Castle Cottage Harlech, North Wales
Castle Cottage is tucked away under the ramparts of Harlech Castle. It’s an unassuming gem. Dating from the 16th Century, this luxury 5 star restaurant with rooms offers a warm welcome, award-winning food and friendly hospitality.
Castle Cottage Harlech is an award-winning Restaurant With Rooms. Photo: Chris Parry
While a little off the beaten track, Castle Cottage in Harlech is the perfect place for the discerning Foodie Traveller to refuel and rest their weary bones for a night or two. It sits within the Snowdonia National Park and is centrally located for anyone wishing to explore the delights of the Llyn Peninsula, Snowdonia or the charming coastal resorts of Barmouth and Aberdovey.
- Great location for exploring North Wales
- Dine in the restaurant
- Stay in the B&B
Visit Historic Harlech
Visitors to Harlech come for its historic castle, cafés, ice cream and antique shops and, of course, its 4-mile stretch of golden sands. Spectacularly situated, the castle gazes out across land and sea, seemingly keeping a watchful eye over the people of Snowdonia. It was built in the late 13th Century by the English monarch Edward I. His sole aim was to keep his Welsh adversaries contained in the wild and inhospitable mountains to the east.
Drink Your Apértif With a View of Snowdonia
Make your visit to Harlech special by dining and staying at Castle Cottage. It won a Visit Wales Gold Award in 2014 and also features in the Waitrose Good Food Guide. Dining here is a relaxed but sumptuous affair. Glyn and Jacqueline, the hotel’s owners, say they simply want customers to unwind and enjoy their food and wine. Start with apéritifs and canapés in the bar whilst gazing across at the views of Snowdonia.
Dine on Delicious Welsh Produce
Welsh local produce is promoted in the restaurant. The chef purchases locally caught fish including lobster, crab, sea bass, black bream, hand-dived scallops and smoked salmon from Rhydlewis. Dry cured bacon is sourced from the Llyn Peninsula; free range chicken from Ruthin; suckling pig from Pugh’s Piglets; Brecon venison, beef and black pudding from Bala and there’s Welsh artisan cheese too.
Have a Restful Night’s Sleep
The exterior of the Castle Cottage’s rough hewn stonework blends in beautifully with the medieval walls of Harlech Castle but inside, its interior is in marked contrast to this. To counterbalance the original 400-year-old features of the cottage, the furnishings are all modern and sleek. The décor of the 7 guest rooms is simple but luxurious. Expect solid oak furniture and restful neutral colour schemes along with original Welsh art and wow-factor bathrooms.
Tips
- Remember to reserve a table in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly in the holiday season
- There is limited parking directly in front of the Castle Cottage but you can park free of charge in the surrounding streets after 6pm
Where to Stay in North Wales
Plas Bodegroes
Lyn Peninsula, North Wales
Country house restaurant with rooms in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty just a mile from the sea.
Rooms from £99 a night.
Dogs
They say many apologies but Castle Cottage does not accept pets.
How to Find Castle Cottage in Harlech
Castle Cottage Restaurant with Rooms, Y Llech, Harlech, Meirionnydd, Gwynedd, North Wales LL46 2YL
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.