Harlech Castle

What it is and why it matters

Harlech uses a walls-within-walls design that makes the most of its natural crag. When the sea came closer than it does today, a stairway known as the Way from the Sea let ships supply the garrison, which kept it going through Madog ap Llywelyn's rising. Owain Glyndŵr took the castle in 1404 and used it as his base until 1409. A long siege in the Wars of the Roses ended in 1468 and is linked to the song Men of Harlech, and in 1647 it was the last mainland royal fortress to surrender in the Civil War. It was inscribed in 1986 with Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris.

Visiting practicalities

A pay-and-display car park with accessible spaces is next to the entrance, and Cadw notes that parking in the lower town means a steep walk up. Tickets can be bought on arrival or online. Expect steep, uneven steps, a dim tower staircase with a one-way route, and gravel and cobbled paths. Dogs on short leads can use ground-floor areas. There is an exhibition, a café, a shop and toilets on site.

Nearby and combining your visit

The castle looks over the dunes and coast of Tremadog Bay towards the mountains of Eryri, so it pairs well with a beach walk below the town or a drive north towards Porthmadog.

Highlights

• Built by Edward I, c.1283–1289, under Master James of St George
• Part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd World Heritage Site
• Held by Owain Glyndŵr from 1404 to 1409
• Siege of 1468 linked to the song Men of Harlech
• Entered by a floating footbridge

Good to know

• Car park with accessible spaces and EV charging next to the entrance
• Tickets can be booked online or bought on arrival
• Steep, uneven steps and a one-way tower route
• Dogs on short leads allowed on ground-floor areas

Frequently asked questions