We begin our journey with two remarkable castles that are the quintessential examples of medieval power and architectural genius - Conwy Castle and Caerphilly Castle.

Conwy Castle, located in the picturesque seaside town of the same name, is a true jewel among Welsh fortresses. Built between 1283 and 1289 on the orders of King Edward I, it is a fine example of medieval defensive architecture. With its imposing eight towers and massive walls, Conwy Castle still impresses today with its monumentality. Walking along the defensive walls, we can not only admire the stunning panorama of the city and the coast, but also feel the spirit of history hovering over the place.

Visitors to Conwy Castle praise its excellent state of preservation and the opportunity to explore the numerous towers and passages. As one tourist recalls: 'A small coastal town of Conwy; castle ruins open to the public, plenty of towers to climb, admiring the town and the coastal panorama.' It is worth noting that the cost of admission to the castle is about £11 for an adult, a moderate price for such a unique experience.

Our next destination is the impressive Caerphilly Castle, the largest fortress in Wales, covering as much as 12 hectares of land. Built in the 13th century, this castle is a masterpiece of military engineering, surrounded by an extensive system of water fortifications. What sets Caerphilly Castle apart is its massive defensive walls and unique double drawbridges.

Caerphilly Castle offers many attractions for visitors of all ages. As one visitor notes: 'A very nicely located, picturesque castle, actually castle ruins. [...] I recommend the largest fortress in Wales to everyone'. An entrance ticket costs about £9 per adult, making it slightly cheaper than Conwy Castle.

Both castles, Conwy and Caerphilly, offer fascinating educational experiences. At Conwy, we can admire medieval defensive architecture in its purest form, while Caerphilly impresses with its size and advanced fortifications for its time. Both sites are excellent destinations for families with children, offering space for exploration and learning through play.

Comparing the two castles, it's worth noting that Conwy has a more picturesque location by the sea, which adds to its charm, especially for photography enthusiasts. Caerphilly, on the other hand, impresses with its size and advanced fortifications, which may be of particular interest to military history enthusiasts. Regardless of your choice, both castles guarantee an unforgettable experience and a journey into the fascinating history of medieval Wales.

Continuing our tour of Wales' finest castles, we move on to two royal residences that are not only stunning in their architecture, but also played a key role in the history of Wales and Britain as a whole - Cardiff Castle and Caernarfon Castle.

Cardiff Castle, located in the heart of the Welsh capital, is a fascinating combination of medieval fortress and Victorian palace. Its history dates back to Roman times, but the current structure was largely shaped in the 19th century. What sets Cardiff Castle apart is its wealth of architectural styles and beautifully maintained interiors.

Visitors to Cardiff Castle are impressed by its diversity. As one tourist notes: 'A must-see when visiting Cardiff. Very picturesque place, beautiful view from the castle extending to a huge park, which you must also visit. The most beautiful, for me, was the library, which is located in the oldest part of the Castle'. The castle offers not only the opportunity to visit the historic chambers, but also to walk through the beautiful gardens.

Ticket prices for Cardiff Castle are moderate, making it accessible to families. It is worth noting that an audio guide is available to help you better understand the history and significance of the different parts of the castle.

Moving to the north of Wales, we arrive at the majestic Caernarfon Castle. This massive fortress, built by King Edward I in the 13th century, is not only a masterpiece of medieval military architecture, but also a symbol of English domination in Wales. Caernarfon Castle is famous for its distinctive polygonal towers and imposing ramparts.

Visitors to Caernarfon Castle are impressed by its size and state of preservation. One visitor describes: 'A large and well-preserved structure. A powerful and 'austere' castle open to the public. [...] Amazing views while walking along the fortification walls completely free. The castle offers not only the opportunity to explore the walls and towers, but also an interesting museum that takes a look at the history of the region.

Ticket prices for Caernarfon Castle are similar to other castles in the region, hovering around £11 per adult. It is worth noting that the castle is part of a complex of castles and city walls listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Comparing the two castles, we can see that Cardiff Castle offers a more diverse experience, combining medieval elements with Victorian splendor. It is an ideal place for those who are interested not only in military history, but also in the life of the aristocracy in different eras. Caernarfon Castle, on the other hand, is the quintessential medieval fortress, offering a more austere but highly authentic historical experience.

Both castles are perfectly suited for family visits. Cardiff Castle offers more activities for the little ones, including interactive exhibitions and workshops. Caernarfon Castle, on the other hand, may be of more interest to older children and teens fascinated by military history and medieval fortifications.

Whichever you choose, both Cardiff Castle and Caernarfon Castle offer an unforgettable experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in Wales' rich history and feel the atmosphere of centuries past. Each of these castles has its own unique atmosphere and story worth exploring during a visit to Wales.

At the end of our fascinating journey through Wales' finest castles, we move to the picturesque south coast, where a true gem of medieval architecture awaits - Pembroke Castle. This majestic castle, perched on a rocky promontory above the Pembroke River, is not only one of the best-preserved Norman castles in Britain, but also the birthplace of one of the most influential dynasties in English history.

Originally built in 1093, Pembroke Castle has survived the turbulent centuries of Welsh history, witnessing many significant events. Its most famous moment was the birth here in 1457 of Henry Tudor, the future King Henry VII of England, founder of the Tudor dynasty. This historical connection makes Pembroke Castle a unique place on the map of British landmarks.

Visitors to Pembroke Castle are extremely impressed by its size and state of preservation. As one tourist notes: 'A beautiful place with the story of Henry VII's birth. Highly recommended to castle lovers.' Another visitor adds, 'A nice place for a picnic. You can go boating or kayaking around the castle.' These reviews show that Pembroke Castle offers not only a history lesson, but also a chance to be active in beautiful surroundings.

The castle is famous for its impressive cylindrical Great Tower, which dominates the surrounding area. Inside the castle, you can visit numerous chambers, including the room where Henry Tudor was probably born. Of particular interest is the natural cave beneath the castle, which can be explored, adding an element of adventure to the visit.

Ticket prices for Pembroke Castle are affordable, hovering around £7 per adult, making it one of the more affordable castles in our list. The castle is open year-round, offering a variety of events and exhibitions that explore its rich history.

When comparing Pembroke Castle to the castles previously discussed, it is worth noting its unique location and connection to the Tudor dynasty. While Conwy and Caernarfon Castles impress with their fortifications, and Cardiff Castle combines medieval and Victorian elements, Pembroke Castle offers the most comprehensive experience of Norman castle architecture.

Pembroke Castle is particularly attractive to families with children. In addition to the standard tour, the castle offers a range of interactive exhibitions and educational events. As one visitor notes: 'The castle's website offers lots of interesting facts and activity books for kids to print. This makes a visit to Pembroke Castle can be not only fascinating, but also educational for the little ones.

As we conclude our tour of five of Wales' most fascinating castles, it's impossible not to appreciate the historical and architectural wealth the region has to offer. Each of the castles discussed - Conwy, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Caernarfon and Pembroke - has its own unique history and character. From the massive fortifications of Conwy and Caernarfon, to the royal chambers of Cardiff, to the Norman walls of Pembroke, each of these castles offers an unforgettable experience and takes you back in time to the fascinating medieval era.

Whether you're passionate about history, architecture or simply looking for unusual places to visit with your family, Welsh castles are sure to meet your expectations. Not only do they offer a history lesson, but also breathtaking views, fascinating legends and the opportunity to get active. A visit to these castles is a journey through centuries of Welsh history that will long be remembered by any visitor.