Harlech Castle, Wales

If you visiting northern Wales, go and see one of the most beautiful sites is Harlech Castle, very well preserved 13th century building, which is today part of the Snowdonia National Park. To reach the Harlech town and the castle, you have to go up to very steep road. It was quite challenging even for a car! The small town is beautiful and quaint steep streets are full little shops and tea rooms, mostly built with dark stone.

Harlech Castle is renowned for its spectacular location on a rocky crag, overlooking the sea and framed by the mountains of Snowdonia beyond. Not only is the site picturesque but it is also eminently defensible and King Edward I's skillful master mason, James of St George, exploited this unique position to the full.

Following the death of the Welsh prince, Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, in 1282, Harlech was one of the series of castles established in north Wales by King Edward I to secure the newly conquered principality. Begun in May 1283, the castle was raised in two main building phases, based on concentric - walls within walls - principle and perfectly adapted to the restricted space on the rocky outcrop. Symmetrical in design, with four corner towers and an impressive gatehouse, and built to take full advantage of its seaside location, the castle was largely complete by 1289.

In 1404 the castle fell to the Welsh and was occupied by Owain Glyn Dŵr (c. 1349 or 1359 – c. 1415), a leader of  Welsh rebellion. At that time the castle was occupied by Glyn Dŵr's court and family until 1409 when it was retaken by the English. Two more sieges were follow: first, durin the War of Roses, when Harlech was taken by Yorkists in 1468, and second time during the Civil War when it was surrendered to parliamentarian forces in 1647.

A view from the castle

Fortunately, the castle was never completely demolished (which was case with many others during the Civil War), and in 18th century became very popular among topographical artists, including J.M.W.Turner, Paul Sandby and John Sell Cotman.

A view from the hill just across the castle

In 1986 Harlech - together with the castles at Beaumaris, Caernafon and Conwy - was inscribed on the World Heritage List as a historic site of outstanding universal value. Today, the Castle is maintained by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service.

Most parts of the Castle can be visited and explored. Visitors can approach the castle down the short hill from High Street and enter it from main or east gate. From the ticket office, a modern timber bridge and steps lead up towards the main gate. Behind the ticket office, the children's playing field is on the site of the filled-in castle pond. Inside the building is the permanent exhibition that tells us the story of the Castle through the ages.The view from the towers (it's possible to walk all around) is breathtaking, no matter if you look at the seaside or town.

Harlech town street

Admission prices (Jan 2015)

Adult - £4.25
Family - £12.75*
Senior citizens, students and children under 16 - £3.20
Disabled and companion - Am ddim/Free

Important notes:

Visitors under 16 years must be accompanied by an adult.
The Castle car park is currently closed whilst we create a new visitor centre. Alternative parking is available nearby - please follow the yellow signs. The Castle itself will stay open all year round.