Deganwy Castle

Castle Medieval castle ruins overlooking Conwy Estuary

Perched above Conwy estuary, the medieval ruins of Deganwy Castle offer coastal views and layers of Welsh history; visitors climb the hill for panoramas and interpretive panels about the site’s strategic past.

Main image

Deganwy Castle is a ruined medieval fortification sited on a headland above the Conwy estuary at Deganwy in north Wales. The site consists mainly of earthworks with scattered masonry remains.

The headland provides a compact walking destination with views across the estuary to Conwy and the surrounding coastal plain and mountains. The site is approached by a short footpath from the village.

The location has a long history as a defended site used in the medieval period and was later occupied by Norman forces; the standing remains are limited and the site is best understood from its earthworks and viewpoint.

The castle stands at Deganwy on the south side of the Conwy estuary, opposite the town of Conwy and close to the coastal resorts of North Wales.

  • Access: Short walks from the village of Deganwy and the nearby railway station lead to the castle headland and viewpoint over the Conwy estuary.

What to See #

  • Motte and earthworks: A raised earthwork mound with remaining masonry traces marking the castle's defensive core, set on the headland above the estuary.
Deganwy Castle
53.2980, -3.8287

How to Get to Deganwy Castle #

Deganwy Castle sits above the village of Deganwy on the Conwy estuary. Take Transport for Wales trains to Deganwy station (services run from Llandudno Junction, Llandudno and Chester); from Deganwy station it is an uphill walk of about 10-15 minutes (roughly 600-900 m) to the castle ruins.

By car Deganwy is a short drive from Conwy (about 2-3 km) via the A547/A546; there is limited parking in the village and the final approach to the castle is on foot.

Tips for Visiting Deganwy Castle #

  • Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and far fewer people; the short climb from Deganwy railway station or the seafront promenade is quieter outside peak summer hours.
  • Approach on foot from Deganwy harbour/railway station rather than trying to find a road-top parking spot - the path up to the ruined motte is well signposted and saves time.
  • Don't rush past the summit: the site offers sweeping views across the Conwy estuary and Conwy Castle that many visitors miss because they only stop at the lower viewpoint.

Best Time to Visit Deganwy Castle #

Best visited late spring through early autumn for mild weather and coastal views, with shoulder months offering fewer crowds.

Late spring-summer
May-Sep · 10-20°C
Mild, generally dry weather ideal for exploring the castle ruins and coastal walks; busiest visitor period.
Shoulder seasons
Mar-May, Sep-Oct · 5-15°C
Fewer visitors and pleasant conditions for walks and photography; mornings and weekdays are especially quiet.
Winter
Nov-Feb · 2-10°C
Cooler and wetter; the site is open but expect rain and wind on exposed coastal sections.

Weather & Climate near Deganwy Castle #

Climate

Deganwy Castle's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (902 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 28 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
24°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

86 mm
Rainfall
6.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.9h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

64 mm
Rainfall
6.2 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.7h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

54 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
13.8h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

58 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
15°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

48 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
15.7h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
16.7h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 19°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.2
UV Index
High
16.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

66 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 19°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
14.6h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

62 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 17°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
4.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
12.5h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
14°
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.4h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (108 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

108 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
8.4h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

42 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.3h daylight

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