Cadw is a Welsh word meaning ‘to keep’ or ‘to protect’. And that’s exactly what they do. They are working for an accessible and well-protected historic environment for Wales.
Cadw is made up of around 250 people working across a range of disciplines.
Around 100 of their people are custodians — working at monuments in their care — or are part of the in-house teams that undertake conservation and maintenance at our sites.
They have specialist staff, including field monument wardens and inspectors of historic buildings, ancient monuments and historic parks and gardens, who are based all over Wales.
Many of their staff are regularly ‘out and about’ around Wales, visiting sites, meeting the public or local authority representatives — little of Cadw’s work can be done only from behind a desk.
Entrance Ticket
Harlech Castle crowns a sheer rocky crag overlooking the dunes far below – waiting in vain for the tide to turn and the distant sea to lap at its feet once again.
No further drama is really required but, just in case, the rugged peaks of Eryri (Snowdonia) rise as a backdrop. Against fierce competition from Conwy, Caernarfon and Beaumaris, this is probably the most spectacular setting for any of Edward I’s castles in North Wales. All four are designated as a World Heritage Site.
Harlech was completed from ground to battlements in just seven years under the guidance of gifted architect Master James of St George. Its classic ‘walls within walls’ design makes the most of daunting natural defences.
Even when completely cut off by the rebellion of Madog ap Llewelyn the castle held out – thanks to the ‘Way from the Sea’. This path of 108 steps rising steeply up the rock face allowed the besieged defenders to be fed and watered by ship.
Harlech is easier to conquer today. An incredible ‘floating’ footbridge allows you to enter this great castle as Master James intended – for the first time in 600 years.
OPENING TIMES
01/03-30/06: Open daily from 09.30hrs to 17.00hrs (last admission 30 minutes before closing).
01/07-31/08: Open daily from 09.30hrs to 18.00hrs (last admission 30 minutes before closing).
01/09-31/10: Open daily from 09.30hrs to 17.00hrs (last admission 30 minutes before closing).
01/11-28/02: Open daily from 09.30hrs to 16.00hrs (last admission 30 minutes before closing).
Note: during extreme weather conditions the attraction may need to close at short notice.
