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HARLECH:
Of all the castles built by Edward 1st, Harlech must be the most dramatic of them all, perched on a sheer 200-foot bluff dominating the village and surrounding area. When originally built the castle was defended on the western side by the sea, which has receded nearly a mile in the intervening centuries. It is also one of the best preserved of all the castles and its strategic importance as well as its amazing defences is obvious to even the most inexperienced visitor.

The castle remains the focal point of a visit to the town and the superb views and eerie atmosphere of a visit is well worth the climb up a long and winding road (alternatively take a car and visit at your leisure). There are numerous shops and cafes around the castle and something of a past age fill the streets of this quiet and pleasant town.

The beaches around Harlech are also magnificent, having some of the best in the area - its quite possible to wander for miles on one of the sandy beaches in the height of summer without meeting another living soul. There is a well-developed links golf course on the coast as well as an animal sanctuary and an air museum a few miles down the coast.

Harlech also has a progressive theatre, Theatr Ardudwy, which doubles up as a cinema and local arts-focus. Harlech is an excellent base for beach holidays or for walking tours with the Arenig range falling down to the town streets.