For history and architecture enthusiasts, a visit to the Welsh countryside is the dream of a lifetime. Even those who have visited the United Kingdom before are struck by the difference between the other countries and this one. First of all, there are more castles here per square mile than anywhere else on earth. More than a hundred of them are open to the public. If time is limited, visitors will have to pick and choose as they tour Wales castles.
Anyone who does research before beginning their visit, will already know that Welsh castles are built in what is generally known as the Edwardian style, because many of them date back to the reign of Edward I. These types of structures have walls that ring the interior and multiple towers and turrets. They are more reminiscent of castles seen in movies and famous theme parks, than the motte and bailey design of many ancient fortifications found throughout the United Kingdom.
If you are interested in seeing a castle that looks like the home of Sleeping Beauty, you should definitely plan a visit to Hensol Castle. It is not the oldest fortification in this country, having been built in the eighteen hundreds. It began operating as a mental hospital in the early part of the twentieth century and continued in that vein until 2003. Films and television shows have been filmed here.
The Earl of March had Chirk Castle erected to guard against enemies attempting to enter Ceiroig Valley. It has been in existence since 1295. Today visitors are encouraged take guided tour and stroll through the state rooms and climb the steps leading to towers. The dungeons are also available for viewing. The yew hedges, rock gardens, and terraces located in its expansive garden should not be missed.
Cardiff is the country's capital, and Cardiff Castle is one of its main attractions. It is part Victorian architecture and part Greek Revival. It has been the site of several rock concerts and sold out performances by artists like Tom Jones.
Bodelwyddan Castle, part of which currently operates as a hotel, was originally erected in the mid fourteen hundreds. It was used as a place for wounded soldiers to recuperate after the First World War. It has also been used as a private girls school. In the 1980s it was refurbished so that it could house art collections owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.
One example of Edward I's motte and bailey reconstruction efforts is Caernarfon Castle located in Gwynedd. It once served as the center of administration for north Wales. This castle was the location of the Prince of Wales investiture.
Touring these castles and getting to know something about their history is a wonderful way to spend a vacation in the United Kingdom. Touring the grounds and interiors is a special experience. It is not difficult to imagine the men and women who inhabited them.
Anyone who does research before beginning their visit, will already know that Welsh castles are built in what is generally known as the Edwardian style, because many of them date back to the reign of Edward I. These types of structures have walls that ring the interior and multiple towers and turrets. They are more reminiscent of castles seen in movies and famous theme parks, than the motte and bailey design of many ancient fortifications found throughout the United Kingdom.
If you are interested in seeing a castle that looks like the home of Sleeping Beauty, you should definitely plan a visit to Hensol Castle. It is not the oldest fortification in this country, having been built in the eighteen hundreds. It began operating as a mental hospital in the early part of the twentieth century and continued in that vein until 2003. Films and television shows have been filmed here.
The Earl of March had Chirk Castle erected to guard against enemies attempting to enter Ceiroig Valley. It has been in existence since 1295. Today visitors are encouraged take guided tour and stroll through the state rooms and climb the steps leading to towers. The dungeons are also available for viewing. The yew hedges, rock gardens, and terraces located in its expansive garden should not be missed.
Cardiff is the country's capital, and Cardiff Castle is one of its main attractions. It is part Victorian architecture and part Greek Revival. It has been the site of several rock concerts and sold out performances by artists like Tom Jones.
Bodelwyddan Castle, part of which currently operates as a hotel, was originally erected in the mid fourteen hundreds. It was used as a place for wounded soldiers to recuperate after the First World War. It has also been used as a private girls school. In the 1980s it was refurbished so that it could house art collections owned by the National Portrait Gallery and the Royal Academy of Arts.
One example of Edward I's motte and bailey reconstruction efforts is Caernarfon Castle located in Gwynedd. It once served as the center of administration for north Wales. This castle was the location of the Prince of Wales investiture.
Touring these castles and getting to know something about their history is a wonderful way to spend a vacation in the United Kingdom. Touring the grounds and interiors is a special experience. It is not difficult to imagine the men and women who inhabited them.
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