Harlech Castle |
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Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all-seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th century to fulfil this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his "iron ring" of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. Ironically, in 1404 it was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr who proceeded to hold a parliament there.
A long siege at the castle during The Wars of the Roses inspired the stirring song "Men of Harlech". Although an imposing edifice, Harlech is at one with its
surroundings, a quality rare in the great Edwardian castles. There is a sense of harmony at work created by the way in which the castle builders took care to exploit the site's natural advantages. Looking seawards, Harlech's battlements spring out of a near vertical cliff face, while any landward attackers would first have to deal with a massive twin towered gatehouse. The sea, like Snowdonia, is one of the keys to Harlech's siting. Seaborne access was crucial in times of siege, and although the waters of Tremadog Bay have receded over the centuries, they may have originally have lapped the cliffs beneath the castle.The fortress's massive inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. The views from its lofty battlements are truly panoramic, extending from the dunes at its feet to the purple mass of Snowdonia in the distance. Harlech, a combination of magnificent medieval military architecture and breathtaking location is an unmissable castle, a fact which is reinforced by its status as a World Heritage Inscribed site.
General Information:
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Opening Times
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(2009 times)
1st April to 31st October:Daily 9.00am - 5.00pm. 1st November to 31st March: Monday to Saturday 9.30am - 4.00pm Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing. |
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Admission Charges
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(2009 prices)
Adult £3.60; Concession £3.20. Family ticket (2 + all children/grandchikdren under 16yrs) £10.40. Children under 16yrs must be accompanied by an adult. Under 5yrs Free. |
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Directions
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| A496. |
| Show map of Harlech Castle... |
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Harlech Castle Postcode for SatNav: LL46 2YH |
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Nearby Attractions
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Portmeirion Village
(4 Miles)*
This unique village is set on its own private peninsula on the southern shores of Snowdonia. It was created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978) to demonstrate how a naturally beautiful place could be developed without spoiling it. |
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Criccieth Castle
(6 Miles)*
Criccieth Castle, standing on its headland between two beaches, is a prominent north Wales landmark. |
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RNLI Visitor Centre
(10 Miles)*
The Visitor Centre contains a pictorial history of Barmouth Lifeboat Station plus some artefacts pertaining to the lifeboats. There are also some pictures of Barmouth in Victorian times. The Visitor Centre also houses the RNLI souvenir and gift shop. |
| more attractions in Harlech and things to do in Harlech ... |
| more things to do in Gwynedd and days out in Gwynedd... |
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Nearby Hotels
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Nearby Self Catering
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National Trust | Estate Agents |
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