Flint Castle - Castell Y Fflint

Five star ruins with one small issue. Flint castle is the first of Edwards castles built to suppress the Welsh and taking a look around you get a feeling of just how foreboding this military monster would have been to any would be rebels. Unlike Caernarfon and to a lesser extent Conwy flint seems to have lacked any of the luxury's afforded to them. Instead you get the impression this was built for one purpose, to help the English get the foothold in Wales they needed. The ruins are fantastic with loads left to see. The tower that is separate from the main body of the castle and would have been accessible via draw bridge is something a little special being unique in Wales. The metal staircase that has been put in helps you get to the top of one of the towers is a great addition giving you fantastic views of the surrounding area. My one issue is that because it's free to get in there are occasions when you will find people hanging around smoking and drinking and there does tend to be rubbish scattered around. Personally I would happily pay an entrance fee to avoid this being the case. However don't let this put you off coming to see this military masterpiece.

Free !! No parking for the motorhome in the actual castle carpark (height barrier) but street parking immediately outside so virtually no difference for walking. More here than initially thought. Little towers to walk up, gorgeous estuary views, plenty of info boards - Edward 1 at it again ! marauding & claiming his entitlements !! Grassed area inside, no facilities, but lots of walking areas. Easy to get too from Flint Town Centre (follow Industrial Est signs).