Skip to main content

Here are our custodians' suggestions of things to look at and listen to when using Pyka_Lens App at sites...

On a cliff top on a rocky headland overlooking the sea, the gatehouse is the most impressive part of the castle.

Specific areas of visual interest (e.g. landmarks, interesting textures, areas of the site that are usually missed/overlooked/not the main attraction)

The impressive twin-towered inner gatehouse was raised by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth in the 1230s to the level just below the square holes. The gatehouse was heightened during the reign of King Edward I and again at the time of King Edward II when the earlier crenellations were blocked up. The single arrowloop at the top of the eastern (left) tower represents the last building phase.

The castle was attacked and burnt during the Owain Glyndŵr uprising around 1404. The south tower still bears the red burn marks left after Owain Glyndŵr’s attack. Can you see where the stones look red? This is the evidence of burning.

Castle Well  at the inner end of the entrance passage a modern iron grille covers a water cistern, fed by a natural spring, which provided the castle with fresh water.

Specific environmental interest (e.g. surrounding scenery, landscape, seasonal wildlife)

The view has been enjoyed by Welsh & English rulers of the castle, look carefully south down the coast and on a clear day you can see Castell Harlech across the bay.