The castle was designed by Master James of Saint George, a master builder from Savoy.
Construction was abandoned in 1330 with many of the towers only built to half their intended height.
It features a 'gatehouse-within-a-gatehouse' design to trap attackers in a kill zone.
The castle includes a purpose-built dock that once allowed ships to unload supplies directly into the interior.
It contains the remains of a 14th-century chapel located within the upper floor of the gatehouse.
The project required the forced relocation of the entire existing village of Llanfaes to make room for the fortress.
Architecturally, it is considered one of the most perfectly symmetrical medieval layouts in Europe.
The site includes a complex network of wall passages, totaling over 300 individual arrow loops.
Beaumaris Castle is a concentric medieval fortification on the island of Anglesey, constructed by King Edward I starting in 1295. It was the last of the 'Iron Ring' of fortresses built to consolidate English rule in North Wales. The castle features a unique symmetrical layout with an inner ward protected by a massive outer curtain wall. Despite its strategic design, the castle was never fully completed due to funding shortages and the redirection of resources to conflicts in Scotland. A deep, water-filled moat originally surrounded the entire structure, allowing supply ships to sail directly to the castle's dock. The site is part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can access the wall walks and towers to view the surrounding Menai Strait. The structure demonstrates the pinnacle of 13th-century military engineering through its complex system of gatehouses and arrow slits.
From the south-east corner of the moat looking back toward the main gatehouse to capture the reflection in the water.
Walk the entire perimeter of the outer curtain wall to understand the defensive scale.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as some stone staircases are narrow and uneven.
Check the tide levels in the Menai Strait if you plan to visit the nearby waterfront area.
Attempting to climb the steep, unrailed stone staircases if you have mobility issues or a fear of heights.
May have restricted access during winter months; always check Cadw's official status for potential maintenance closures.
Do not climb on the unrestored stone masonry; follow all marked paths for safety.
