Harlech Castle, Harlech

Name: Harlech Castle
Address: Castle Square, Harlech, LL46 2YH, United Kingdom
Telephone: +44 1766 780552

#1 among attractions in Harlech

Unesco, Top attraction, Historical place, Forts and castles

Gallery (12)

Map

Gallery

Photo details 1. Wikipedia / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Markus Trienke / URL • 2. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 3.0 / IIya Kuzhekin / URL • 3. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sic19 / URL • 4. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Naturiss / URL • 5. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Thesupermat2 / URL • 6. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Naturiss / URL • 7. Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Naturiss / URL

Facts and practical information

Harlech Castle is a majestic medieval fortification located in the coastal town of Harlech, within the scenic landscape of North Wales, United Kingdom. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, it offers breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding countryside, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Constructed by Edward I during his conquest of Wales between 1282 and 1289, Harlech Castle is an exemplary model of the military architecture of the time, designed by the master mason James of Saint George. Its formidable battlements, towering gatehouse, and well-preserved walls stand as a testament to the ingenuity and strategic planning of medieval fortress construction.

Despite its initial purpose as a military stronghold, Harlech Castle also played a significant role in various historical events, including the famous siege of the War of the Roses in the 15th century when it was held by the Lancastrians. The castle's resistance during this time inspired the song "Men of Harlech," which has become an iconic Welsh anthem.

Visitors to Harlech Castle can explore its impressive ruins, stroll along the ancient walls, and climb the towers to witness the stunning panoramic views. The site also features informative displays that recount its rich history and significance. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is recognized for its cultural importance and is preserved for future generations to appreciate.

Alternative names: Unesco: from 1986Area: 14.83 acres (0.0232 mi²)Coordinates: 52°51'36"N, 4°6'33"W

Address

Castle SquareHarlech LL46 2YH United Kingdom

Contact

+44 1766 780552

Website

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Harlech

Day trips

Harlech Castle – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Llŷn Coastal Path, St Tanwg's Church, Pont Briwet, Bryn Cader Faner.

4.7 miN
Hiking, Hiking trail
Llŷn Coastal Path, Porthmadog
120 min walk • The Llŷn Coastal Path is a waymarked 146-kilometre long-distance footpath running along the coast of the Llŷn Peninsula from Caernarfon to Porthmadog in Gwynedd, north-west Wales. A large part of the Llŷn Peninsula is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
2 miS
Church
St Tanwg's Church, Snowdonia National Park
52 min walk • St Tanwg's Church, Llandanwg, also known as "the church in the sand", is an early medieval church dedicated to St Tanwg in the village of Llandanwg, Gwynedd, Wales. The church is a Grade I listed building.
5 miNE
Bridge
Pont Briwet, Penrhyndeudraeth
127 min walk • Pont Briwet refers to the road and railway bridges that cross the River Dwyryd, near Penrhyndeudraeth, Gwynedd in North Wales. The first bridge was a Victorian road and railway viaduct that was constructed entirely from timber by the Cambrian Railways company.
4.9 miNE
Memorial
Bryn Cader Faner, Snowdonia National Park
124 min walk • Bryn Cader Faner is a Bronze Age round cairn which lies to the east of the small hamlet of Talsarnau in the Ardudwy area of Gwynedd in Wales. The diameter is 8.7 metres and there are 18 thin jagged pillars which jut upwards from the low cairn. It is thought to date back to the late third millennium BC.
5.2 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Moel Ysgyfarnogod, Snowdonia National Park
134 min walk • Moel Ysgyfarnogod is a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales and is the northernmost of the Rhinogydd. Rhinog Fawr lies directly south. It overlooks Llyn Trawsfynydd, and from the summit it is possible to see the towns of Porthmadog and Blaenau Ffestiniog. It may be climbed from Trawsfynydd in the east, or from Talsarnau in the west.
5.1 miNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Moel y Gest, Tremadog
131 min walk • Moel y Gest is a 263 m hill to the west of Porthmadog in North Wales. It is a very rocky hill with high topographic prominence because of the lower land that surrounds it on all sides, and qualifies as a Marilyn.
5 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Moelfre Hill, Snowdonia National Park
128 min walk • Moelfre is a hill in Wales on the far western edge of the Snowdonia National Park, 3 miles from the village of Dyffryn Ardudwy, 5 miles from the village of Llanbedr and about 10 miles from the town of Harlech. It forms part of the Rhinogydd range. Moelfre reaches a height of 589 metres.
3.8 miN
Area
Ynys Gifftan, Snowdonia National Park
97 min walk • Ynys Gifftan is an island near the south east shore of Traeth Bach, the Dwyryd estuary near Portmeirion in Gwynedd, north Wales. There is a public footpath to it across the estuary marked on Ordnance Survey maps but has no definable marks that make it obvious; it can be reached on foot at low tide and is 38 metres high.
2.8 miSE
Church
Capel Salem, Snowdonia National Park
71 min walk • Capel Salem is a Grade II listed building in the hamlet of Pentre Gwynfryn, near Llanbedr, Gwynedd, Wales. This Baptist chapel building is located about a mile up river of Llanbedr, on a ridge between the two valleys. It is just 300 yards upstream from where the two rivers meet.
5.3 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Rhinog Fawr, Snowdonia National Park
136 min walk • Rhinog Fawr is a mountain in Snowdonia, North Wales and forms part of the Rhinogydd range. It is the third highest summit of the Rhinogydd, losing out to Y Llethr and Diffwys respectively.
4.4 miE
Nature, Natural attraction, Mountain
Rhinogydd, Snowdonia National Park
111 min walk • The Rhinogydd are a range of mountains located east of Harlech in North Wales. The name Rhinogydd derives from the names of two of the more famous peaks, Rhinog Fawr and Rhinog Fach, although the greatest elevation in the range is reached by Y Llethr, 756 m.