Harlech Castle Tourist Information History

Harlech Town Tourist Information

Harlech is a small town that spreads out aside the main road through the town. It is very picturesque with steep windy streets overlooking the Cardigan Bay coastline.

There are a few everyday shops, gift shops, antique shops, cafes, and some contemporary looking galleries. The town is a good base to explore the Snowdonia coast and the rugged Rhinog mountains that dominate the landscape to the east. In fact there are several walks that can be taken from Harlech into the Rhinogydd that take in Bronze Age standing stones and spectacular standing circles as well as the Roman Steps, a wide slab path that is likely to have been a medieval pack-horse trail. You can also climb Rhinog Fawr and Y Llethr (the highest mountain in the Rhinogydd).

In Welsh mythology Harlech is forever associated with the legend of Branwen, the daughter of Llyr, whose story is recorded in the medieval Welsh literature, The Mabinogion.

Harlech Castle History

Harlech is, of course, mostly visited for its medieval castle. You won't be disappointed. Harlech Castle's location atop a rocky crag assures you of a stunning photo opportunity. Harlech Castle's history has led to it being included into a World Heritage Site along with Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris castles. These have been designated to preserve examples of the 13th century castles that made up the "ring of iron" that was built by James of St George for Edward I, King of England, as part of his campaign to conquer and rule the medieval principality of Gwynedd. It is one of the more intact castles in Wales.

Some interesting facts about Harlech Castle are: Building commenced in 1283; it took six years to build using masons, quarriers, labourers and other craftsmen and at one time in 1286, nearly 950 men were employed. The final result was a perfectly concentric castle, where one line of defences is enclosed by another. At that time the sea would have been lapping at the base of the rock on which the castles sits. Most of the castle still stands today, but the outer wall is less intact so doesn't quite give the true impression of how it would have looked in the 13th century. A siege at Harlech Castle during the War of the Roses inspired one of the most well known songs from Wales, "Men of Harlech". This castle also played a key role in the uprising of Owain Glyndwr who took this seat of English power in 1404 and subsequently held a parliament there.

Harlech Castle is a great family attraction. Not only can you explore the whole of the castle including tiny, windy staircases up to the top walls, you can get some fantastic views out over the sand dunes of Morfa Harlech and back across to the Llyn Peninsular, Moel-y-Gest and the town of Porthmadog. On a clear day you can see the popular fantastical village of Portmeirion.

Harlech Castle is open throughout most of the year except Christmas and New Year. Opening times vary throughout the year. There is an entrance fee with concessions for children and students. Check the CADW website link right for the most up-to-date information. There is a pay and display car park next to the car park which is also useful for exploring the town.

Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve

The line of sand dunes that you can see from the castle ramparts makes up Morfa Harlech National Nature Reserve, an important wildlife site. The sand dunes here are accreting providing a natural sea defence to the land behind them. There is a coastal walk through the reserve along a dramatic and spectacular sweep of untouched golden sand. The beach and frontal dunes are a popular beach spot in the summer.

The site is rich in rare plants and animals such as the sand lizard that was reintroduced to the site to help re-establish the dwindling UK population. A good number of bird species can be found here including lapwing, curlew, redshank and ringed plover. Morfa Harlech is also home to a diverse flowering assemblage particularly in the wetter hollows between the dunes including orchids, sharp rush and variegated horsetail.

Morfa Harlech is a beautiful site set against the dramatic backdrop of the Snowdonia range to the north, beneath the imposing Harlech Castle for those who also appreciate Wales' natural environment.

You can reach the nature reserve from the A496, park at the car park adjacent to the golf course, which is at the entranceway to the walk along the beach that leads you to the reserve.