Harlech

Right, I will not attempt to explain the history behind Harlech as I will probably come up short and give some misleading information. Instead I will review the town itself and give you my honest opinion. I do think that it is one of the best long weekend spots in the UK, despite having little to compare it too, however due to some flaws it does not deserve the full 5 stars. This is based on the premise of its location, both a charm and a curse. This is due to the fact that it is relatively remote, lying on the Welsh coast, close to Snowdonia. This remoteness allows for it to be one of the more unspoilt towns of its type and although it does cater for tourism it has not ...  Read the complete review

Having been there on a number of occasions for holidays, I thought it was time I reviewed Harlech, a pretty town full of character on the west Wales coast. You may be wondering at the title of this review. Well, Harlech is certainly a nice place, but it's made to feel all the nicer because of the grotty towns nearby (Portmadoc and Barmouth being the main culprits). We always go there by train, and if you plan to, then be prepared for a long and achingly slow journey. The leg of the journey from Bimingham New Street alone takes something like four hours, and it doesn't help that Wales & Borders Trains (I believe they still have the franchise for ...  Read the complete review

Built for King Edward the First between 1283 and 1289, Harlech Castle is one of 14 that were built on the borders of North Wales. It's history is varied and violent, having been in prominent use during several key militry campaigns. During the Welsh national uprising of 1400 (circa), Harlech laid under seige and was eventually captured by the Welsh in early 1404. It became the home of Owain Glyndwr who led the uprising then pronounced himself Prince of Wales. It possible that it was here at the castle that he was crowned. He is now renowned amongst Welsh patriots as being at the forefront of Welsh nationalism. There is even talk of creating a national ...  Read the complete review

Harlech is a small seaside village (- I won't say resort!) located between Portmadoc and Barmouth. My experience of Harlech is both as a resident and later a tourist. It was as a teenager Mum packed us all in a car and announced that we were going to live in Wales for a year whilest she went to the local College. Colege Harlech is an adult education college similar to Ruskin college and prior to access courses was prehaps the only way an adult lacking the prequisite A levels could go to University. This was in the late 70's. I've mixed feelings about my year there as a teenager living miles from any where it was hell on earth for me but now as an ...  Read the complete review