UNESCO recognizes Harlech Castle, along with Beaumaris, Conwy, and Caernarfon, as one of the best examples of military architecture from the late 13th and early 14th centuries in Europe. However, Harlech Castle is overshadowed by the more renowned Conwy and Caernarfon castles.
When I think about visiting this area, I realize there’s so much to discover about Harlech. This Grade I listed medieval fortification, perched on a rocky knoll, has a unique charm that deserves attention.
The views from the castle are breathtaking, and I love how it stands proudly against the landscape. I encourage everyone to consider visiting Harlech Castle for its beauty and significance. It may not be as famous as Conwy and Caernarfon castles, but it also offers an amazing experience.
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Where is Harlech Castle and How to Get There?
Harlech Castle is situated close to Snowdonia National Park, just a 35-minute drive from the Watkin Path parking area for Snowdon. I love that it’s also near stunning beaches in Wales, like Barmouth, which is only a 22-minute drive away, and Morfa Nefyn, about 50 minutes from the castle.
Harlech also boasts a lovely beach that is only a brief stroll from the castle. In my opinion, it ranks among the most beautiful beaches in Wales. Despite its beauty, it remains one of the UK’s best-kept secrets.
🚆 BY TRAIN
You can catch a direct train from Birmingham to Harlech, but be prepared for a lengthy journey of about 4 hours. Once you arrive at Harlech Train Station, it’s just a short walk of 0.4 miles, which takes roughly ten minutes to reach the castle. If you’re traveling from Shrewsbury, the train ride is shorter, taking 3 hours.
For those coming from Manchester, the trip requires a change in Shrewsbury, extending the total travel time to around 5 hours. Shrewsbury itself is a charming town, featuring among others a Georgian Prison that is definitely worth a visit. If you have the time, consider staying a few days in this delightful area.
If you’re departing from Liverpool, you’ll need to change trains in Wolverhampton, resulting in a nearly six-hour journey. An alternative route is to travel to Chester first, where you can explore one of the UK’s most picturesque towns. Afterward, you can take a train to Shrewsbury and switch to a direct train to Harlech. Overall, the total travel time can range from 5 hours and 10 minutes to 5 hours and 50 minutes, making it a great idea to plan a multi-day trip if you opt for train travel.
🚗💨 BY CAR
I find that the best way to reach Harlech Castle is by car. There’s a small parking area right by the castle, but I recommend the larger Ffordd Glan Mor Parking near Harlech Beach. From there, you can embark on a pleasant 0.8-mile hike that takes around 20 minutes to complete. Just a heads up, the car parks in Harlech do charge a fee.
If you’re coming from Liverpool, the drive to Harlech Castle will take between 2 hours and 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions and your chosen route. During our trip, we opted to return via Caernarfon, allowing us to explore two castles in one day.
For those traveling from Manchester, expect a drive of at least 2 hours and 50 minutes, with three route options available. You can drive through the picturesque village of Betws-y-Coed, take a coastal route with stops at various attractions such as Conwy Castle, or choose a route that passes near Bala Lake and Trawsfynydd Lake. From Birmingham, the journey will take between 2 hours and 50 minutes to 3 hours and 20 minutes.
Harlech Castle Tickets
Visiting Harlech Castle is easy, especially when it comes to purchasing tickets. If you want to experience the castle’s beautiful architecture and rich history for free, consider planning your visit in September. This month features the Open Doors event, where many historical sites open their doors at no cost, highlighting the area’s vibrant cultural heritage.
In previous years, Harlech Castle has taken part in this wonderful initiative. However, it’s essential to remember that participation can vary from year to year. Still, there is a strong possibility that the castle will join the event again, providing a fantastic chance for visitors to explore its impressive features without any expense.
How Long Does it Take to Look Around Harlech Castle?
When visiting Harlech Castle, you won’t need as much time as at Penrhyn, Chirk, or Powis castles. I suggest allocating around 1 to 1.5 hours for your exploration of the castle. After your visit, consider heading to Harlech Beach, which will enhance your overall experience in the area.
Why is Harlech Castle so Far From the Sea?
When I planned my trip to Harlech Castle, I envisioned a majestic fortress perched on a cliff by the sea. To my surprise, I discovered that the castle is not as close to the sea as I had imagined. For a seaside castle experience, I might need to consider visiting Bamburgh Castle instead.
Historically, the coastline was much nearer to Harlech Castle than it is today. A water-gate and a steep staircase once connected the castle to the shoreline, facilitating sea resupply during sieges. This feature highlights the castle’s strategic importance in its time.
What to Expect During Your Visit to Harlech Castle?
Entrance to Harlech Castle
The entrance to Harlech Castle is located near the Castle Pay & Display Car Park. Inside, visitors can enjoy a café with large windows that provide stunning views of Snowdonia National Park. Additionally, there are exhibition spaces, a gift shop, and restroom facilities available. A unique feature is that dogs on short leads are allowed on the ground floor of the castle, making it a great option for dog owners, unlike many other Welsh castles that only permit assistance dogs.
One of my favorite aspects of Harlech Castle’s entrance is the modern bridge that links to the historic fortification. This bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Snowdonia National Park. I highly recommend planning your visit on a sunny day to fully appreciate the scenery. Unfortunately, our visit during gloomy weather limited our ability to enjoy the beautiful landscape, as the views were obscured by the clouds.
Inside Harlech Castle
I enjoy exploring castles with stunning interiors, such as those found in Penrhyn, Powis, and Chirk. However, I also appreciate the unique charm of castles like Harlech and Conwy. If you have a knack for photography, Harlech Castle offers fantastic angles for capturing breathtaking images.
The numerous windows and openings at Harlech Castle create opportunities to frame distant elements in photos. I love how each window can tell a different story through the lens.
Additionally, the windows that face Harlech Beach provide incredible views of the coastline. Standing there, I can feel inspired by the beauty of the landscape. It’s a perfect spot to capture the essence of both the castle and the surrounding scenery.
One of my favorite experiences at Harlech Castle is climbing the stairs to enjoy the stunning coastal views. The ascent takes me through the towers, each with a charm reminiscent of Conwy Castle. Both castles feature round towers, a popular design for Edward I’s castles.
Standing at the top, you can admire the breathtaking scenery. The combination of history and natural beauty will make this visit unforgettable experience. Exploring Harlech Castle truly offers a unique perspective on the past and the stunning landscape surrounding it.
Harlech Castle History Facts
Harlech Castle was constructed quickly, taking only six years to complete. It was built alongside Conwy Castle between 1283 and 1289. In 2001, Harlech Castle received Grade I listed building status, which was 51 years after Conwy Castle.
Edward I’s castles, including Harlech, Caernarfon, Conwy, and Beaumaris, were recognized for their historical significance. They were inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 1986. This designation highlights their architectural and cultural importance.
All of these castles showcase remarkable medieval architecture and strategic design. They played crucial roles in the history of Wales. Today, they attract many visitors who appreciate their rich heritage.
How Was Harlech Castle Constructed?
A group of 10 masons and quarriers departed from Conwy, equipped with a packhorse for their tools. One month later, more people joined along with an additional 15 masons. This influx of skilled workers marked the beginning of a significant construction effort.
By 1286, the workforce had expanded dramatically, increasing from 60 to approximately 950 men. This included 227 masons, 115 quarriers, 30 smiths, 22 carpenters, and 546 laborers.
Materials were transported by ships, bringing limestone from Anglesey, iron and steel from Chester, and stone from Egryn. By 1290, the construction of Harlech Castle was completed at a total cost of £9,500, which would be equivalent to about £5 million today.
Inside the castle, you can find a list of craftsmen who contributed to this project. Their names are displayed prominently for visitors to see. Additionally, there is a model of Harlech Castle on display. This model represents how the castle may have appeared around the year 1325.
Sieges of Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle has been significant in various conflicts throughout history. It famously endured the siege led by Madog ap Llywelyn from 1294 to 1295. Throughout its existence, Harlech Castle faced five sieges but successfully resisted one of them. The castle’s siege in 1468 is believed to have inspired the well-known song “Men of Harlech.”
Romantic Destination for Artists
Harlech Castle began to draw a different kind of attention three hundred years ago. Artists arrived with brushes and easels, eager to capture the stunning and romantic scenery surrounding the castle. Their work highlighted the natural beauty of the landscape, transforming the castle into a subject of artistic inspiration.
The earliest known image of Harlech is an engraving created by the Buck brothers in 1742. During the period from 1789 to 1815, the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars made international travel challenging. As a result, many artists turned their focus to the ruined castles of Britain, which evoked the classical landscapes of Europe.
Notable figures like J.M.W. Turner and Paul Sandby found themselves captivated by Harlech. By the late nineteenth century, the expansion of the railway network, along with rising wages and more vacation time, allowed more people to explore this beautiful location.
Harlech emerged as a favored holiday spot, and the castle experienced a revival as a tourist destination. This newfound popularity breathed life into the historic site, attracting visitors eager to experience its charm.
Harlech Castle Viewpoints
Wooden Throne inside Stone Circle
When I sought out photo spots near Harlech Castle, I was thrilled to discover numerous locations that don’t require an entrance fee. One of my favorite spots is the playground situated along Ffordd Glan Mor, which leads directly to Harlech Beach.
At the playground, I found a charming wooden throne nestled within a stone circle. The proximity of Harlech Castle makes it easy to snap breathtaking pictures while the kids have fun playing nearby.
I love how this spot combines family fun with beautiful scenery. Watching your children enjoy the playground while you capture the majestic views of Harlech Castle is a win-win for both photography and family time!
Ffordd Glan Mor
I loved strolling along Ffordd Glan Mor, which links Harlech Beach to Harlech Castle. The path is enchanting, with buildings draped in greenery that create a magical atmosphere.
The combination of these buildings and the majestic Harlech Castle makes for some interesting shots. You will be able to snap pictures that beautifully frame both the castle and the surrounding scenery. It’s a perfect spot for anyone who enjoys photography.
While the overhead power lines do slightly obstruct the view of the castle, I still find it to be a fantastic location. The charm of Harlech Castle will shine through, and you will leave with incredible images.
Eagle at Min-y-don Holiday Park
Strolling along Ffordd Glan Mor, you can also admire the stunning eagle sculpture at Min-y-don Holiday Park. This remarkable piece, crafted in 2011, adds a unique charm to the seaside resort in Harlech.
The creation of this sculpture required an incredible 480 hours of dedicated labor and 71 square meters of steel sheet. The craftsmanship is truly impressive, showcasing the skill and effort that went into its design.
Weighing in at 1,639 kilos, the Eryri eagle stands tall and proud, just a stone’s throw from Harlech Castle. Its majestic presence enhances the beauty of the Harlech landscape.
Path Leading to Harlech Beach
We discovered another fantastic viewpoint of Harlech Castle just a short stroll from the Ffordd Glan Mor Parking. The path that leads to Harlech Beach offers stunning opportunities for capturing beautiful photos of the castle.
As we made our way toward Harlech Beach, we noticed that the castle gradually became less visible. It was a reminder to seize the moment and take pictures while we still had a clear view.
Make sure to grab your camera as soon as you leave the car park. The scenery is too breathtaking to miss, and you will want to capture every angle of Harlech Castle for sure.
Wooden Throne Near Harlech Beach
I was pleasantly surprised to discover another wooden throne in Harlech that offers a view of the catle. This throne is situated closer to the beach, which makes the castle less prominent compared to the one found inside the Stone Circle. Despite this, the view is still quite charming and adds to the overall experience.
This wooden throne is a lovely spot to unwind and take a breather while strolling toward the beach. The walk from the car park to the beach takes only about ten minutes, but sometimes is worth stopping for a while and admiring nature.
Harlech Castle View from the Beach
When I consider the most stunning castles by the sea in the UK, Eilean Donan Castle near Isle of Skye and Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland come to mind. Harlech Castle also boasts a coastal location.
Even though Harlech Castle isn’t so close to the sea as in the past, you can still find great spots for photography at Harlech Beach. The views there are lovely, allowing you to capture both the majestic castle and the surrounding sand dunes. It’s a unique perspective that showcases the beauty of both the castle and the natural landscape.
Harlech Beach
I believe the sand dunes at Harlech Beach rival those at Formby Beach, and I find them even more stunning than the ones at Barmouth Beach. To me, Harlech Beach stands out as one of the UK’s best-kept secrets, and it’s a must-see when exploring Harlech Castle.
The beach itself is incredibly spacious, and during my visit, there were only a handful of tourists enjoying the scenery. We went to Harlech Beach in September, which I think is still a great time to experience UK beaches. This is especially true when I compare it to Formby Beach, which tends to attract many visitors even in the winter months.
The World’s Steepest Street
Ffordd Pen Llech has a steep gradient of 1:2.67, making it the steepest street in the world which was confirmed on June 6, 2019. It’s conveniently located just a short stroll from Harlech Castle.
We chose to take a short walk along Ffordd Pen Llech, and I have to say, the return journey was a bit exhausting. Even though the street may not appear very steep at first glance, the incline is definitely challenging. Don’t worry, you will not need to drive Ffordd Pen Llech to reach the castle car park.
Restaurants and Cafes Near Harlech Castle
Harlech is a quaint little town in Wales, and I’ve noticed there are just a handful of restaurants and cafes near Harlech Castle. One place I highly recommend for lunch is The Plas Restaurant. It has a lovely atmosphere and delicious food that makes it a great choice.
If you are in the mood for coffee, you can stop by Caffi Llew Glas. It’s conveniently located right across from The Plas Restaurant. The coffee there is fantastic, and the vibe is cozy and inviting.
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