These are the thoughts of the individuals concerned and may not reflect the views of the Trust

Paul from Redditch writes:
Real good to hear that the depressed castle will start to smile again! Can’t wait to see it in its former glory again. Thank you

Ken from Colwyn Bay writes:
For many years when visiting Colwyn Bay I always wondered if the Castle would ever be restored. I am glad something is happening and I hope that there will be organised trips around the castle/ grounds when the building becomes a hotel.

May from Wigan writes:
We had family holidays in North Wales in the 60s - we never missed our visits to Gwrych - it was wonderful and we felt a great loyalty, it was more like a pilgrimage. When I was little I used to be scared of the suit of armour which stood at the bottom of the marble staircase and my Dad would put a coat over my head and carry me past, then I could enjoy the rest of the visit. Since I have visited it in its derelict state and like others been saddened. Sooooo happy about the development and hope to stay there when its finished.

Mike writes:
Great news about the redevelopment. Shame about the few negative comments regarding the hotel aspect, we used to stay in the castle in the late sixties when it was holiday apartments so its only really reverting to a former use. As a developer myself I visited the site three years ago and was devastated at the sight, my Dad would have been in tears. Was anyone ever brought to book for its criminal destruction?

Linda from Australia writes:
I can’t believe it! I visited the castle 3 years ago and am absolutely delighted it is to be restored. My family has a special place in their hearts for the castle, having visited regularly these past years. Wonderful!

Paul and Carole from Stoke on Trent write:
We visited the Castle March 2007 and like all the other people in this Guest book, we were disgusted and saddened at what the mindless few had done to such a wonderful building, and a piece of our history. We have been calling back to the site with great anticipation of the start of the renovation work- we had heard whispers that the castle had been purchased and great things were planned. Its AWESOME news to see things progressing. Can’t wait to see the Castle in its former glory and meet you all there to toast the beginning of the next chapter in its new life.::Well done & thank you to all concerned.

Dave from Wallesey writes:
It's nice to see the castle being saved, but exactly how viable is it going to be as a hotel. Abergele is not exactly a tourist hotspot is it. yes, North Wales is beautiful and it's only a stone's throw from Snowdonia and the Clwydian Range. I fear it may not be used as much as people think. I'll be going however, just for a wee bit of nostalgia, even though it will be nothing like I remember in the late 80s.

Andrew from Wales writes:
I don’t think that the castle should be restored to a hotel it should be restored and open for the public once again not for rich families and the like cause the lower class people to be blunt will never see the beauty that Gwrych Castle holds !!

Jacqueline from Llanddulas writes:
I love the castle. I walk around it regularly with my dog, as I can easily walk it from home. My husband, 2 boys and myself love to take friends and family up the mountain and walk to Gwrych to show off the castle. ::Anyone that has visited us has been equally as impressed with the castle and it's views as we have been ever since we came to live here just over a year ago!::::Today I walked the dog over the mountain via Lady Emily’s Tower, all the way around the castle.I saw all the activity of the workmen.::I hope this major project will succeed and that in the future we can see the former glory of this magnificent castle once more!!

Mandi Writes:
So so happy to see the castle is starting to smile once more..::Big thank you to you all from me

Carrie from Colwyn Bay writes:
Lovely to see the work begin. Lets hope as promised that a wonderfully sympathetic to history hotel will be created
This is a fantastic mystical part of our local heritage and it is great that those who love it will start to see it regain its former majesty soon

Jackie from Stoke-on-Trent writes:
I have LOVED this castle since I was little in the early sixties, and the sight of it has always evoked wonderful memories of happy family holidays. Every year since, when visiting North Wales, I have looked longingly at 'my castle'. Oh! what sadness and disbelief when I saw the photos here. They bought tears to my eyes. Well done to all of you who have fought to stop the decay - you are this castles 'knights' for sure. I cannot wait to see the start of, and eventual completion, of this once majestic building to its former glory. Then I will cry tears of joy!

Albert from Belgium writes:
Very glad to hear about the sale to Clayton hotels. When I visited with my daughter in late 2005 in preparation for her graduate dissertation describing this massive folly and potential restoration I was dismayed by the very extensive damage and vandalism. Let us hope something can be made of what is left.

Heather from Abergele writes:
I live near the castle and would love to see it restored so that many more generations can enjoy a beautiful piece of history

Melanie from Iowa USA writes:
I came across this web site by accident on the Castle of Wales site. I am a great lover of European Castles and was heartbroken to see an enchanting castle like Gwrych in such a terrible state. Even living so far away I would hate to see this Welsh Gem fall into a pile of rubble. But I am so glad that it has been purchased and restoration plans are in the works. Bless all of you who are involved in such a huge feat but a truly worthy one. In fact I would travel to Wales just to stay in this place once it becomes a five-star hotel! Best of Luck in your endeavours and I'll keep checking up on the castle's progress. May Gwrych forever stand as proof that we will not standby and let these treasures of our past disappear

Sandra writes:
I drove past this weekend and was both sad and glad to see a huge crane in the grounds. good luck Gwrych, we love you

Ian from Rushden writes:
Last November I first saw the castle and wondered where or what it was. This year I found out and I am so glad to see that something is going to be done with the castle, I just think its a shame it cant be restored to how it would have looked and not a hotel.