Why You Need to Visit the Impressive Caernarfon Castle, Wales
Caernarfon Castle is definitely a must for your trip to Wales.
Located in the town of the same name, this castle is one of the most impressive and best preserved.
It’s definitely the star of the town.
Let’s dive into why this castle is so important to England and Wales and why you need to explore it.
Because this castle blew me away.
As usual, we’ll start with the where.
Where is Caernarfon Castle?
Located in North Wales, this castle sits in the midst of the town along the River Seiont and the Menai Strait.
You can’t miss it.
There is plenty of signage to point you in the right direction.
Caernarfon itself is along the main A487 so the town and its castle are pretty easy to find.
The location is really lovely with views to the water and across the strait to the Isle of Anglesey and then back inland toward Snowdonia National Park with its beautiful peaks.
So why should I visit this castle?
Well, you know me, I’ve got a few really good reasons to visit this castle in the UK.
This castle is important to the UK
While there was a castle of sorts back in the late 11th century, it was in 1283 that King Edward I of England began to replace the wooden apartments with the current stone structure after England defeated Wales that year.
When King Edward I and his queen Eleanor first returned the following spring the queen was pregnant.
And the tower — although short of its final height — was ready for them.
On April 25, 1284 Eleanor gave birth not just to a son, Edward of Caernarfon, but to a new royal dynasty.
He was presented to the Welsh nobility in 1301 as a prince ‘that was born in Wales and could speak never a word of English’.
However, in reality Edward of Caernarfon — who later became Edward II — was the very first English Prince of Wales – and all the money from the Crown’s (the English) Welsh lands was now his.
The Welsh didn’t like it but they were a conquered people and had to grin and bear it as the saying goes.
Caernarfon Castle had now been singled out for greatness.
It was the birthplace of the Prince of Wales and the castle was built in an epic scale befitting the royal residence in Wales.
So for the last 700 years the title of Prince of Wales has traditionally been taken by the eldest son of the reigning monarch.
However it wasn’t until 1911 that Caernarfon Castle played an important role yet again.
It was that year that the castle hosted the investiture of Prince Edward mostly thanks to Britain’s only Welsh prime minister — so far — David Lloyd George.
And of course, it was here at Caernarfon Castle in 1969 that Prince Charles was invested.
So this castle is a very important part of the British monarchy and its history.
One note is that after war broke out (again) in the early 15th century the castle became a bit neglected.
It was ok for a while but in the early 1600’s it really began to go downhill until the 1800’s when the state funded the repairs.
This was money well spent, in my opinion, as it is magnificent.
Which leads me to my second reason you need to visit…
It’s impressive as hell
This is a very large castle.
And it has been lovingly restored.
Seriously.
Caernarfon Castle is one of the…
Scratch that.
It is THE most impressive castle I’ve ever visited.
Caernarfon is huge!
And the state really did a fabulous job of restoring it.
I was wowed by it for sure.
Tip: Because it is so big, do give yourself plenty of time to explore it.
There is a fabulous museum
Caernarfon Castle has a cool museum called The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
The Royal Welch Fusiliers are a historic regiment of the British Army that have been around for a very long time.
In fact this is Wales oldest infantry regiment, having been around for 300+ years.
The Museum is housed in two towers of the castle.
In it you will find original exhibits supported by film, sound and models all of which tell the story of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.
I wandered around it briefly, taking in all the weapons, uniforms, medals, what soldier life was like…
There’s a lot here for military history buffs.
So if this is your jam, then allow a little extra time for this incredible museum.
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site
Caernarfon Castle is actually a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Well technically it’s part of a group of castles — Beaumaris, Conwy and Harlech — as well as the fortified towns of Conwy and Caernarfon that are the UNESCO site.
But to me, any time UNESCO puts that stamp of approval on it, then you know it’s pretty damn special.
UNESCO standards are high so you know you are going to see something spectacular.
One thing to note is that, even though Caernarfon was restored, the work was minimal to bring it back to its glory.
So if you are like me and love UNESCO sites, then Caernarfon Castle is a must.
You get to walk around so much of it so you get some fabulous views
Currently, they are doing some restoration so not all of the castle is open although I think the ramparts (the upper part) are.
When I was there a few years ago, it was fully open.
And you get to walk around a lot of it.
You can walk stairs (some of them are narrow and steep so be aware) to the ramparts where you get views over the protected courtyard in the middle and out to the water, the town or back toward Snowdonia National Park.
You’ll get a feel for what it was like to live here and be in these thick stone walls or up on the ramparts, keeping watch.
If you have good weather, you’ll have some amazing views for sure.
I walked all the way around.
As I said, this is a very large castle so give yourself lots of time.
I remember walking through stone corridors, peeking through “windows” and strolling across the ramparts amazed by this fantastic fortress.
Wear comfortable shoes!
Cost: £10.50 but currently discounted at 50% off as some of the castle is being repaired so is closed to visitors. But hopefully by the time we can fully travel again, it will be fully open.
Final thoughts on Caernarfon Castle
As you can probably tell, I was really wowed by Caernarfon Castle.
It is worthy of the UNESCO designation and of your time.
This castle is simply spectacular.
But, I will say this again, don’t just race through it.
You can spend an entire day here.
Seriously.
It’s that large and — if you have good weather — you can sit in the courtyard and have a snack, let the kids play and just soak up being in a majestic place.
Please note that Wander Your Way does not recommend international travel at this time due to the current global health situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. Although some countries are beginning to open, it is complicated.
If you do decide to travel internationally, please do your research or use a travel planning service such as Wander Your Way. Please stay up to date using official sources like the WHO and CDC.
I am continuing 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 places. And hopefully make that bucket list! This way when we can all fully travel again, you’ll be ready to go. For now, stay close to home and stay safe!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means I will earn a commission – at no extra cost to you — if you click on the link and purchase anything from these trusted companies. It helps Wander Your Way, a small business, stay in business. Thanks for your support!
Like it? Pin it!
