Harlech

This week’s lovely “Day Out In” feature comes all the way from the fabulous town of Harlech. Situated on the opposite side of Cardigan Bay to the Oakeley Arms Hotel in Snowdonia, this pretty town is dominated by the mighty castle that sits handsomely and quietly, watching over the town.

It is one of Edward I’s iron ring of castles – these were all built in the 12th century in order to subdue the King of England’s most prolific rebels – the Welsh army. Edward also built castles at Beaumaris, Criccieth, Conwy and Caernarfon, but Harlech is considered to be one of the finest, and most imposing, examples of medieval castle architecture in Wales. Considering it’s almost 800 years old, it is in remarkably good condition, despite being battered and bruised by the brutal winds and storms of the Irish Sea that whirl and whip around the coasts of Cardigan Bay.

The castle attracts many visitors throughout the year, and with good reason. It’s so well preserved that it’s easy to imagine its history playing out under the dark castle walls. Peer out of the teeny windows and pretend to shoot arrows at wayward passers-by;  debate where the bar and the master bedroom might have been and be lost for words when you stumble out on the terrace and catch sight of the stunning view across the wide bay. The castle is owned and maintained by Cadw and is open to visitors most days.

Harlech is also famed for it’s beautiful wide, long, sandy beach. Special because it’s framed to the north by the pretty Dwyryd and Glaslyn estuaries, to the east by the dramatic hills of southern Snowdonia and to the west by the wide blue seas of Cardigan Bay. Harlech beach is one of the finest in Cardigan Bay and on a sunny day is enjoyed by walkers, sunbathers, kite flyers and amblers.

The town is also known for it’s theatre – Theatre Harlech as well as the famous Royal St David’s Golf Course. There are lots of beautiful walks to explore and discover in and around Harlech – not only along the beach but also up into the rolling hills behind the town, from where the views are spectacular on a clear day.

Harlech is about a 10 mile drive from the Oakeley Arms, or there are frequent bus services from right outside the hotel. Ask our staff for details.