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Caernarfon Tourist Information


Caernarfon in Gwynedd in the west of North Wales, is a small town with many royal connections and a splendid castle. It looks across the Menai Straits to the Isle of Anglesey and the nearest sizeable town is Bangor, eight miles to the north east.

Celtics lived in the area since prehistoric times with ancient burial chambers on Anglesey and a primitive tool making factory at Penmaenmawr. The Romans established a fort named Segontium in AD80 to quell the local tribe of Ordovices and the site can still be seen.

William I ordered the building of Caernarfon Castle in the late 11th century which was a motte and bailey construction. When Llywelyn ap Gruffydd would not swear allegance to the English king, Edward 1, a much larger stone castle was built to control the Welsh.

In 1284 Caeranarfon had been declared a borough and was the home of Edward I's government. As hostilities lessened between the two countries, the castle gradually fell into disuse.

The town expanded beyond the city walls with the advent of tourism. Caernarfon developed a marina and harbour and it was granted the honour of Royal Borough by the present Queen in 1963.

In 1911 the Investiture of the Prince of Wales was held at the castle for the future Edward VIII who later abdicated. In 1969 Prince Charles received the title and the ceremony was again held within Caernarfon Castle.


Present Day Caernarfon

Caernarfon's population is currently under 10,000 people. It has the largest percentage of Welsh-speaking citizens anywhere at 86.1%, and 97.7% in the 10-14 age group in 2001.

This historic town has some remarkably old buildings such as the Market Hall on the delightfully named Hole in the Wall Street or Stryd Twll Yn Wal as it is known in Welsh. Within the castle walls are the old court buildings which have some grand architecture in elaborate Gothic style.

Caernarfon Gaol adjoins the former court and the buildings are used for council offices. Other buildings within the castle walls are a number of pubs. The Black Boy Inn is the oldest, dating back to 1522 and is said to be haunted,.

The Castle Hotel, the Anglesey Arms Hotel, Pen Deitvch, Morgan Lloyd, the Crown and the Twthill Vaults are other pubs with great character and history.

Caernarfon is home to the Royal Welch Fusiliers (note the archaic spelling of Welsh). It is one of the oldest regiments in the world and has a fascinating history.


Things to do in Caernarfon

The beautiful Snowdonia National Park is on Caernarfon's doorstep and provides excellent opportunities for walking, cycling, scenic driving, horse riding and climbing.

The Blue Flag Beach at Victoria Harbour is ideal for children to build sand castles, swim and enjoy the seaside. The small harbour is the place to take a boat trip or join a fishing charter.

Exploring the castle is a must. It is well maintained and has splendid views across to Anglesey. Another great way to enjoy the local scenery is from a pleasure flight out of the small airport. There is also an Aviation Museum there.

The Welsh Highland Railway is a narrow gauge railway which runs for 25 scenic miles from Caernarfon to Porthmadog.

 

Images of Caernarfon
Caernarfon town centre. © Dale Miles
High street. © Dale Miles
Caernarfon Castle © Linda Gamston
Directions
Show map of Caernarfon...


Attractions near Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle (1 Mile)*
King Edward I intended this castle to be a royal residence and seat of government for North Wales. The castle's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284.
Segontium Roman Fort (1 Mile)*
Overlooking the Menai Strait, Segontium Roman Fort dates back to circa AD77, when Caesar Julius Agricola completed the Roman conquest of Wales by capturing the Isle of Anglesey.
Anglesey Sea Zoo (3 Miles)*
The Anglesey Sea Zoo is the largest marine aquarium in Wales with over 150 species from Octopuses and Seahorses to Sharks and Sunstars for you to get up close and personal with!
more attractions in Caernarfon and things to do in Caernarfon ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

What's near Caernarfon

Attractions:
  Segontium Roman Fort  1 Mile
  Caernarfon Castle  1 Mile
  Anglesey Sea Zoo  3 Miles
more attractions in Caernarfon...
 
Towns:
  Llanrug  3 Miles
  Llanedwen  3 Miles
  Dinas  3 Miles
more towns near Caernarfon...
 
Estate Agents:
  Beresford Adams  <1 Mile
  Chas Medforth and Co  <1 Mile
  Dafydd Hardy Estate Agents  <1 Mile
Hotels:
  Celtic Royal Hotel  <1 Mile
  Premier Inn Caernarfon  1 Mile
  Black Boy Inn  1 Mile
more hotels in Caernarfon area...
 
Bed and Breakfast:
  MURIAU PARK GUEST HOUSE  2 Miles
more bed and breakfasts near Caernarfon...
 
Self Catering:
  Cerrig y Barcud Holiday Cottages  1 Mile
  175 Millstream Glan Gwna Snowdonia  1 Mile
  Millstream  1 Mile
more self catering near Caernarfon...
 
Campsites:
  Rhyd y Galen Caravan and Camping Park  2 Miles
  Rhyd y Galen Caravan and Camping Park  2 Miles
  Rhyd y Galen Caravan and Camping Park  2 Miles
TIC: Caernarfon Tourist Information Centre     Tel: 01286 672232  <1 Mile



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Towns near Caernarfon
Llanrug Tourist Information (3 Miles)*
Llanedwen Tourist Information (3 Miles)*
Dinas Tourist Information (3 Miles)*
more towns near Caernarfon...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Hotels near Caernarfon
Celtic Royal Hotel (< 1 Mile)*
The impressive Celtic Royal Hotel is located in the famous town of Caernarfon and offers a relaxing stay with exclusive leisure facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, sauna, steam room and Jacuzzi.
Seiont Manor Hotel - A Hand Picked Hotel (1 Mile)*
Located in the foothills of Snowdonia, Seiont Manor is peacefully secluded in 150 acres of mature parkland making this the perfect place for a relaxing break. The elegant bedrooms have delightful views over the grounds and have been individually designed.
Hotel Plas Dinorwic (3 Miles)*
On the banks of the Menai Strait and at the water's edge of Snowdonia, this hotel is halfway between Bangor and Caernarfon, equal distance from Isle Of Anglesey and Snowdonia.
more Caernarfon hotels (and nearby)...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

Self Catering near Caernarfon
Snowdonia Cottage (3 Miles)*
Snowdonia Cottage is a lovely traditional Welsh farmhouse set in the countryside above the historic harbour town of Caernarfon, a designated World Heritage Site.
Eithin Bach (4 Miles)*
Eithin Bach is a self catering barn conversion cottage, which is double glazed and centrally heated throughout (during Winter and colder periods.
Your property could be here
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more self catering near Caernarfon ...
* Distances shown are in a direct line. Distances by road will be longer.

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