As the last Royalist stronghold in Wales, Harlech Castle's demise came during the Civil War.

Built under the guidance of James of St. George towards the end of the 13th century, Harlech Castle is one of the four great castles in Wales built for Edward I.

Situated on the top of a rocky outcrop, this superb location provided the castle with natural defences, with the only weakness from attack, being from the east and south. To overcome this, a wide, deep ditch was cut into the rock surface to prevent attack from these points, as well as a gatehouse being constructed on the high ground to the east.

Resembling a Keep, the three-storey structure has two round towers flanking the entrance passage. As with a traditional Keep, the gatehouse also contained domestic accommodation.

Little else in the inner bailey survives, but the original domestic buildings can be identified as a chapel, bakehouse and well along the northern wall, a granary and the small hall along the southern wall, and the great hall along the west wall. At the end of the 13th century, Harlech Castle came under and withstood an attack by the Welsh. During the early part of the 15th century Harlech was once again under siege but this time the castle was surrendered to the attacking army. The English once again regained the castle with it coming under royal control a few years later by the future King Henry V.

As the last Royalist stronghold in Wales, Harlech’s demise came during the Civil War. She was spared the unceremonious destruction inflicted on most captured castles at the time. Today the only enemy she faces are the ravages of time and the forces of nature.

A massive and powerful coastal defence, Harlech still appears formidable, with its uncompromising strength and domination set against the backdrop of Snowdonia national park.

Tourist Information

June - Sept: 09.30am - 6.00pm daily

October: 09.30am - 5.00pm daily

November - March: 09.30am - 4.00pm Monday to Saturday; 11.00am - 4.00pm Sunday

Last admission half an hour before closing

Closed 24- 26 December and 1 January

Admission Prices:

Adult: £3.00

Concession: £2.50

Children under 16: £2.50

Children under 5: Free

Family Ticket: £8.50 (2 adults and up to 3 children under 16)