Caernarfon Wales: 6 Reasons to Visit this Fascinating Town

Caernarfon Wales is a wonderful small town to spend some time in as you make your way through Wales.

Beautiful location? Check.

Castle? Check.

Good food? Check.

Loaded with history? Check.

And there’s more!

So let’s get this Welsh party started.

Because when you finish reading about this intriguing town in North Wales, I know you will add it to your list.

Where is this intriguing town?

Caernarfon is located in northern Wales about 14km south of Bangor.

It sits on the eastern side of the Menai Strait and on the western fringes of Snowdonia National Park.

Caernarfon is a great destination for a North Wales itinerary especially if you plan to spend some time in Snowdonia National Park and if you love royal history.

We’ll get to that last part later.

Caernarfon Wales has a little under 10,000 residents so it’s a nice size town with enough amenities for the traveler yet not too big to overwhelm you.

Caernarfon Castle 

Without a doubt, this is the best reason to visit Caernarfon Wales.

Caernarfon Castle is one of the most impressive castles — period.

It was a castle of sorts back in the late 11th century.

However it was in 1283 that King Edward I of England began to replace it with the current stone structure after England defeated Wales in 1283.

The town walls — which we’ll get to — were also built at the same time.

Caernarfon is one of 8 major castles built by King Edward I in Wales — North Wales in particular.

For about 2 centuries, Caernarfon was essentially the capital of North Wales and the castle was the center of life.

But war broke out again in the early 15th century.

And while the castle was still in good condition for a while, it began to fall into disrepair in the 1600’s and was severely neglected until the 1800’s when the state funded the repairs.

This was money well spent, in my opinion, as it is magnificent.

Caernarfon Castle is a special place for many reasons.

One is that it is listed with UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Second, Caernarfon is big and architecturally remarkable.

It stands out from the other 7 Edwardian castles for sure.

The last thing is that this is the castle of the Prince of Wales.

When Edward I and his queen, Eleanor, had their son — Edward II — he became the first Prince of Wales.

Even though, technically, he was English.

Yeah, you can see that this was not easy for the Welsh people to take.

But today, it’s where every Prince of Wales — the first born son of the King and Queen of England — is crowned.

So Prince Charles was crowned here in an elaborate, traditional ceremony in 1969.

Caernarfon Castle is definitely the highlight of the town.

You can walk on the ramparts, go up in towers, visit the museums that are housed in some of the buildings and enjoy the lovely courtyard in the middle of it all — if the weather cooperates.

Allow plenty of time to really experience this amazing castle.

Cost: £10.50 but currently discounted at 50% off as some of the castle is being repaired so is closed to visitors.

Good places to eat and drink

I actually had a couple of meals in Caernarfon Wales.

The first one was after my castle visit.

I stopped in at Wal just for some chips (french fries) and a beer.

I wanted to try a local Welsh beer.

The chips were delicious and the beer was even better.

I sat outside along one of the narrow pedestrian ways, people watching and taking in the views of the castle towers.

On the second visit, my friend, Lynn and I had an early dinner at the Black Boy Inn Restaurant.

This inn also has rooms.

I don’t remember what I ate, but probably one of the fish or seafood dishes.

What I do remember is the food was very tasty.

And I remember the room being that old style British inn that is cozy and welcoming.

Some other spots that have good reviews are Ouzo and Olive — a Greek restaurant, Ainsworth’s Fish & Chips — take away fish & chips, Osteria — an Italian restaurant and Cafe Jake’s Bistro.

The Black Boy Inn is a good place for a drink as is the Ship & Castle.

There are lots of good options in Caernarfon, so you won’t go hungry — or thirsty!

Walk along the water and the city walls

A two-fer!

I love two-fers!

So after you’ve had your fill of the castle and maybe a bite to eat you’ll want to walk along the water.

And by walking along the water you are also walking just outside the city walls of Caernarfon Wales.

Because this town was very much a fortified town.

As you walk along the path you’ll have the Menai Strait with the views over to the isle of Anglesey on one side and these towering walls on the other.

It’s a cool juxtaposition.

And this walkway is a wonderful spot to sit and take in the views — as long as the weather is good.

Don’t miss this!

Wander the streets

Obviously the castle is the focal point and has made Caernarfon an intriguing town to visit.

But do wander about the streets and look for pieces of history.

Pop into shops.

Stop for a Welsh beer.

Or maybe have a meal.

Meander the winding Medieval streets.

Look for plaques for old historic buildings.

Notice where the town walls are.

This is a delightful town to walk around for sure.

Are you sold on a visit to Caernarfon?

Caernarfon Wales is definitely worthy of time.

Yes, the castle is the star and is a must.

I love this UNESCO site.

But spend the entire day in Caernarfon.

Get to the castle early, spend a few hours exploring then wander around the town.

Stay until dinner so you can eat in one of the restaurants.

Take an evening stroll along the water after dinner.

The town deserves some time too.

I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, many destinations and attractions found on this website will not be operating although some places have opened. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC. I do plan to continue to write about incredible destinations and to offer tips on travel to Europe, so that you will find some solace in these posts — so you dream about travel and learn about travel. This way when we can all travel again, you’ll be ready to go! For now, stay home (or close to home) and stay safe!

 

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