Gwrych Castle

Better known to visitors as the I’m a celebrity 2020/21 castle, Gwrych Castle and Estate is located in Abergele just 30 minute drive from The Beaches Hotel and Spa, Prestatyn.

Visit Gwrych Castle and Estate, Abergele

This 19th-century romantic Regency Style Castle was the brainchild of Lloyd Hesketh Bamford Hesketh and a labor of love for him for more than 40 years. He was largely his own architect but various names including Charles Augustus Busby, the elder Pugin, Thomas Rickman and others were associated with its construction and design. The foundation stone was laid in 1819 with a vision of converting the Y Fron House, the ancestral home to Bamford Hesketh’s Welsh Mother.

What started out as a conversion evolved over the years as Bamford Hesketh became inspired first by his Grand Tour of France and Italy and then by the popular English Gothic style. He estate design was even influenced by his brother-in-law’s Downhill estate in Northern Ireland.

Today the ruins include 1,500ft long battlemented walls, striking turrets and towers and the beautifully terraced gardens. Look out for Hesketh Tower, the tallest at 100ft and the trees that were planted around the towers to add natural grandeur! The estate is 250 acres of buildings and gardens and has its own fascinating history. During World War II it was home to house 200 Jewish refugees.

The Gwyrch Castle Preservation Trust, which owns and runs the estate, also offers nighttime ghost hunts, and cream teas and runs various other events throughout the season.

I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here

Gwrych Castle Abergene is being used for filming for popular ITV reality show “I’m a celebrity get me out of here” during lockdowns in the winters of 2020 and 2021. The castle is now open to the general public.

Gwrych Castle is a dramatic visitor attraction and is just a 20-minute drive from The Beaches Hotel and Spa. Fans of I’m Celeb are welcome at the Castle for tours.  North Wales is known for its beautiful castles with their rich history. Take a look at some of the castles you can currently visit, all within driving distance to The Beaches Hotel and Spa. In 2020 and 2021, I’m A Celeb started with the celebrities traveling on the Pen-y-Pass road in Llanberis, in the shadow of the beautiful Mount Snowdon or as it is known locally Yr Wyddfa.

Some of the celebrities who stayed at the castle for the show include Louise Minchin, music producer Naughty Boy, radio DJ Snoochie Shy and Emmerdale star Danny Miller were taken to Cefn Castell in Cardigan Bay Anglesey, whilst Matty Lee, Arlene Phillips, Paralympic Gold Medalist Kadeena Cox and Football Legend David Ginola were taken to Mostyn Hall, a beautiful grade 1 listed building in Flintshire, North Wales.

Facilities and Access

• Free parking and parking for coaches.
• We are dog friendly (on leads).
• Toilets on site.

Accessibility
No public access to the Main Building due to its ruinous state. Not currently suitable for wheelchairs or prams.

Opening times (Within Season)
10:00am – 5:00pm each day with last admission at 4:00pm

Admission Prices
£10 for adults
£5 for children
£30 for a family ticket – 2 adults & 3 children

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