founded in 1296, after Edward I decided to build the castle here. The town became one of the most important ports in Wales – a center for farming, fishing, seafaring and piracy. During Victorian times, Beaumaris' economy shifted to tourism as the first steamships brought visitors to the town. A stroll through Beaumaris is a journey through history, complete with medieval fortifications, old inns, elegant Georgian and Victorian townhouses, churches and chapels.