Segontium

Caernarfon's the starting point for the Welsh Highland Railway, offering a journey on one of the world's most powerful 2' gauge steam locomotives through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia National Park and onward to Porthmadog.

(Welsh: Castell Caernarfon). An impressive work began in 1283 by England's King Edward I as his planned seat of power in his attempt to subjugate Wales. Like Beaumaris, this castle was quite functional, although never 100% completed.

Thought to date back to 1522, it is one of the oldest inns in North Wales. Northgate Street — 'Stryd Pedwar a Chwech' ('Four and Six Street') in Welsh — is within the medieval town walls, with low-slung black beamed ceilings and walls up to 1.5 m thick. The Inn is steeped in history, with four Inn signs each showing a 'black buoy' on one side and a 'black boy' on the other.

Set alongside the beautiful harbour of Caernarfon, it includes a creative arts centre, a minute or two by foot from the town walls. It has a bar, cafe and restaurant, art exhibition, hosts concerts, films and events and is packed with small arty companies.