Castell Harlech | Cadw (2024)

FAQs

How long does it take to see Harlech Castle? ›

I would recommend about 1 - 2 hours. Harlech is a very small town. The larger castles with more to do are Conwy and Caernarfon.

The Crown Estate still owns the castles of Caernarfon, Beaumaris, Denbigh, Harlech, Conwy and Flint despite Welsh heritage body Cadw being responsible for their management and maintenance.

Harlech Castle Sieges

The castle was built between 1282 and 1289, and over the centuries, it sustained several attacks by the princes of Wales, including the unsuccessful siege of Madog ap Llywelyn between 1294-95 and a successful siege by Owain Glyndŵr in 1401. Edward's forces recaptured the castle a year later.

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 UNESCO World Heritage Site. The displayed opening times are our general pattern.

So when the castle was built, back in 1283, the water gate at the base of the cliffs provided perfect access to the sea. It is only over time, and because of the growth of the spit, that sand and marshes have accumulated here, meaning the coastline today is nearly a mile away.

Harlech Castle was famously involved in a seven-year siege that inspired the famous Welsh song, 'Men of Harlech'. Previous to this, the castle also played a key role in the famous rebellion of Owain Glyndŵr in 1404. Today, the remains are managed as a popular attraction for members of the public to visit.

Harlech in British English

(ˈhɑːlɪk ) noun. a town in N Wales, in Gwynedd: noted for its ruined 13th-century castle overlooking Cardigan Bay: tourism.

New walled towns were built alongside the castles at Caernarfon, Conwy, Denbigh and Flint. The castles built at this time are some of the most famous in Wales. Four of the most complete – Beaumaris, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Harlech – are today designated a World Heritage Site. Building began in June 1283.

Its secret weapon was a 61m long stairway which still leads from the castle to the cliff base. Access via the stairway to the sea and crucial supplies kept the castle's besieged inhabitants fed and watered.

When did the queen visit Harlech Castle? ›

Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee tour in Wales: Harlech Castle and Llandudno ,1977. On 22 June 1977, the Silver Jubilee tour took Queen Elizabeth to Harlech and Llandudno. Street parties and events took place throughout the Commonwealth during 1977 to mark her 25 years on the throne.

History. Edinburgh Castle, the most besieged castle in Britain, was attacked 23 times throughout history. The fortification resides high atop Castle Rock, an extinct volcanic outcrop in the center of Edinburgh.

Harlech Castle, which also inspired the great Welsh song 'Men of Harlech' after a War of the Roses siege, is run by Cadw.

Harlech Castle played a key role in the national uprising led by Owain Glyndwr. After a long siege, it fell to his forces in 1404. The castle became Glyndwr's residence and headquarters, and one of the two places to which he is believed to have summoned parliaments of his supporters.

I would recommend about 1 - 2 hours. Harlech is a very small town. The larger castles with more to do are Conwy and Caernarfon.

Enjoy the Branwen walk in North Wales, a 2-mile stroll taking in the Castle, Harlech town, beach and dunes and a bit of the Wales Coast Path too.

Simple walking around the castle buildings, rooms & ramparts will take an hour before you dwell on the views of information boards (which are not too wordy).

The visitor centre has wide, automatic doors, low admissions desks, and an accessible exhibition space and café. The visitor centre opens onto a modern bridge of around 25 meters that leads directly to the castle. The bridge has a gentle upwards slope.

- King John's Castle. We visited on a Sunday and spent about 2.5 hours at the castle. We were also able to park on the street near the castle with free parking but we arrived early.