Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Harlech Castle is the southernmost of four fortifications included in the Castles & Town
Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd Unesco World Heritage Site.
Harlech is such a thoroughly pleasant place that it has become one of the more gentri-
fied destinations in Snowdonia - every other shop seems to sell antiques or tea. While it's
bustling in summer, it can be deliciously sleepy otherwise. It makes a great base for a
beach holiday or for day trips into the national park - and those views never get boring.
Sights & Activities
Harlech Castle
(Cadw; www.cadw.wales.gov.uk ; adult/child £4.25/3.20; 9.30am-5pm Mar-Oct, 10am-4pm Nov-Feb) Edward I
finished this intimidating yet spectacular building in 1289, the southernmost of his 'iron
ring' of fortresses designed to keep the Welsh beneath his boot. Despite its might, this
fortress has been called the 'Castle of Lost Causes' because it has been lucklessly defen-
ded so many times. Owain Glyndŵr captured it after a long siege in 1404. He is said to
have been crowned Prince of Wales in the presence of envoys from Scotland, France and
Spain during one of his parliaments in the town. He was, in turn, besieged here by the fu-
ture Henry V.
During the Wars of the Roses the castle is said to have held out against a siege for seven
years and was the last Lancastrian stronghold to fall. The siege inspired the popular Welsh
hymn Men of Harlech, which is still played today in regimental marches and sung with
patriotic gusto at rugby matches. The castle was also the last to fall in the English Civil
War, finally giving in to Cromwell's forces in 1647.
The grey sandstone castle's massive, twin-towered gatehouse and outer walls are still
intact and give the illusion of impregnability even now. A drawbridge leads through the
gatehouse to the compact inner ward, where four gloomy round towers guard the corners.
Some of the ramparts are partly ruined and closed off, but you can climb up other sections
for views in all directions. The fortress' great natural defence is the seaward cliff face.
When it was built, ships could sail supplies right to the base.
The finest exterior view of the castle (with Snowdon as a backdrop) is from a craggy
outcrop on Ffordd Isaf, opposite Maelgwyn House.
CASTLE
Snowdonia Adventure Activities
OUTDOORS
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