Set with the peaks of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park as its backdrop, Harlech Castle offers an unforgettable day out. With sweeping views of the Welsh countryside and an enchanting ‘floating footbridge,’ there is no doubt that the castle offers adventures for all.
I recently visited the castle for myself, and in this guide, I'll share everything you need to know before you visit.
Getting to Harlech Castle
Harlech Castle is located in the small town of Harlech in North Wales and overlooks Bae Ceredigion. When I say 'small town', it's really more like a village.
By Car: To reach Harlech Castle from Barmouth follow the A496 and to reach it from Porthmadog follow the A487/A496.
Is There Parking at Harlech Castle?
Yes, there is a small short-stay pay and display car park right outside Harlech Castle which costs £1 per hour (Google Maps pin). If this is full, there is also a larger long-stay car park called Bron y Graig about 7 minutes walk away (Google Maps pin).
By Public Transport: You can also reach the castle via public transport links. The railway station is 200m from the castle and you can get there on the Shrewsbury-Machynlleth/Pwllheli route.
Alternatively, the bus stop is 150m from the castle. You will need route No. 39, which runs from Barmouth to Porthmadog (find timetables here). Note that it doesn't run on a Sunday.
Visiting Harlech Castle
Entrance Fees
Here are the current entry fees for Harlech Castle:
| Ticket Type | Cost |
| Adult | £8.50 |
| Family - 2 adults and up to 3 children. | £27.40 |
| Disabled person and companion | Free |
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans | £5.80 |
| Seniors (Aged 65+) | £7.70 |
| Under 5 | Free |
Do You Need to Book to Visit Harlech Castle?
Yes, you need to book in advance to visit Harlech Castle and you must arrive within your allotted time.
Is Harlech Castle Free?
No, Harlech Castle is not free, it's a paid attraction. However, it is free to visit the castle for those under 5 or those with a CADW membership. If you are a member of English Heritage and Historic Scotland (the equivalent of CADW in the respective countries), then you are entitled to a 50% reduced entry price.
Opening Hours
The opening hours for the castle vary slightly depending on the time of year, please see our table below. Note that last admission is half an hour before closing.
| Dates | Opening Times |
| 1st March - 30th June | Daily 9.30am - 5pm |
| 1st July - 31st August | Daily 9.30am - 6pm |
| 1st September - 31st October | Daily 9.30am - 5pm |
| 1st November - 28th February* | Daily 10am - 4pm |
*The castle is closed 24th, 25th, 26th December and 1st January. The castle may also close certain areas at short notice because of extreme weather conditions. Keep up to date with the castle on its social media channels (Facebook and Twitter) prior to your visit to ensure that this is not the case.
Accessibility
Whilst there is a ramp into the caste, the walls and towers are not accessible via wheelchair. Since these are the best parts of the ruins, I would not recommend it for those with mobility impairments. Accessible toilets are available at this castle for visitors use as well as a portable induction loop for those with hearing impairments.
History of Harlech Castle
Built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales in the 13th century, Harlech Castle has a fascinating history. Some sources suggest that the castle sits on the site of an even older fortification nevertheless, it took just seven years for the master architect James of St George to build the castle we see today
After its completion in October 1284, Hugh Longslow was granted custodianship of the castle and the king agreed to pay him £100 for the privilege. His responsibilities would have included ensuring there was a continuous garrison guarding the castle - this was made up of 30 men. These men included crossbowmen, a chaplain, an artiller, a smith, a carpenter and a mason
The castle was involved in the War of the Roses (1455-1487). During this period the castle remained loyal to the Lancastrians. Because of this, the Yorkist forces surrounded the castle and demanded its surrender. When the garrison within the walls of Harlech refused, the castle was declared under siege
The castle faced more conflict during the English Civil War (1642-161). During this time the castle was held on behalf of the Royalists (those loyal to the crown) by a man named Colonel William Owen. Again, during this period the castle came under siege. But this time from the Parliamentarians. The garrison was forced to surrender when it was reduced to just 16 men.
After the 17th century, the castle slowly fell into disrepair. Throughout this period, however, the castle remained influential. Its ruins inspired a handful of artists including J.M.W Turner (1775-1851). In the 20th-century major restoration work began to restore the castle to its former glory. Since 1986 the castle, along with a number of the other castles built by Edward I, has been listed as a World Heritage site
Things To Do at Harlech Castle
1. Learn about the castle at the on-site exhibition
Before entering the castle itself, explore the visitor centre which contains an exhibition that helps you understand exactly what the castle was like in its heyday.
An immersive room with a video teaches you about the inner ward where there would have been a chapel, kitchen, granary, bakehouse and the Great Hall, all of which would have been furnished to a high standard.
There isn't much information in the castle itself, so use the opportunity to find lots of fun facts (or just keep reading below).
2. Walk along the ‘floating’ footbridge.
To access the castle, you'll first need to walk along the 'floating' footbridge which leads up to it. This would have once been a drawbridge which has been lost to time. So, in 2015, CADW built this bridge to allow you to enter it exactly the way intended when it was built.
3. Wander the castle walls
The best way to appreciate the strategic location of Harlech Castle is by walking along the castle walls to experience breathtaking views across the Welsh countryside in one direction and across Cardigan Bay in the other.
Apparently, you used to be able to climb up the castle towers, however, when I visited, access to these was prohibited.
The below map will help you explore the rest of the castle, this is given to you for free after you purchase a ticket.
Facts About Harlech Castle
1. The castle is famous for the longest siege in British history.
Harlech Castle was loyal to the Lancastrians during the War of the Roses in the mid to late 15th century. Those within the castle were ordered to surrender by Parliament but they refused. Because of this, the Yorkist army surrounded the castle.
This is a military tactic known as a siege and it was the longest siege in British history from 1461-68. Eventually, the Yorkist army grew big enough to attack the castle and surrounding areas and win
2. The castle is part of the Iron Ring of Castles.
The Iron Ring is a collection of castles which were built by Edward I in the 13th century in order to assert dominance over his rival, the kingdom of Gwynedd.
Edward was assisted in the construction of these castles by his master architect James of St George. Because of this many of the castles either look similar or share the same design features
3. The castle used to be much closer to the shoreline than it appears today.
Since the castle was first built the sea has receded. Because of this the castle now stands out on its rocky hill as if waiting for the tide to turn.
There was once a stairway to the sea which meant supplies could be brought into the castle in the event of a siege. There was also a moat which you could sail a boat up to via the channel that connected the sea and the castle.
Related Questions
Is Harlech Castle dog-friendly?
Yes, Harlech Castle is dog-friendly. Dogs on leads are welcome to access ground floor levels of the site.
What is Harlech Castle famous for?
Harlech Castle is most famous for is its involvement in a seven-year siege which inspired the Welsh song ‘Men of Harlech.’
What was filmed at Harlech Castle?
The castle has featured in a number of documentaries and was the location for the film adaptation of Macbeth (1971).
How long does it take to go round Harlech Castle?
It takes about 1-2 hours to fully experience Harlech Castle because it's not that big.
Is Harlech Castle still intact?
No, Harlech Castle is a ruin although the basic structure is still intact so it's easy to imagine what it was like during its glory days.
Why is Harlech Castle so far from the sea?
Harlech Castle appears far from the sea because the sea has receded since it was first built.
Published: 25 June 2022 · Last updated: 22 August 2023