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Holidays in Harlech

Harlech holidays: a seaside town surrounded by Snowdonia/Eryri National Park

UK | Wales | North Wales | Harlech
Harlech Castle

Harlech is a beautiful town and seaside resort in the county of Gwynedd, north-west Wales. It lies within the Snowdonia/Eryri National Park, nestled in the foothills of the Rhinog mountain range overlooking Cardigan Bay.

Construction began on the mighty Harlech Castle in 1283, one of several castles built by Edward I in Wales, and now part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a spectacular location. The castle was originally built beside the sea on a near vertical cliff-face, but over the years the sea has receded so it now overlooks the sand dunes of Harlech beach.

These dunes are the reason the beach has been designated as a National Nature Reserve and Site of Special Scientific Interest. Some of these dunes reach 30 feet high! The long stretches of golden sand are an ideal place for children to play, and for adults to sit back and relax with an ice cream. Exciting events are held at the castle during the year including dragon adventures, storytelling, a Summer Knight School, and in November there’s stargazing.

Take a stroll through the town and browse the collection of independent shops full of local arts and crafts or enjoy some local produce in one of the welcoming restaurants, bistros, tea rooms and pubs close to the many places to stay in Harlech. Be sure to stop by the Theatr Ardudwy, which has a full programme of live theatre, concerts, films and exhibitions of local artists’ work throughout the year. From Pen Graig viewpoint there’s a superb view of the castle, or you can watch the sunset.

The sand dunes at Harlech beach

Discover more about the town’s captivating history by following the Harlech History Trail or soak up some magnificent views on the Branwen walk. The Rhinogydd mountain range is another favourite for walkers and wilderness seekers, and is a slightly more challenging trek.

Avid golfers will be in their element in Harlech, the home to one of the UK’s top golf courses. The internationally famous Royal St David’s Golf Club provides a challenging course, set against the backdrop of the mountains of Snowdonia/Eryri in the shadow of Harlech Castle.

“The town of Harlech has a fascinating history to discover as well as a wealth of walks around the breath-taking Snowdonia/Eryri National Park.”

Enjoy a day out with the family at of Children’s Farm Park, perfect for the young adventurer with their mini tractors, air cannons and crazy golf, or explore historic local sites such as a working slate mine and museum at Llechwedd Slate Caverns or the Llanfair Slate Quarry.

Other fascinating historic sites to explore on your Harlech holiday include the tiny St Tanwg’s church at Llandanwg, one of the earliest Christian foundations in Britain. Nestled in the sand dunes, the graveyard holds the remains of Sion Phillips, a contemporary of Shakespeare. If you fancy a more challenging walk, head to Bryn Cader Faner and admire one of the most hauntingly beautiful Bronze Age sites in Britain. The cairn, measuring just eight metres wide and under a metre in height, resembles a crown with the fifteen slabs leaning outward. Then there’s the North Wales Pilgrims Way (130 miles long), which combines history with beautiful landscapes.

If you’re feeling inspired to visit this charming seaside town, check out our lovely Harlech cottages.

While you’re there

Royal St David’s Golf Club

One of the UK’s top golf courses in the glorious setting of the Snowdonia/Eryri mountains with the magnificent castle as a backdrop.

Theatr Ardudwy

The theatre presents concerts, shows and exhibitions throughout the year to suit all tastes.

Harlech Castle

Perched high on a clifftop, this World Heritage Site offers amazing views over Harlech

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