Eventually, conditions improved, and the children and staff set up work brigades to tackle DIY and maintenance issues. Even as Britain stood alone, and “spy fever” gripped the nation in the spring and early summer of 1940, local fifth columnist hunters cast their attentions everywhere except at the refugees, despite them being the biggest single collection of German foreigners anywhere in Britain. By using the Web site, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to be bound by the Terms and Conditions. The castle was used as a set location for various filming such as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! In 1939, a number of German Jewish refugee children, brought over on the Kindertransport, found themselves in Abergele, North Wales.

The Gwrych Castle hachshara opened in late August 1939, just days before the Second World War began. The lodge provides a unique opportunity to become the Lord or Lady of the Castle, and with the choice of two self-contained options!He also explores the history of the building itself, from its origins in the 19th century up to its use in I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here! In Escape to Gwrych Castle: A Jewish Refugee Story (U of Wales Press, 2023), Andrew Hesketh explores the lesser-told history of the children who lived in this North Wales castle, bringing together their personal memories and experiences to create a unique picture of their experiences. In 2020 and 2021, at the height of the Covid pandemic, Gwrych Castle was familiar to the British public as the setting of I’m A Celebrity. Many had no idea what we were doing in Abergele, who we were, where we came from and why we occupied Gwrych Castle.

Refugee: Gerard Friedenfeld, one of the 200 children at Gwyrch, with his parents in Prague before the war. As refugees, they contributed massively to the local agricultural economy and, in many ways, personified the “Dig for Victory” mentality. One committed a crime in the town and the castle leadership found itself in front of a local court (twice) on charges of breaking the blackout regulations. They feared an antisemitic response and were conscious of the fact that most of them were Germans which, in the words of one who was there, had the potential to be “upsetting” to the locals. Whilst we try to ensure all details are up-to-date we do not make any warranty or representation as to the accuracy or completeness of the information shown.The castle is available to hire for birthday parties, corporate events and weddings, to filming and photoshoots and school visits! By the beginning of 1940, the youngsters were starting to emerge from the darkness of their recent past and had the opportunity to behave, probably for the first time, as teenagers do. If you’re looking for something bigger, we have the main lodge that sleeps up to 6 people, and offers ample space for the whole family.