
Harlech Castle
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Details
None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular setting.
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Snowdonia rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.
Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
Harlech is easier to conquer today. An incredible ‘floating’ footbridge allows you to enter this great castle as Master James intended – for the first time in 600 years.
Pay and display parking
Opening Details
Open all the time
1 March 2020 - 30 June Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm.
1 July - 31 August Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm.
1 September - 31 October Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm
1 November - 28 February 2021 Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Prices
Prices April 2020 - March 2021:
Adult £7.70
Family (2 adults and up to 3 children) - £21.60
Senior £6.10
Juniors (Aged 5–17) / NUS/ Armed Forces and Veterans - £4.60
Children under 5 - Free
Address
Castle Square,
Harlech,
Gwynedd,
LL46 2YH
Location and nearby places
Directions
Map reference: SH 580313 Lat: 52.86050 Long: -4.10949
Harlech is situated off the A496 north from Barmouth; follow the signs to the Castle off this road into the town centre where there is car parking. From the north, turn off the A487 road to Porthmadog at Maentwrog onto the A496 for Harlech and take the B4573 into the town. Note a steep walk from the railway station to the Castle!
Parking: with charge
Accessible by Public Transport: 1 mile from Harlech station
Facilities
Coach parties accepted
Gift shop
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
Pay and display parking