A DAY IN HARLECH | NORTH WALES

In all of our beautiful towns and villages, there are lots of hidden gems of things to do and see that unless you did your research or heard by word of mouth you would miss them. Over the year, we will be doing a quick, easy to refer to guide on the top things to do in each of the towns to enable you to make the most of your time spent there. The first on the list is A Day In Harlech | North Wales…There is alot more to do in Harlech than initially meets the eye and you might find it hard fitting it all in!

THE CASTLE

The town surrounds the castle , built on a spur of the Harlech dome which is said to be the oldest known geological rock formation in the world. A visit to the castle is a facinating trip back in time the new visitors centre has certainly added to the experience.

THE BEACH

Harlech beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Snowdonia; a long stretch of sandy beach backed by sand dunes. During the summer it is a great place for swimming and in the winter, perfect for walking.

THE GOLF COURSE

The Royal St Davids Golf Course is listed in the top 100 in the world and the top 40 in the UK. An 18 hole links course, in the past it has been host to Kings (King Edward the VII’s clubs are on the wall for you to see), and now it hosts a number of international tournaments alongside the day to day playing. Quite simply a beautiful place to play golf.

INDOOR CLIMBING

On a rainy day or if you are looking for something to do in the evening, the Harlech and Ardudwy Leisure centre has a great indoor climbing wall. The Rock has over 400m² of wild climbing surfaces, made up of dramtic overhangs, pillar blocks, chimney and slab climbing, thus catering for all abilities.

THE ZIG ZAGS WALK

A fantastic 1-1.5 hour walk. Once you get onto Harlech beach from the board walk, turn left. Walk along the beach for as far as you can go. As you reach the rocks at the end, you will see a set of stairs to your left. Go up the stairs, cross the train tracks and you will come to a steep set of natural stairs in the rock. Follow these up to the top. At the top, turn left onto the road, following the road back into Harlech. On the way back, just as you come into the town on the top road, you will see some benches and large rocks to your left (again); known as slippery rock, this is a great look out point to take in the views and I would strongly recommend taking a seat and taking it all in – its incredible.

THE CINEMA

Theatr Ardudwy on St Davids Hill have recently launched a digital cinema. With all the latest films showing, they also live stream performances from the National Theatre London and the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia.

COCKTAILS AND TAPPAS

Caffi Castell by Harlech Castle have the most incredible views of the Snowdonia mountains. There is nothing more beautiful or tranquil then having a pre-dinner cocktail on the patio looking out to Snowdonia landscape before you go in for thier incredible tappas.

AFTERNOON TEA

Llew Glas Cafe have been voted as the number 2 cafe in Snowdonia and for good reason. They do the most amazing scones. The Cemlyn, an iconic part of Harlech do a great selection of teas and have a fab patio with views.

ICE CREAM

Hufenfa Ice-cream located opposite the castle have the best ice cream in the area (not just Harlech I might add). All home made, incredible flavours, they really are the place to go for your holiday ice-cream – all the locals go there which I think says alot.

SHOPPING

Llew Glas Interiors have a good selection of antiques alongside a beautiful gift range, Cae Du Designs is where you need to go to get a woollen blanket – even if you dont need one, go and get one, you wont regret it I promise! Damsel In This Dress sell clothes and the gift shop opposite the castle have those all traditional things you want to buy on holiday…. oh and the traditional sweet shop on the corner is always a winner with the kids.

LAS YNYS FAWR

Las Ynys Fawr is a 16th Century house and home to the famous Welsh poet Ellis Wynne. There are guided tours showig you arounf the house along with a information about the poet and the house at that time.