Harlech

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Harlech


Population	1,264
OS grid reference	SH585315
Principal area	Gwynedd
Ceremonial county	Gwynedd
Constituent country	Wales
Sovereign state	United Kingdom
Post town	HARLECH
Postcode district	LL46
Dial code	01766
Police	North Wales
Fire	North Wales
Ambulance	Welsh
UK Parliament	Meirionnydd Nant Conwy
European Parliament	Wales
List of places: UK • Wales • Gwynedd

Harlech (pronounced IPA: [ˈhar.lɛx]) is a town and seaside resort in North Wales, lying on Tremadog Bay, and within the Snowdonia National Park. It has a population of 1,264, of whom 63% speak Welsh. [1].

The town is best known for Harlech Castle, begun in 1283 by Edward I of England, captured by Owain Glyndŵr, and later the stronghold of Henry Tudor. The castle was originally built next to the sea, but geological processes have changed the shape of the coastline, and the castle now lies on a cliff face, about half a mile inland. The town has since developed with housing estates on the flat low town area and hillside properties in the high town around the shopping street, church and castle. The two areas are linked by a steep and winding road called Twtil.

The town is also the home of Wales' only long term adult residential college Coleg Harlech also known as the college of second chance.

Other attractions in Harlech include its beach backed with sand dunes and the famous Royal St David's Golf Club. The Rhinogydd or Rhinogs range of mountains lies to the east. The town is in the traditional county of Merionethshire.

The town has a railway station served by the Cambrian Line.

The song Men of Harlech is associated with the town.