Harlech Castle — Attraction in Harlech

Castell Harlech, located in the town of Harlech in northwest Wales, is a striking medieval fortress that dominates its surroundings from a dramatic rocky outcrop.

This Castle was built between 1283 and 1289 under the direction of the renowned architect Master James of St George, the castle was a key part of King Edward I’s campaign to subdue Wales. Its strategic position atop a sheer crag provided natural defenses on the north and west, while a deep rock-cut ditch protected the more accessible approaches, making it one of the most formidable strongholds of its era.

The castle’s architecture is a classic example of the concentric design, with two lines of defensive walls enclosing an inner and outer ward. Constructed from local grey-green sandstone, with softer yellow sandstone used for decorative features, Harlech’s imposing walls and four large circular towers give it a sense of symmetry and strength.

The main entrance was originally guarded by a massive twin-towered gatehouse, equipped with multiple portcullises and heavy doors, reflecting the advanced military engineering of the period.

An unique feature is the long, protected stairway of 127 steps descending from the castle to what was once the seashore, allowing the castle to be resupplied by sea during sieges—a vital lifeline in times of conflict.

Throughout its history, Castell Harlech played a pivotal role in several major events. It endured multiple sieges, most famously being captured by the Welsh leader Owain Glyndŵr in 1404, who used it as his headquarters and parliament.

The castle also withstood a lengthy siege during the Wars of the Roses and was the last royalist fortress to surrender in the English Civil War in 1647, cementing its place in British military history.

Today, Castell Harlech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated as one of the finest examples of late 13th and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe. Managed by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, the castle is open to visitors who can explore its extensive battlements and towers, enjoying panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountains and the Irish Sea.

The site is well-maintained, with informative displays and guides that bring its storied past to life. Opposite the castle, a modern café offers a relaxing spot to reflect after touring the grounds. Access to the castle is straightforward by car, with parking available, though the walk up from the town is steep and rewarding for those on foot.

Castell Harlech stands as a testament to medieval ingenuity and the turbulent history of Wales, offering an unforgettable experience for history enthusiasts and casual...

A Jewel by the Sea: Harlech Castle - A Family Adventure Our recent family trip to Harlech Castle was a delightful experience, proving that size isn't everything when it comes to historical wonders. While perhaps not as sprawling as its more famous counterparts like Conwy or Caernarfon, the journey to Harlech itself, navigating those charmingly narrow Welsh roads at a leisurely 20mph, felt like part of the adventure. The anticipation definitely built as we wound our way through the picturesque countryside. Upon arrival, the practicalities were well catered for. A convenient car park made access easy, and the welcome sight of a playground immediately appeased the little ones. The adjacent ice cream shop and cafe were also a definite bonus, providing essential fuel and treats before and after our exploration. The castle itself is undeniably impressive. Its sturdy structure and strategic location are immediately apparent. While not the largest we've visited, Harlech possesses a unique charm and a palpable sense of history. The highlight for us was undoubtedly the climb up the tall tower. The narrow stairwells added to the sense of adventure, and the reward at the top was breathtaking. From this vantage point, the panoramic views of the rolling hills meeting the vast expanse of the sea were truly spectacular and well worth the ascent. For those planning a full day out, Harlech's location is ideal. A nearby beach with a massive car park offers a fantastic opportunity to combine historical exploration with some seaside fun. We could easily imagine spending the morning delving into the castle's past and then heading to the beach for an afternoon of sandcastles and sea air. In conclusion, Harlech Castle is a fantastic destination for a family day trip. While the journey might require a bit of patience on those narrow roads, the reward is a well-preserved and captivating castle with stunning views. The added amenities of a car park, playground, ice cream shop, and cafe make it a practical choice for families, and its proximity to a beach offers the perfect opportunity to extend your day into a truly memorable Welsh adventure. We highly recommend a visit to this...

Harlech Castle was built in 1283 by Edward I, king of England, to secure the lands that he had won from Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the Prince of Wales.

This castle was also built as part of Edward I's plan to control Wales.

Edward fought two bitter wars against the Princes of Gwynedd. In 1283, to secure the lands he had taken, he ordered the building of four new royal castles and the repair of three war damaged castles of the former Welsh princes. Much of the work was achieved in just six years!

The work was entrusted to James of St George, 'master of the king's works in Wales'. The natural defences of Harlech's cliff-top location were chosen as the ideal site for a mighty fortress.

Throughout its history, Harlech Castle endured five sieges. It fell to four and withstood one. It is said that the siege of 1468 inspired the song 'Men of Harlech'.

Edward's ambitious scheme to build so many castles in such a short time has left us with a remarkable architectural legacy. In recognition of this, Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy and Beaumaris castles were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986.

It is a last Royalist castle to fall during the Civil War in 1647.

There is car park right next to the entrance to Castle. Not so big though.

There are also gift shop and a lovely cafe with selection of hot and cold beverages, variety of snacks, cakes and meals.

Toilets available too.

Very covid aware. No mask - no entry.

On a very top of the castle can be very windy, so make sure you are wrapped up! :)

Lots of information about the castle, occupants and history around the castle, so prepare to read! :)

In general, very impressive ruins located in...