Wales

Castell Henllys is a reconstructed Iron Age village, or fort, but the only one in Britain built on an original Celtic site. So the idea is that you walk in the footsteps of the Demetae tribe that lived there 2,000 or so years ago. It is very much geared to schoolchildren, but it is fascinating for all ages. As well as roundhouses, enclosures etc, there is a visitor centre and you can stroll through the surrounding countryside and take a picnic. Regular events are held.

The formidable looking Chepstow Castle dates from 1067 - building began less than a year after William the Conqueror became king. It was constructed in stone from the very start - not wood, as was the case with many Norman castles, in a strategic position overlooking an established crossing point over the River Wye. Building continued through its life right up to the 17th century. It was besieged twice during the English Civil War, eventually falling to Parliamentary troops. By the 18th century, Chepstow Castle was in a state of decay and becoming a tourist attraction.

Cilgerran Castle lies beyond some village cottages on a rocky promontory, overlooking the Teifi Gorge. It is a strategic position, thought to be first fortified by the Norman, Gerald of Windsor, in 1108.  It was captured by the Welsh in 1164, retaken by William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, in 1204, recaptured by the Welsh during Llywelyn the Great's campaigns in 1215, but was back in English hands in 1223 when William Marshal’s son, also William, built a stone castle on the site.  It is reckoned to have been in a largely ruinous state by 1405.

It has been suggested that Cilgerran Castle is the site of Cenarth Bychan castle, from which Gerald of Windsor’s beautiful wife, Nest, daughter of Rhys ap Tewdwr, was abducted by her admirer, Owain ap Cadwgan, while Gerald escaped via the privy.

Today, the main ruins are of the inner ward, which includes two massive 13th century towers connected by a curtain wall.  The outline of other buildings remains, though the outer defences are now under gardens and houses.  One of many interesting features is a sally port in the side of the curtain wall, between the towers.

Cilgerran Castle is owned by the National Trust and looked after by Cadw.

The ruins of Criccieth Castle perch dramatically on a headland and tower over the small town of Criccieth. This was originally a Welsh castle, begun by Llywelyn the Great in the 13th century, but it was added to over time - and frequently changed hands between the Welsh and the English. It is dominated by an enormous gatehouse and, allegedly, the scorches made by the flames that finally destroyed it in the 15th century can still be seen on the stonework.

Dinas Mawr promontory fort is reckoned to date from the Iron Age and was probably the stronghold of a clan leader.  It is situated on the west of the Pencaer Peninsula, generally known as Strumble Head, jutting out into the Irish Sea.  The location is stunning, but not for those of a nervous disposition, especially in bad weather.  Dinas Mawr is accessible along the Pembrokeshire Coastal Path or via a footpath off a minor road.  However, laymen will need to look for evidence of the fort.  A ditch is clearly visible on the headland between what were stone ramparts and traces of at least one hut circle can be made out just inside the ramparts.  Most of Dinas Mawr comprises a towering lump of rock, however, with severely restricted space for settlement to the east and the south of the crag; the top, surely, would have been too inhospitable.  Immediately beyond Dinas Mawr is the islet of Ynys y Ddinas.  Though a good defensive position, there is no fresh water and it is speculated whether the fort had some ceremonial or ritual purpose, for it cannot have been of much long-term use, or in the event of a prolonged siege.