Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd UNESCO World Heritage Site – Medieval Fortresses, Walled Towns, and Coastal Landscapes
Stone Walls, Estuaries, and Mountain Backdrops
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd form one of Wales’ most distinctive places for self-guided travel, shaped by walking routes, historic landscapes, and coastal towns set between the Irish Sea and the mountains of Eryri (Snowdonia). Paths along the Wales Coast Path, riverside tracks, and town walls link Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris, allowing walkers to move gradually between harbours, estuaries, beaches, and medieval streets rather than treating each castle as an isolated site.
Set across North Wales, the landscape shifts constantly between coast and upland. Tidal estuaries meet stone quays, long beaches stretch beneath headlands, and mountain ridges rise inland behind the towns. The fortresses themselves sit directly within this terrain — overlooking river crossings, coastal approaches, and natural harbours — revealing how closely defence, settlement, and geography were once connected.
Walking here feels layered and lived-in. Medieval walls frame everyday streets, coastal paths pass directly beneath towers, and wide views open toward sea and mountains at every turn. Exploring on foot makes it easy to understand the castles as part of a continuous landscape rather than standalone monuments.
About the UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 for their exceptional military architecture and state of preservation. Built in the late 13th century during the reign of Edward I, the fortresses represent one of the most complete and sophisticated systems of medieval castle design in Europe.
Beyond the castles themselves, the designation includes planned towns, defensive walls, gates, and quays that show how settlement and fortification developed together. Together they form a rare cultural landscape where streets, harbours, and fortresses remain largely intact.
Today, public paths and town routes allow visitors to explore these historic environments on foot while the sites continue to function as living communities.
Where to Walk
Wales Coast Path (Caernarfon to Conwy sections)
Coastal and estuary walking linking harbours, beaches, and castle towns with wide views across the Irish Sea.
Conwy Town Walls Circuit
A complete walk along the preserved medieval walls, overlooking rooftops, the estuary, and surrounding hills.
Harlech & Morfa Harlech Dunes
Paths between the clifftop fortress and expansive dunes and shoreline along Cardigan Bay.
Beaumaris & Menai Strait Walks
Gentle coastal routes beside the water with views toward Snowdonia and the mainland.
Highlights
- Four UNESCO-listed castles: Caernarfon, Conwy, Harlech, and Beaumaris
- Exceptionally preserved medieval town walls and gates
- Direct access to the Wales Coast Path
- Estuaries, beaches, and mountain backdrops within short walking distance
- Living historic towns rather than isolated monuments
- A rare combination of cultural heritage and open landscape