Castell Harlech
Overview
None of Edward I’s mighty coastal fortresses has a more spectacular setting
Castell Harlech 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.
Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
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 |
£9.50
|
| Family* |
£30.40
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£6.70
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£8.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£10.00
|
| Family* |
£31.90
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£7.00
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£9.20
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£9.50
|
| Family* |
£30.40
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£6.70
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£8.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry. **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online). |
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Charging car park available.
Dogs on short 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.
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.
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.
(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
A496 from Barmouth, A487/ A496 from Porthmadog.
200m/220yards, Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route.
150m/170yards, route No 38 + 39 (No 2 on Sunday), Barmouth-Harlech/Porthmadog.
www.visitharlech.wales/harlech-hoppa
www.visitharlech.wales/harlech-hoppa
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
Castell Harlech
Harlech LL46 2YH
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 781339.
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Harlech LL46 2YH
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 781339.
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
