Things to Do in Caernarfon

Overlooking the Menai Strait with its imposing polygonal towers, Caernarfon Castle has been dominating the landscape in this corner of North Wales for nearly 800 years. Built for King Edward I on the site of a Roman fortress and Norman fort, the site is a popular tourist attraction for visitors interested in learning more about the history of Great Britain.

Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I on the site of a former Roman fortress and Norman fort in the 1280s to display English wealth and power over Wales. With its uniquely shaped towers and color-block brickwork, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the exterior is complete, the plans for the building’s interior were never fully finished. The castle also includes a museum dedicated to the Royal Welch Fusiliers army regiment.

Many people opt for a guided tour to learn more about the building’s history. Guided day trips from nearby cities (including Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead, and Llandudno) visit the walled city of Caernarfon as well as the mountains of Snowdonia and other area highlights.

Caernarfon Castle sits on the Menai Strait, a body of water that separates mainland Wales from the island of Anglesey. Many people opt to take a guided tour that includes transportation from nearby cities. Others travel by car or take a train to Bangor and a public bus to the castle. Public parking is available nearby. 

The castle’s hours change seasonally, with the longest hours in July and August and reduced hours September through February. The castle is closed on major holidays and last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Weekends are the busiest time to visit. 

Just across the water from Caernarfon Castle, the small island of Anglesey is known to British families as a quick and easy vacation getaway. With pretty scenery, historic buildings including Beaumaris Castle and Plas Newydd, and sandy beaches with dramatic cliffs topped with lighthouses, it also holds appeal for tourists visiting the area.  

Rhuddlan Castle was built by King Edward I in the late 13th century as one of his iron ring of fortresses designed to control the Welsh. It is located in northern Wales just a few miles from the town of Rhyl on the coast. The River Clwyd was diverted into a canal in order to connect the castle to the sea almost three miles away, and remains of the river gate can still be seen today along the outer ring of walls. The castle was built with a concentric walls within walls design and has a twin towered gatehouse on the western side. 

The main entrance is at the northwestern end of the dry moat. Though much of the castle is in ruins today, you can still see pieces of the foundations of the great hall, kitchens, private apartments, and a chapel. In the outer sections, there are few remains of the granary, stables, a smithy, the treasury, and a goldsmith's workshop. A modern set of stairs has been added to allow visitors to climb the castle walls and get a better view of the castle and surrounding areas. 

In many ways the ideal of a medieval castle, the imposing Conwy Castle was built for Edward I in 1289, during his conquest of Wales. Featuring crenelated towers and soaring defensive walls, it stands on the River Conwy, near the rugged splendor of Snowdonia National Park. Today, Conwy Castle holds UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

 

Conwy Castle is typically included as a stop on coach tours through the British countryside. For those looking to visit independently, its proximity to Manchester, Liverpool, Chester, and Snowdonia National Park makes it a popular stop-off point, whether you plan to travel by car or by train. Joint admission tickets to Conwy Castle and Plas Mawr, an Elizabethan townhouse in Conwy Town, are available to purchase at a discounted rate.

 

 

Guided coach tours offer the simplest form of transit to Conwy Castle. Visitors can also travel by train to Conwy Station, which is located just steps from the landmark. It can also be reached by car via the A55 or B5106.

 

Conwy Castle is open daily throughout the year, with the exception of December 24, 25, 26, and January 1. Typical visiting hours are between 9:30am and 6pm, with last admission 30 minutes before closing. Conwy Castle also hosts a series of special events for the whole family throughout the year, which feature costumed characters, archery demonstrations, and other medieval-themed entertainment.

 

Conwy isn’t the only castle in North Wales that’s worth your while. If your tour of the castle has inspired you to explore the region’s other medieval highlights, set your sights on nearby Beaumaris Castle, Caernarfon Castle, and Harlech Castle. All hold UNESCO World Heritage Site status, and all were designed by military architect James of St. George, who worked closely with Edward I.