Harlech campsites

Calling all beach lovers and photographers, Harlech Beach and its surrounding dune area is one of the finest examples of a natural dune system in Britain and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The beach and shoreline stretch from the beautiful Glaslyn estuary in the north to Llandanwg in the south. Mile after mile of golden sand and clean seas with a backdrop of sand dunes some reaching 30 feet in height.

Spectacularly sited Harlech Castle seems to grow naturally from the rock on which it is perched. Like an all seeing sentinel, it gazes out across land and sea, keeping a watchful eye over Snowdonia. This grand medieval structure boasts two rings of walls and towers, with an immensely strong east gatehouse. It was impregnable from almost every angle. Its secret weapon was a 200-foot long stairway which still leads from the castle to the cliff base.

The landscape around Harlech is perfect walking country. Take your pick of the flat coastal strip, with many of the trails along golden sands, or step inland a short way and explore the rolling hills. There are long distance trails from Barmouth in the south to Penrhyndeudraeth in the north, suitable for both walking and cycling.

Trails criss-cross the landscape and a walk in the hills can be rewarded with fine views of Cardigan Bay, and you never know when you might stumble across an ancient burial chamber or a Neolithic standing stone in this part of Wales. The hills within 4 to 5 miles of the coastal strip can be relatively easy hill walking. Moelfre is a prominent peak that invites exploration and at 589 m it is far less challenging than the high peaks of Snowdonia.

Adventures will be rewarded with a visit to Llanfair Slate Caverns, he entry to this old but significant and famous slate mine is through the majestic main tunnel, under the spooky twin arches of the crypt, and into the lofty cathedral cavern. High adventure, only really low down. Descend Jacob's Ladder and wonder through the tunnels and chambers, and look for the old drilling holes, and the likeness of a human face in the mighty number six cavern. As you emerge from the caverns, you face the breathtaking view of Cardigan Bay, from the Preseli Mountains in the south to the Lleyn Peninsula.

Set between the dunes and the town of Harlech are the championship links of the Royal St. David's Golf Club. What more could a golfer wish for… sun, sea, sand, views of the Snowdonia mountains, and a fine golf course in the shadow of a medieval castle.

Next up is The Children’s Farm Park, set on the gorgeous Cardigan Bay coastline with stunning countryside views all around. The view inside is just as lovely as out, as you come face to face with lambs and calves that you can bottle feed in the spring! Before you wander around the farm don’t forget to pick up your animal feed from reception to satisfy the hungry mouths of the goats, chickens and ducks you’ll meet along your way. Once all the feed is gone there’s lots more for children to enjoy, from a ride on the junior tractors, the indoor sandpit to air cannons and crazy golf. If you’re enjoying the fresh air why not keep walking along the nature trail and see what other native wildlife you can discover!

Just north of Harlech brings you to Porthmadog.  A lovely little village worth the visit, here you’ll find The Ffestiniog Railway. It runs from Porthmadog on the coast to Blaenau Ffestiniog in the hills, passing through the spectacular scenery of the Snowdonia National Park. Many of our trains are steam hauled, some date back to Victorian times.

Portmeirion, in Porthmadog is a village located on a private peninsula overlooking Cardigan Bay on the coast of Snowdonia, surrounded by woodlands and sandy beaches. This premier visitor attraction is open daily until 19:30, so there is plenty of time to explore the village, gardens and woods. Free, guided tours of the village are available daily too.

Slightly further afield you’ll find Criccieth Castle, standing on its headland between two beaches, a prominent North Wales landmark. It is also a landmark historic site, one of those rare castles with a foot firmly in both camps and a true testament to the varying fortunes of war.