Castell Harlech
Visitor Notice
Temporary Closure Notice:
Date: Thursday, 16 January 2025
Time: From 10am to 1pm
Castell Harlech will be closed on Thursday morning, 16 January due to essential staff training and will re-open at 1pm.
Castell Harlech Café
Caffi Castell will be closed on Thursday 30 January 2025 due to essential maintenance work.
The café will reopen on Friday 31 January 2025
Thank you
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.
Gallery
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Opening times & prices
Opening times
| 1st March - 30th June | 09.30am-5pm |
|---|---|
| 1st July - 31st August | 09.30am-6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | 9.30am-5pm |
| 1st November - 28th February | 10am-4pm |
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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 |
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Prices
| 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
|
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*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). |
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Visitor information
Access guide
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Pay and Display car park
Charging car park available.
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Water refill station
Water refill station available at this site.
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Holiday accommodation
Cadw holiday accommodation is available to hire close to this site.
Gift shop
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Refreshments
From hearty breakfasts to light bites and afternoon treats, Caffi Castell is committed to using only the best local suppliers.
Caffi Castell will be closed on Thursday 30 January 2025 due to essential maintenance work.
The café will reopen on Friday 31 January 2025
Thank you
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Wi-Fi
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Dogs welcome
Dogs on short leads welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
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!
Directions
Address
Harlech LL46 2YH
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01766 781339.
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email HarlechCastle@gov.wales
Postcode LL46 2YH
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.
