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Overview

None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular setting

Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.

No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.

Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.

Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.

Harlech is easier to conquer today. An incredible ‘floating’ footbridge allows you to enter this great castle as Master James intended – for the first time in 600 years.

How to visit

•    purchase your admission tickets on arrival 
•    view our opening times and prices below
•    check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.

More about Harlech Castle


Opening times

Daily 9.30am–5pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Daily 9.30am–6pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Daily 9.30am–5pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Daily 10am–4pm

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.

Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales


Prices & Tickets

Category Price
Member - Join now
Free
Adult
£8.70
Family*
£28.20
Disabled person and companion
Free
Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students
£6.10
Seniors (Aged 65+)
£8.10

*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children 

All children under 5 receive free entry.

Blue Light Card holders receive 10% off admission (not available online)


Facilities

Access guide icon Bike storage icon Pay and Display car park icon Dogs welcome icon Exhibition icon Guidebook icon Holiday accommodation icon Gift shop icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Portable hearing icon School visits icon Toilets icon Baby changing icon Refreshments icon Venue hire icon Water refill station icon Wi-Fi icon

Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.

Harlech Castle — Access Guide

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.

Charging car park available.

Dogs on leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.

On-site exhibition within monument.

Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.

Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site.

Click here for more details.

Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.

A portable induction loop is available.

To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.

Discover our free facilitated educational activities.

While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!

Visitor toilets are available at this site.

Toilets available with baby changing facilities.

From hearty breakfasts to light bites and afternoon treats, Caffi Castell is committed to using only the best local suppliers.

Cadw’s cafés and restaurants

(Caffi Castell will close at 5pm during July and August 2023).

This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.

Water refill station available at this site.

Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.


Directions

Road
A496 from Barmouth, A487/ A496 from Porthmadog.
Rail
200m/220yards, Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route.
Bus
150m/170yards, route No 38 + 39 (No 2 on Sunday), Barmouth-Harlech/Porthmadog.
www.visitharlech.wales/harlech-hoppa
Bike
NCN Route No.8 On route.

Postcode LL46 2YH

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.


Contact us

Telephone 03000 252239

Email
HarlechCastle@gov.wales

Address
Harlech Castle
Harlech LL46 2YH

For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 781339.
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.