lifestyle


The weird and wonderful outdoors


This summer, get out and about among some weird, wild and wonderful places all over Wales and its surrounding areas. Hannah Collins and Emma Way have all the deets across this bumper guide!


Unique and unusual ruins to discover


CASTELL COCH


Also known as the Fairy Castle, Castell Coch is architect William Burges’ ode to the medieval era: each room lovingly transformed into a highly-detailed facsimile of its 13th-century origins for the Marquees of Bute. Its rounded turrets poking out of Fforest Fawr have a real Disney-esque charm.


Tongwynlais, Cardiff. Open: daily, 9.30am-6pm (July + Aug); until 5pm (Sept-Oct). Info: cadw. gov.wales


BEAUMARIS


Beaumaris was supposed to be Edward I’s greatest architectural achievement… until he ran out of money to finish it. Still, what did end up getting done before


it was abandoned around 1320 is an incredible – and huge – symmetrical fortress, four walled rings strong boasting 300 arrow loops.


Beaumaris, Anglesey. Open: daily, 9.30am-6pm (July + Aug); until 5pm (Sep + Oct). Info:


cadw.gov.wales


CASTELL Y BERE Situated in the Dysynni Valley, Castell Y Bere is not the easiest on this list to get to - but your intrepid efforts will be rewarded with a pretty breathtaking sight. Built by Llywelyn the Great between 1221- 94 to guard Gwynedd, the remote fort is also famous for its state-of- the-art design.


Llanfihangel y Pennant, north-east of Tywyn. Open: daily, 9.30am-4pm. Info: cadw.gov. wales


DOLWYDDELAN Another Llywelyn the Great


Snowdonian dramatically mountains. Before


monument and another castle given a modern medieval makeover, stands


Dolwyddelan against


Lord Willoughby de Eresby got his hands on it, Edward I nabbed it as a winter base – even dressing his soldiers in white to blend in.


Dolwyddelan, Blaenau Ffestiniog. Open: daily, 9.30am- 4pm (external viewing only). Info: cadw.gov.wales


DIN LLIGWY


Of many Roman ruins dotted around Wales, Din Lligwy is, unintentionally, also one of the most atmospheric. At the


parysmountain.co.uk


LEICESTER’S CHURCH What was supposed to be the best Protestant church in Britain post- Reformation stands in ruins in Denbigh. The Baron of the area, which it’s named after, wasn’t widely liked and couldn’t muster up the cash for completion, though he might be pleased to know it’s now a Grade I listed building.


Britons were living there, around the third and fourth centuries, the trees that surround it weren’t there. Now, its seclusion and ring of stone foundations make it a little eerie.


time


Near Moelfre, Anglesey. Open: daily, 9.30am-4pm. Info:


cadw.gov.wales the


DOLBADARN Dolbadarn’s 50-foot tower is all that remains of this Llywelyn the Great stronghold, making for a very striking view against the lake and hills of Llanberis. So striking, in fact, it’s captured the imagination of artists over the years, from Turner to William Miller.


South-east of Llanberis, Gwynedd. Open: daily, 10am- 4pm. Info: cadw.gov.wales


PARYS MOUNTAIN At first glance, the valleys of


Parys Mountain could easily be mistaken for something out of Dune. It’s actually an old open copper mine used since the Bronze Age (including to fortify Nelson’s ships), which left the earth reddish and barren. Parys Underground Group now conduct tours through it.


South of Amlwch, Anglesey. To arrange a tour, visit


42


Bull Lane, Denbigh. Open: daily. Info: cadw.gov.wales


WOGAN’S CAVERN Pembroke Castle is impressive


enough alone to warrant a visit, but the secret cavern underneath – used by cavemen, Romans and British kings alike – is something special. With steps that’re apparently tricky to count, it’s now home to a colony of bats.


Pembroke Castle, Pembrokeshire. Open: daily, 9.30am-5pm (Apr-Aug); 10am-5pm (Sept-Oct). Tickets:


£6-£9.35 (under-3s FREE). Info: pembrokecastle.co.uk


WINIFRED’S WELL Still an active pilgrimage site


to this day, the cleansing waters of Winifred’s Well have a dark history: the Winifred in question was beheaded by a male pursuer, causing a spring to appear where her head landed. Rumoured healing properties led to a medieval chapel being erected around it.


Plessington House, Holywell. Open: Weekends, 9 am-5 pm. Admission: 40p-£1.75. Info: stwinefredeswell.org.uk


HANNAH COLLINS


Castell Y Bere © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2022) Cymru Wales


Parys Mountain - DronePics.Wales


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