Flint is a small, functional town in North East Wales.
Thousands of tourists pass through every year on their way to places such as Prestatyn and Rhyl. Few will be aware of the stunning Flint Castle, hidden from view as they pass through Flint. Join me for a tour along with some fascination facts about the history of this abandoned castle.
Very much worth visiting, it’s outstanding features include the recently installed spiral staircase to a lofty viewing platform with stunning, expansive views along the Dee estuary and the town of Flint. The donjon is a feature unique to castles in the UK.
The castle was commissioned by King Edward I of England. It was the first fortification in his “ring of iron” which was intended to control and subdue the Welsh.
The castle was slighted after the English Civil War, on the instructions of Oliver Cromwell.
The ruins which we see today are little changed for almost 400 years.
| Useful Information | |
| Location | CH6 5PE |
| Nearest Bus Stop | The Ship Hotel – if travelling from Rhyl
McDonalds – if travelling from Chester |
| Nearest Train Station | Flint |
| Nearest Car Parking | CH6 5PH |
| Open Times | The grounds within the castle are closed and locked during all hours of darkness. A kind volunteer unlocks the gates early-ish during the morning and locks the gates sometime around tea time or dusk, whichever is earliest. Flint Castle is usually opened throughout the year, including the quiet winter months. |
| WC | None, but there are restaurants, inns and shops nearby in Flint which may allow customers to use their WCs. |
| Souvenir / Gift Shop | None, but there are shops nearby in Flint. |
| Food & Refreshments | None, but there are often independent “butty vans” nearby and Flint has a great selection of chippies, cafes, bakeries and fast food places. |
| Notes | This superb castle is perhaps a little tricky to find if you are not familiar with the local area. It is NOT visible from the main road (A548) through the centre of Flint. If you take the time to look out for this castle, your time will be rewarded. |
| Official website link | CADW |
