Castell Dinas Brân image

Castell Dinas Brân

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Monument

One of the Best Places To Visits in Llangollen


Address

Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales LL20 8D, United Kingdom

Website

www.llangollen.info

Rating on Google Maps

4.80 (1K reviews)

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Working Hours

  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: (Christmas Eve), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Monday: (Christmas Day), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Tuesday: (Boxing Day), Open 24 hours, Hours might differ
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: views (54) walk (45) worth (30) steep (22) climb (22) castle (19) Llangollen (18) beautiful (16) ruins (16) hill (15)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 James T. 2 years ago on Google
    Was a great hike. We decided to start from down in the town and walk up Wern rd to take you up to the other side. The road can be steep but it had good traction. The only difficulty bit was the last 5% of the climb due to the wet grass as it had just been raining. The views we well worth it! Climbing down the opposite side brought us straight down to where we started and made for a non-repeated trail.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel F. 3 years ago on Google
    Incredible views, 45/50 minute walk-up from the town centre or can drive most the way with a little 5/10 minute walk. Well worth it! Would recommend taking a little picnic too 🧺😋
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jenanime4eva 10 months ago on Google
    Absolutely stunning views of Llangollen and Pontcysyllte Aqueduct once you get to the top. Most people wore hiking shoes and had walking poles, but I managed in a dress and sandals (inappropriate walking shoes FTW! 😋) so hiking to the top was not too challenging. There are a few spots for parking along Panorama Walk where you can reach Castell Dinas Brân in around 15 minutes. Great place for a short visit and beautiful scenery! 😍
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roger S. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited and climbed to the Castle on 2nd June having never been before. We walked along the canal and up the long way rather than the shorter, very steep route up from the town!! We climbed down that way and got down very quickly. Some fabulous views - it was sunny when we started, but a bit overcast when we got to the top. Took us just over 4 hours to walk 5.34 miles. Make sure you’re equipped with drinks and nibbles if you take the long walk round.
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 High M. 1 year ago on Google
    If you walk up from the panorama it's short but very steep. There is enough parking on the verge for a few cars but this is usually full on a nice day. There is not much left of the castle, it's now just a small ruin but the views are more than worth the effort of getting up to the top. You can see for miles on a clear day.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam R. 9 months ago on Google
    One of the most amazing places I’ve ever visited, a beautiful mix of castle ruins and views across the valleys. It’s tricky to get to (google maps indicates you should drive to the middle of a tiny road with no parking- instead take a look at the map and try to find roadside parking near one of the two paths up) and the route up is not for the faint of heart, but make it and you’ll be well rewarded.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Julie B. 9 months ago on Google
    We followed Google to get there via Llangollen up a very steep narrow road. You need to keep an eye out for cars. Take breathers as when I say steep it is. You follow road and keep going until you reach the entrance gate on the left well past the farm. Parking looked difficult as there was no real spots to do so. Once through gate it was more up hill, armies were obviously fitter in those days. There was sheep around the path is laid in front with steps. Keep going, the views are worth it.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy 1 year ago on Google
    Walked up one Friday evening, and it’s a proper walk because of the rate of ascent from Llangollen. Make sure you’ve got some water and, unless you’re very fit, take a few breaks too. Even from partway up the views are unreal, but from the top just wow!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Glyn C. 8 months ago on Google
    You need to go up to this ruined castle for the atmosphere and the view. Not a long walk but steep would recommend decent boots or shoes with grips as it can be slippy. Great views into Llangollen and down the valley to Froncysyllte. Get out your torch and do a night walk it's worth it.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Caitlin C. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely gorgeous place. Steep climb to get to the top but the views are stunning! There is a flatter walk from the road to the gate entrance which goes through a sheep field so keep dogs on lead. The ruins are really fascinating and sturdy. A great place to challenge yourself and family to enjoy!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Daniel C. 1 year ago on Google
    Amazing it’s still there. What a nice view from around the top. Thanks best to walk from the town as Rd is super thin with very few passing areas
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Iulian T. 4 years ago on Google
    This hill was the highlight of our weekend trip, lovely views and nice walk, not too strenuous, not too boring. The ruins are very photogenic and are worth the effort, we had a nice sunny day but I’d be curious to go also on a misty day, I’m sure the vibe would be completely different.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lauren 2 years ago on Google
    Really really beautiful, we went about half an hour before sunset and stayed until dark. I'd recommend parking along the panorama walk road, its a steep climb up to the top (and VERY muddy!) but its a lot shorter than any other car park I could see.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natália 1 year ago on Google
    A very short walk to the ruins of the castle. It’s a shame to read that the castle lasted only under 2 decades as the scathes show it was a lovely and pretty large structure. The surrounding is very tranquil, any type of walk possible, all sounds of the nature can be heard …..
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stuart H. 1 year ago on Google
    Great little climb that gets the heart rate raised. Takes around 30/45 minutes depending on fitness. Fantastic ruins, take a flask with coffee/tea a sandwich and enjoy the tranquility.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitsh'au'nuruodo 2 years ago on Google
    Castell Dinas Brân is definitely one of the very best free-to-visit castle ruins you'll find in Wales, if not anywhere! It's got so much character, with a lot left in tact, some fascinating folk lore behind the ruin and it's name, and it's at the top of a really pleasant hill to walk up; with excellent views all around! If you're wanting to extend your day out, and have already visited (or plan to also visit) Llangollen - which is beautiful in and of itself - consider also stopping off to see Valle Crucis Abbey, and consider taking a lovely, long walk along the Llangollen canal. Parking is very tricky, so I recommend you find somewhere less central before you set off.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Peter C. 1 year ago on Google
    Well worth the visit if you can. There are a few ways you can approach it from the base of the hill. A bit of a steep climb but the views are spectacular from the top 👌
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bill P. 2 years ago on Google
    Simply gorgeous place to visit in Wales with gorgeous views and interesting rock formations. An easy short hike from the road although steep in places but well worth the short climb.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Michael B. 2 years ago on Google
    I love our history. Having asthma, the climb up made me puff a bit. But there's no rush. Stop every now and then and enjoy the views. Beautiful up there especially if the weather is good.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kieran A. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely trail. Downloaded a walking app that gave a 5k trail to walk both sides of the hill. The path on the way up takes moderate effort and very steep in places but saw some elderly couples navigate without too much trouble. I'm a big lad, so the way down was more strenuous as had to fight the will to roll down! Great views and plenty of benches and shaded areas on the way up.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tamsin H. 2 years ago on Google
    Tough steep hike up but a quick one for a breathtaking view. Great to see the history behind the ruins and a comparison to show where you're standing on the picture that is on the rocks. Well worth a visit!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maxine H. 1 year ago on Google
    Parked up on a layby on the Panorama Walk /Road after driving up a very narrow (single) lane from Llangollen. Thought we had taken a wrong turn to start with but had no choice but to proceed until we came up to the T junction with a layby to the left. Field was steep and very muddy at one point (field/walkway us shared with the local sheep) the walk up hill is not for the faint hearted nor is it disable friendly with some very steep steps. As expected its very windy up at the top but the 360° views are well worth the climb. Seems to be some maintenance work on one area as it has a affording around it at the moment - this has no effect on visiting the area. Free to visit, would love to try this again for a picnic on a warm summers day. No toilets are available here or close by.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simon R. 1 year ago on Google
    Lovely little climb parked up on Panorama Walk. Stunning views from the top, beautiful ruins.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chris K. 11 months ago on Google
    Nice steep walk for tremendous 360 views. Wish I’d brought a kite to fly!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Abhishek A. 9 months ago on Google
    Beware..! Your Driving skills are tested on route to this destination. Route map doesn't show exact stop point for destination but reach the place under Rocky cliff three road junction and park there.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Robert T. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenic views and great hiking destination for a spot of lunch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Natasha H. 2 years ago on Google
    A pretty steep climb on foot, but manageable without too much exertion (we stopped by at the end of the day so didn't have the best footwear but it was still possible). We went just before sunset and the views were beautiful and the castle ruins were interesting. Lots of space on the plateau at the top to take a rest and enjoy the views without getting in the way of others. You can drive up the most part of the hill from down in Llangollen and find a safe place to park at quieter times.

  • 5/5 George D. 5 months ago on Google
    Steep climb to the top, in rainy weather the stones and ground are very slippy Views from the top are class of Llangollen and neighbouring mountains Worth making time to do 'worlds end' too

  • 5/5 Sara W. 3 years ago on Google
    I have known and visited this castle all of my life. Known locally as crow castle. Home of the welsh king who had his head buried on the site of the Tower of London saying that as long as his head remained in place our country would not be defeated and the rest is sad history..... so.ravens at the tower come from welsh history. I loved its old charm which had been diminished by footpaths etc such a shame.

  • 5/5 Miss L. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views from the top. It's quite a steep hike in parts although there are benches for you to have a rest, we certainly made the most of these on the way up.

  • 5/5 bigg r. 6 months ago on Google
    A tight single car road leading up to an open area to park your car. No sign posts. A Short steep walk up a well directed trail and well worth it for the views.

  • 5/5 Chloe D. 5 months ago on Google
    Great for a short afternoon walk. We parked in Llangollen and walked up from there, took about 2 hours. Very quiet, beautiful views. You don't need more than a few hours to visit here, but well worth the walk to the top. It's quite steep up the hill, and muddy if it rains so good walking shoes are required.

  • 5/5 Nick M. 7 months ago on Google
    Great walk approx 500ft up, some steel hills but beautiful views, lovely photo opportunities over Llangollen and all the way past the aquaduct and rolling hills, really enjoyed the walk up and walk around the ruins

  • 5/5 julie C. 2 years ago on Google
    It's a really steep walk up the hill side but well worth it interesting history and fantastic views from the top.

  • 5/5 Jeff L. 2 years ago on Google
    Llangollen and Dinas Bran beautiful place fantastic view of surrounding countryside bit of a climb to castle but well worth it.

  • 5/5 Katy 7 months ago on Google
    It’s a lovely hike! Beautiful scenery!!! It’s short but somewhat challenging. Worth every step!

  • 5/5 Rebecca 8 months ago on Google
    Hard walk - steep and not smooth terrain. Great to see and worth the walk up. We went on a very cloudy day so didn't get the great views but still recommended.

  • 5/5 Alice R. 8 months ago on Google
    Great climb up to the top with beautiful views all around amongst the castle ruins. You can see the aqueduct in the distance and Llangollen below. It's a steep-ish climb but not very long if you start from the "parking area" on Panorama Walk, highly recommend.

  • 5/5 Harry D. 8 months ago on Google
    Amazing castle ruins. Parking isn't easy in Llangollen, but we went by wharf hill and followed signs to castell dinas. Some parts were quite muddy but worth it

  • 5/5 Zakir M. 8 months ago on Google
    Bit of a trek but wonderful when there. I'd recommend parking closer and not in town h less you fancy a mega walk

  • 5/5 Em's 2 years ago on Google
    If you drive along the road you can park by Trevor Quarry then walk back. You have to walk back to the lane with the cattle grid. Walk along there and you will find the gate then will get you into the field with the sheep and the path up to the Castell. It is a climb but well worth it for the views and the Castell Dinas Bran itself. Plus if you go in Spring and Autumn you can see the lambs. A lovely day out, take sandwiches and snacks and you are sorted for the morning or day. A wonderful place to walk around. If you are feeling more energetic you can then go back and walk Trevor Quarry or even climb it !

  • 5/5 jonny n. 1 year ago on Google
    Awesome ruins. Under safety construction at present December 2022. Cracking views.

  • 5/5 Alan E. 11 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful place to visit, I will definitely be going again, according to myths and legends the castle belonged to gwynaever’s father and it’s said she may have died here

  • 5/5 Ryan S. 10 months ago on Google
    Steep hill well worth it! Amazing views and nice bit of history

  • 5/5 Keith J. 3 years ago on Google
    Superb views

  • 5/5 Evelina Z. 3 years ago on Google
    Such a beautiful place!

  • 5/5 Gary C. 3 years ago on Google
    Its my home from home, been going there for 35 years, it never changes, trees stay the same the place is the same, its my retreat, the locals are amazing & farmer Mark & his wife are amazing.

  • 5/5 Adam W. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice walk lovely views

  • 5/5 Imogen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great views at the top, hell of a hill

  • 4/5 Tom S. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice little surprise with some stunning views

  • 5/5 Chris L. 3 years ago on Google
    Steep climb but well worth it when you are at the top, the views are tremendous. Not a lot of the original castle remains, but use your imagination!

  • 5/5 Andrew A. 3 years ago on Google
    Wales, castles, dragons!

  • 2/5 Phillip C. 3 years ago on Google
    Basic pub food with a long wait for drinks, food and the bill, it looked like the staff were struggling with the covid regulations probably short staffing issues, although the place was quite empty. Customers walked out after waiting too long

  • 5/5 matt w. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place, easy enough route up from Llangollen so suitable for children and people of all abilities.

  • 5/5 Billy L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice easy walk. Good views. Parking is limited.

  • 5/5 A J. 3 years ago on Google
    What a beautiful, atmospheric, peaceful place, even on a drizzly, dreary day.

  • 5/5 Jon C. 3 years ago on Google
    Windswept and wild and...... empty. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Craig U. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful piece of country. Amazing scenic landscape. So clean and tidy

  • 5/5 miroslaw j. 3 years ago on Google
    Magic place. Once a year I need to visit this place, it is stronger than me😁

  • 5/5 Kieran W. 3 years ago on Google
    Great view, bit of a hill to walk up but definitely well worth it.

  • 5/5 Shann M. 5 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views it's pretty cool place I found it peaceful

  • 5/5 Phil A. 3 years ago on Google
    Must visit place, both for the epic steep climb to reach the top and the panoramic views.

  • 5/5 Tim B. 5 years ago on Google
    Amazing little runined castle. Great views to be had here. Lovely walk up from the town or the close by road. Small amount of parking near by but don't upset the farmers! 😁

  • 5/5 Priest Abnormal Load S. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Ruins and fantastic views well worth the trip

  • 5/5 Tim T. 3 years ago on Google
    Epic views.

  • 5/5 Amy H. 3 years ago on Google
    The most breath taking views are an excellent reward for the uphill climb. Lots of walks surrounding it. Lots of good places to have a picnic with a view. Not a great place to park and the lanes are very narrow so take it slow as we were nearly hit by someone going too fast from the opposite direction. Possibly best to park in Llangollen and hike longer from there. It's worth it.

  • 5/5 Sarah W. 3 years ago on Google
    Stunning view you can see for miles, the castle remains are beautiful. No too steap but definitely a nice walk.

  • 5/5 Peter C. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Warren S. 3 years ago on Google
    The harder walk up and limited parking deters people from coming up to the top so it's quieter than you might expect. The free entry is great!

  • 4/5 Chris G. 3 years ago on Google
    Long wald up but the views stunning

  • 5/5 Jerry H. 3 years ago on Google
    So worth the climb!

  • 5/5 Jaz P. 3 years ago on Google
    We stayed at the nearby Llantysillio Hall. A walk to Castell Dinas Bran on Google Maps shows 1 hoiur. It is easily more like 1.5 hours without stopping but a worthwhile walk. Google takes you via the road and then you back up onto yourself on the fields via a path. There was a much quicker route which we took on the way down but the views are quite spectacular once you reach the peak. It's quite a nice easy walk - We got talking to locals who run up the hills and then run back down.

  • 5/5 Richard T. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a hike, but the views are fantastic both on tge way and at the top. Totally worth logging the miles.

  • 5/5 Brian 3 years ago on Google
    Another beautiful place in Wales and what a good workout getting up that hill

  • 5/5 Jessica O. 3 years ago on Google
    A big steep walk but worth the view and the ruins

  • 5/5 Geoff B. 3 years ago on Google
    View from top well worth the climb.

  • 5/5 Robert C. 3 years ago on Google
    Spectacular views and not too much of a hike despite the height. Best route is along the canal and up through the lanes, then back down the more popular route to get back to Llangollen.

  • 5/5 Tom K. 3 years ago on Google
    The 40 minute climb is well worth it. The views from the top are outstanding. The ruins provide an excellent backdrop for your photos. Take a drink with you so that you can sit and take in the scenery.

  • 5/5 Dean V. 3 years ago on Google
    Abit of a hike, but views made up for it

  • 5/5 Ben G. 3 years ago on Google
    Walked up from Llangollen on a lovely sunny day. A bit breezy at the top but good views in all directions. Various bits of stonework still standing. A good 90 minutes spent walking and taking in views at the top.

  • 5/5 Lee B. 3 years ago on Google
    Great views, not much of the castle left

  • 5/5 Yujie R. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The castle ruins are located on a small hill near the small town of LLangollen. 30 minutes of walking alone is enough to make you breathe. The remaining city walls of the castle allow you to capture eye-catching photos from many angles. You can look down on the beautiful countryside and fields around 360 degrees without dead angles along the city walls. The mountains sometimes experience several seasons of weather in a day, so it is really worth seeing. (Original) 城堡遗址位于LLangollen 小镇附近一个小山头上。30分钟的独步路程,足以让你喘气。城堡残留城墙,可让你从很多角度抓拍夺人眼球的照片,沿着城墙360度无死角俯视周围美丽乡村田野,山上一天有时会经历几个季节的气候,真值得去看。

  • 5/5 Ankur J. 3 years ago on Google
    Awesome views all around, wear hiking shoes for comfortable walk up to the top and layer of clothing to deal with the unpredictable weather.

  • 5/5 Jenny S. 3 years ago on Google
    A very energetic walk to get to the top but well worth the view at the top. Beautiful clean place well worth visiting ☺


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Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✗ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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