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Town and community in Gwynedd, Wales
Photo: RevDave, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Caernarfon is a Royal town in Gwynedd, North-West Wales. Caernarfon is famous for its breathtaking castle and as a stronghold of the Welsh language. The castle and fortified complex is recognised on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the finest examples of late 13th-century and early 14th-century military architecture in Europe. It is one of the best places in the world to hear a living Celtic language, with over 80% of the local population speaking Welsh.
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Carnarvon Castle
(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.
Victoria Dock
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.
Site of a historic Roman fort founded by Agricola around 77 AD.
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.
Boat cruises from Caernarfon Harbour down the picturesque Menai strait.
An outdoor attraction well worth a visit on a sunny day. It is a relaxing attraction, with the UK's largest miniature G Scale garden railway and a great family day out for children who love animals.
A purpose built indoor karting track, popular with locals and tourists alike. The perfect option for all weather family fun. Viewing Area Refreshments. Cibyn Industrial Estate. Llanberis Road. Sat Nav LL55 2BD
Great place if you fancy a few rounds, with very reasonable green fees.
This is a very nice Greek restaurant. Very peaceful and relaxing. Open all year round.
Bistro restaurant and theatre in a beautiful Grade 1—listed building, originally used as a courthouse.
Situated within the medieval town walls, very close to the Castle. It is one of the oldest Inns in North Wales and has been restored to a very high standard. The Inn is well worth a visit, if only to experience its unique character and atmosphere. Bedrooms are of a high quality, each with an en-suite bathroom. The locals' favourite, so it can get very busy. Reservations are strongly recommended.
A large hotel in Caernarfon's city centre, it is also one of the more expensive establishments. This fills up in the summer months, so make sure you have reservations beforehand, although you may get lucky. This hotel is also a few blocks outside of the old town walls and a short jaunt away from the castle.
4* Visit Wales Award
4* Visit Wales
Exceptional country house hotel with fine dining, once the abode of the Armstrong-Jones family. No children under 12.
A family-run hostel within the city walls.
Large Wales Tourist Board 'Excellent' accredited traditional Snowdonia Farmhouse. Self-catering family and group accommodation with views to Mount Snowdon and the Sea.
Guest house with breakfast.
Five-star holiday park just outside Caernarfon. Park facilities include swimming pool, spa, children's play area and country club.
A holiday park with camping and touring facilities, an outdoor pool, sun terrace, onsite pub/restaurant and a collection of holiday homes.
Caernarfon Bay Holiday Park
Caravan park with holiday bungalows in Dinas Dinlle.
By plane
Anglesey Airport (VLY) is 24 miles away via the A55 and provides weekday links by Highland Airways from Cardiff, South Wales (twice daily).
By train
The nearest train station is Bangor (about 8-miles away), with trains from Chester, Crewe, Manchester, London Euston, Cardiff, and Holyhead (connecting to Dublin ferry).
By car
The roads are good, with Bangor and the A55 expressway around 15 minutes away.
By bus
The town is served by local bus routes, mainly from other North Wales towns. There are buses every 15 minutes from Bangor (nearest train station) - just check out Arriva Bus route 5.
By boat
Caernarfon is easily reached from Ireland via the port of Holyhead, and an excellent road network.
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Liverpool · International · LPL
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