Flint Castle recreated in Minecraft for new Cadw learning project
Flint Castle has been brought to life in Minecraft as part of a pioneering Cadw education project that combines gaming, Welsh heritage, and digital learning.
Pupils from Ysgol Flint Gwynedd and Ysgol Cornist Park, including Young Custodians for Flint Castle, visited the historic site this week to see the real fortress while exploring a digital version inside Minecraft Education.
The launch marks the fourth Welsh heritage site recreated by Cadw in the popular platform, following Conwy Castle, Caernarfon Castle, and Harlech Castle.
Since the project’s debut in December 2024, the bilingual Minecraft resources have been downloaded more than 7,000 times by educators across Wales.
Flint Castle holds a unique place in British history as the first fortress built by King Edward I during his conquest of Wales in 1277.
The castle saw defining moments including the capture of King Richard II in 1399 — later depicted in Shakespeare’s Richard II — and its involvement in Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion in 1400.
Through the new Minecraft world, learners aged 8 to 14 can explore the castle’s towers and ramparts on a virtual tour, follow the interactive Conflict Trail tracing centuries of Welsh-English power struggles, and even create their own historical films in specially designed Machinima zones.
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, attended the launch at Flint Castle to see pupils explore the game in action.
He said: “Flint Castle’s story of conquest, rebellion and resilience is perfect for young people to question and explore. In Minecraft, learners don’t just study history — they’re able to step inside and start their own story.
“This innovative project shows how we can inspire the next generation to engage with Welsh history and heritage in new and exciting ways. By bringing Flint Castle into the classroom through Minecraft, we’re helping young people connect with their past whilst developing crucial digital skills for their future.”
Cadw plans to add around 20 heritage locations to the Minecraft world over the next year, with Plas Mawr in Conwy and Blaenavon in Torfaen next in line.
The Flint Castle Minecraft Education world is fully aligned with the Curriculum for Wales and is available in both Welsh and English, with the Welsh version representing the first fully immersive Welsh-language Minecraft resource.
Resources are available to download via Hwb and the Cadw website at cadw.gov.wales/learn
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