Harlech Castle

Description

Castell Harlech crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again. No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.

Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences. 

Price starts from £10.00 for Adults, £7.00 for Children(5-17 yrs)/Students and £32.00 for Family. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

  • Castell Harlech crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
  • No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
  • Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.
  • Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
  • Harlech is easier to conquer today. An incredible ‘floating’ footbridge allows you to enter this great castle as Master James intended – for the first time in 600 years.

Facilities

  • Parking: There is a small charging car parking with accessible spaces immediately adjacent to the castle entrance: Google Maps View. There are several medium and large charging car parks throughout the town. The castle is in the upper part of the town, and parking in the lower part of town will involve a very steep walk up to the castle.
  • Toilets: Visitor toilets are available at this site.
  • Dogs welcome: Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
  • Wi-Fi: Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.

What to see

Events:

  • Halloween Fun: Thu 30 Oct 2025. Come and take part in our Halloween Trail, make some spooky badges and join in our craft activities.
  • Late Night Christmas Shopping in Harlech: Sat 29 Nov 2025. From 5pm, join in with the candlelit parade led by Santa, carollers and late night Christmas shopping, to get you into the Christmas spirit. Access is to the visitor centre only 5.30pm-7.30pm, as the castle will be closed during this event. Free admission.

For more upcoming events information please visit: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-harlech#whats-on

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • Adult: £10.00
  • Juniors (Aged 5-17)/Students: £7.00
  • Family: £32.00
  • Seniors (Aged 65+): £9.00
  • Disabled person and companion: Free
  • Members: Free

Pricing URL: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/castell-harlech#opening-times-and-prices

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • 1st March - 30th June: 09.30am-5pm.
  • 1st July - 31st  August: 09.30am-6pm.
  • 1st September - 31st October: 9.30am-5pm.
  • 1st November - 28th February: 10am-4pm.

Address: Castell Harlech, Harlech LL46 2YH, UK

Post Code: LL46 2YH

Council: Harlech a Llanbedr

County: Gwynedd

  • Road: A496 from Barmouth, A487/ A496 from Porthmadog.
  • Rail: 200m/220yards, Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route.
  • Bus: 150m/170yards, route No 38 + 39 (No 2 on Sunday), Barmouth-Harlech/Porthmadog.
  • Bike: NCN Route No.8 On route.
  • Parking: There is a small charging car parking with accessible spaces immediately adjacent to the castle entrance: Google Maps View. There are several medium and large charging car parks throughout the town. The castle is in the upper part of the town, and parking in the lower part of town will involve a very steep walk up to the castle.

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