Of all the castles built by Edward I in the late 13th Century, in his attempts to contain the Welsh in an ‘iron ring’, Harlech Castle is perhaps the most in keeping with its stunning surroundings.

Raised up on a rocky cliff, the grand spectacle of Harlech Castle is surrounded by natural beauty and seems perfectly at home with its local stone, as if it had been there forever.

The castle looks straight out onto the Irish Sea and visitors to Harlech can get a stunning view of the sea from the huge, towering gatehouse walls before turning to survey a panorama of Snowdonia in the other direction.

Behind the castle, nestled on a hill, sit the stone cottages in the old town of Harlech, with its narrow streets and charming old features. In the modern centre of Harlech, visitors can enjoy some of the best fish and chips in Wales, as well as plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, tea rooms and pubs.

Harlech is ideally situated for both coastal and hill walking, with trails leading along the golden sands of Cardigan Bay or up into the rolling hills that lead into Snowdonia.

Golfers will find much to enjoy in Harlech too, with Royal St David’s Golf Club’s championship links offering seaviews and some of the finest golfing in Wales.