Harlech
Harlech, LL46 2YE
Category:
Places to visit, Snowdonia
A true highlight of the Cambrian coast is Harlech Castle, arguably the most spectacular and foreboding fortresses in Britain and one of the only to have inspired a song, Men of Harlech. Built on a bluff 200 feet above sea level in the 13th century, not only has it an unsurpassed natural setting, as a piece of castle-building Harlech is also unrivalled. Even after seven centuries, it remains a testament to a military architect of genius, of St George. Despite its seeming impregnability, Owain Glyndwr captured the castle in 1404 and held it for five years while using the town of Harlech as his capital. Later, it was held by the Lancastrians during the War of the Roses before falling to the Yorkists in 1468. The last time it saw action was in the Civil War when it was the last castle in Wales to fall to Cromwell. Harlech itself looks out over the nature reserve, Morfa Harlech – an area of dunes and woodland trails - towards Cardigan Bay, the Lleyn and the peaks of Snowdonia. It’s a small and friendly town with narrow streets and a glut of superb places to stay, eat and drink, plus, when you’d had your fill of the castle, there are some excellent beaches too.
Visit Harlech
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