Harlech Town and Castle
One of the undoubted highlights of the Cambrian coast is the charming town of Harlech, famous for its iimposing castle. The town a sloping hillside overlooking Tremadoc Bay across the sandy estuary from Portmeirion.
Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle perches on a 200' rock above the town of Harlech. It is a World Heritage inscribed site, founded by King Edward I in 1283, during his second campaign in North Wales, as one of an iron ring of fortresses to subdue the Welsh. Designed by Edward's master architect, James of St. George, Harlech Castle cost £8,100 to build and was largely complete by 1289. Situated high on a rocky outcrop, defended by sheer cliffs on one side, with a deep moat on the other sides, the castle is built in a concentric plan, with one line of defences enclosing another. The rectangular inner bailey has a round tower at each corner and a gatehouse situated on the east wall.
The castle has been attacked many times and was taken by the Welsh leader Owain Glyndwr in 1404, who held a parliament there. For a time it served as his capital before being retaken by the English in 1408. During the Civil War (1642-48), Harlech gained the distinction of becoming the last of the Royalist strongholds, the surrender of the castle to the beseiging Parliamentry forces in March, 1647 marked the end of the War.
Castle opening times
27 Mar- 31 May Mon-Sun 9.30 am -6pm.1 June- 29 Sept Mon-Sun 9.30am -6pm.
28 Oct- 31 March Mon-Sat 9.30am-4pm.
The town's buildings are all of stone, mainly dating to the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. It offers a range of amenities, craft shops, banks, a library, a chapel, hotels, guest houses and restaurants. The town is set amongst the impressive backdrop of the Rhinog mountain range, some of the most rugged and remote country in Wales.
The nearby slate caverns of Chwarel Hen Llanfair were used for the film 'First Knight'. While Shell Island offers sandy beaches, rock pools, wildflowers and opportunities for birdwatching. The island derives its name from the variety of crustacean life washed up on its shores.