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TravelTips24 : Europe : British Isles : United Kingdom : Wales : North Wales : Gwynedd : Harlech

Harlech

Harlech is a town in north Wales, the location of a magnificently-situated medieval castle (part of a World Heritage site).

Culture and History

Harlech is dominated by its castle. Harlech Castle was built between 1283 and 1289 by Master James of St George for the English King Edward I, the conquerer of Wales. Designed on a concentric plan with a small but powerful inner ward dominated by an impressive twin-towered gatehouse and four round corner towers. It is has many similarities with the Krak des Chevaliers, Crusader Castle in Syria, over which Harlech has an important advantage: its own water supply.

Harlech was seized by Owain Glyn Dŵr during a rebellion/secessionist war in 1404 and held successfully by him for four years.

The old town centre, where most shops and restaurants are, sits upon the hillside around the castle, with more recent development being on the plain beneath the castle. The only two roads linking the two parts directly are very steep and narrow, and one is one-way (down) only.

Travel to Harlech & Visa Requirements

By car

Harlech is on the A496 and B4573. The A496 is narrow and twisty in places, particularly north of Harlech towards Maentwrog.

Buses to Harlech

Bus routes 2 and 38, to Bangor/Barmouth/Blaenau Ffestiniog. [1]

By Train

Harlech station is on the main Machynlleth to Pwllheli Cambrian Coast line.

Harlech attractions and sightseeing

  • Harlech Castle [2], Castle Square, open 1 April - 31 May 9.30am - 5pm, 1 June - 30 September 9.30am - 6pm, 1 October - 31 October 9.30am - 5pm, 1 November - 31 March 9.30am (11am Sundays) - 4 pm, admission adult £3.00, concession £2.50, family £8.50, tel 01766 780552, fax 01766 780552. Be aware that road signs direct drivers to the car park at the foot of the rock upon which the castle stands, from which it is a very steep climb. There is however a pay car park next to the entrance to the castle in the town, though this is small and will be busy at peak times. On street parking in the town is free but roads are narrow and spaces limited.
  • RSPB Glaslyn Osprey Project [3]
  • Ffestiniog Railway [4]

Harlech city tours

Golf

Royal St David's Golf Club is one of Wales's premier golf links. [5]

Hillwalking

Harlech is one of the main centres for walking in the Rhinog range of mountains, which are sometimes referred to as the Harlech Dome. These run north/south, following the coast from Harlech to Barmouth, and separating the fertile coastal plain of Ardudwy from the rest of North Wales.

Harlech Restaurants: cheap, moderate and expensive

  • Castle Cottage, [6].  edit
  • Tandoori Restaurant & Takeway on a side street off the crossroads by the castle.
  • Chinese Restaurant & Takeaway on the High Street (Beware that service can be very slow here)
  • Restaurant on Castle Square
  • Chip Shop on road upto castle from lower town (closed Saturday nights!)

Harlech nightlife, bars, clubs & pubs

Harlech cheap and luxurious hotels, youth hostels & lodging

  • Castle Cottage, [7]. Castle Cottage is composed of two 400 year old buildings.£53.00-£75.00 per person.  edit

Get out

This page was last edited at 19:22, on 3 August 2008 by Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel. Based on work by Mark Sheffield, Wikitravel user(s) Voyager, WindHorse and Pjamescowie and Anonymous user(s) of Wikitravel.

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