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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. The English monarch Edward I built Harlech in the late 13th-century to fulfill this very role. It was one of the most formidable of his 'iron ring' of fortresses designed to contain the Welsh in their mountain fastness. Ironically, in 1404 it was taken by Welsh leader Owain Glyn Dwr who proceeded to hold a parliament here. A long siege here during the Wars of the Roses inspired the stirring song 'Men of Harlech'. Although an imposing edifice, Harlech is at one with its surroundings, a quality rare in the great Edwardian castles. There is a sense of harmony at work here, created by the way in which the castle builders took care to exploit the site's natural advantages.
Looking seawards, Harlech's battlements spring out of the near-vertical cliff-face, while any landward attackers would first have to deal with a massive twin-towered gatehouse. The sea, like Snowdonia, is one of the key to Harlech's siting. Sea borne access was crucial in times of siege, and although the waters of Tremadog Bay have receded over the centuries, they may originally have lapped the cliffs beneath the castle. The fortress's massive inner walls and towers still stand almost to their full height. The views from its lofty battlements are truly panoramic, extending from the dunes at its feet to the purple mass of Snowdonia in the distance. Harlech, a combination of magnificent medieval military architecture and breathtaking location, is an unmissable castle, a fact reinforced by its status as a World Heritage Inscribed site.
In a town blessed with a wealth of historic houses, Plas Mawr reigns supreme. Conwy, enclosed within a ring of 12th-century walls and protected by its mighty castle, is one of the world's finest medieval towns. In the narrow streets at its heart stands Plas Mawr, the 'Great Hall', built between 1576 and 1585 for the influential Welsh merchant, Robert Wynn. The tall, lime-rendered walls reflect the status of its builder as does its richly decorated interior. But do not let this rugged exterior deceive you, for within it is rich in ornamentation. Plas Mawr is an architectural gem, the finest surviving town house of the Elizabethan era to be found anywhere in Britain. It stands as a symbol of a prosperous, buoyant age, epitomized by the style and taste of Robert Wynn, a remarkable and well-traveled courtier and trader who rose to pre-eminence amongst the Welsh gentry.
Wynn's 'worthy plentiful house' is especially noted for the quality and quantity of its ornamental plasterwork, now fully restored to its original splendor (look out for the many initials 'R.W.' in its crests and coats of arms). Particularly exquisite is the plaster overmantel in the hall, repainted in its vivid original colours, which immediately proclaimed Wynn's wealth and status. Other riches in this noble dwelling include the glorious decorated plasterwork ceilings and friezes and skilful carpentry. Plas Mawr's authentic period atmosphere is further enhanced by furnishings (many original to the house) based on an inventory of the contents in 1665.
The Llanberis Lake Railway will be the highlight of your visit to Snowdonia. From your seat in the comfortable enclosed coaches you can enjoy spectacular views of Snowdon and the surrounding high mountains. Starting at Gilfach Ddu station (say “Gilvak Thee”) in the Padarn Park at Llanberis, the trains take approximately 40 minutes to make the journey to Penllyn and back including a short stop at Cei Llydan (say “Kai Thlidan”) for sightseeing on the homeward run. You may stop off here for a picnic and catch any later train back to Llanberis.