Harlech Castle (Cadw)

Type:Castle / Fort

Harlech Castle (Cadw), Castle Square, Harlech, Gwynedd, LL46 2YH

Add Harlech Castle (Cadw) to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel01766 780552

Harlech Castle

Book Tickets Online

About

Harlech Castle commands a cliff-top position looking out across the Irish Sea. Designed by Edward I’s master military architect, the Savoy-born James of St George, the castle was built with incredible speed between 1283 and 1295.

The concentric ‘walls within walls’ design meant that it was virtually impregnable from every angle. Though it has since retreated, the sea once lapped at the base of the cliff, offering a route for vital supplies at times when the castle was besieged.

In 1404 the castle fell to the Welsh Prince, Owain Glyndwr and for the next four years it became the headquarters of his rebellion against English rule. Eventually forces under the control of the future Henry V starved the garrison into surrender and Harlech was retaken in 1409.

When the Wars of the Roses broke out between the houses of York and Lancaster, Harlech again found itself besieged, this time by the Yorkist king of England, Edward IV. He mustered a huge army for the task, said to have been 10,000 strong, and his ultimately successful month-long siege is said to have inspired the famous song Men of Harlech.

In 1642 civil war broke out between the king and Parliament, and Harlech was occupied by forces loyal to Charles I. Once again the castle proved incredibly resilient, so much so that, upon cessation of hostilities, Parliament ordered its ‘slighting’ or destruction.

That order was only partially carried out, and today Harlech Castle enjoys UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The recently installed ‘floating’ bridge at Harlech Castle makes access to the castle truly available for all. The bridge connects the castle with the brand new visitor centre in the former Castle Hotel building.

Pay and display parking

Facilities

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Cater for groups
  • Gift shop

Parking & Transport

  • Parking (charge)

TripAdvisor

What's Nearby

  1. The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales

    This post-industrial landscape holds a special place in the hearts of the people who live…

    4.78 miles away
  2. Beaumaris Castle (Cadw)

    Beaumaris is the great unfinished masterpiece. It was built as one of the 'iron ring' of…

    27.91 miles away
  3. Wern Isaf

    This Arts and Crafts house was built in 1900 by the architect H L North as his family…

    28.14 miles away
  1. Aberystwyth Castle

    In the marvellous sweep of Cardigan Bay stand the ruins of one of Edward I's late 13th…

    30.74 miles away
  2. Pontcysyllte Aqueduct

    Situated in north-eastern Wales, the 18 kilometre long Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal is…

    43.29 miles away
  3. Iscoyd Park

    A red brick Georgian house in an idyllic 18th century parkland setting situated on the…

    57.61 miles away
  4. Hodnet Hall Gardens

    It was predicted in 1958 that Hodnet "would one day take its place among the major…

    63.79 miles away
  5. Ludlow Castle

    Built in the 11th Century as a border stronghold, Ludlow Castle has been involved in some…

    67.42 miles away
  6. Abercamlais House

    Abercamlais is a splendid Grade 1 listed mansion set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons.…

    67.83 miles away
  7. Ironbridge Gorge

    Ironbridge is known throughout the world as the symbol of the Industrial Revolution.

    69.32 miles away
  8. Meols Hall

    Meols Hall manor-house and estate have been in the Hesketh family for 27 generations and…

    72.71 miles away
  9. Tabley House

    The finest Palladian house in the northwest, Tabley was designed by John Carr of York for…

    76.52 miles away
  10. Peover Hall and Gardens

    A fully-furnished, Elizabethan manor-house with Carolean stables. General Patton's 3rd…

    78.22 miles away
  11. Jodrell Bank

    Located in a rural area of northwest England, free from radio interference, Jodrell Bank…

    81.43 miles away
  12. Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery

    Cyfarthfa Castle is widely regarded as the best-preserved and grandest Ironmaster’s house…

    82.12 miles away
  13. Capesthorne Hall

    Sculptures, paintings, furniture and family monuments. A Georgian chapel, tearooms,…

    82.14 miles away
Previous Next