Caernarfon Tourist Information

Caernarfon Castle & History

A world heritage UNESCO site, Caernarfon Castle is one of Wales' most magnificent castles, if not the most spectacular. A Norman castle dating from the 11th century existed on this site prior to the Medieval Fortress you see today. Edward I certainly meant this castle and Caernarfon itself as a North Wales powerhouse - his son was born here in 1284. Medieval fortresses don't come more gargantuan than Caernarfon Castle, built as a purpose built English administrative centre rather than primarily defensive as with Beaumaris and Harlech castles (also part of Edward I's ring of North Wales Castles).

The Castle is strategically set on the shores of the Menai Straits, making it easy to get supplies in by sea thus avoiding potential Welsh ambush on land! Building work began in 1283, with plans not just for a powerhouse castle but a fortified town. Caernarfon was a traditional Welsh location with strong resistance to the English - Edward chose the site particularly for these reasons.

Built in several phases, spanning 1283 to 1330, Carnarfon Castle's designer was again the renowned Master James of St George. His remit from Edward is thought to have been an instruction to emulate the city of Constantinople. Angular towers, turrets, gatehouses and a symbolic coloured stone all bear a similarity to the 5th century walls of Constantinople. An early example of ruthless imperialism indeed. Although built more as a royal residence, Caernarfon Castle's defences were also mighty. The castle withstood several attacks, including Owain Glyndwr's army in 1404, and several Civil War sieges prior to it's final submission to Cromwell. For a complete history of the Castle see the excellent Castles of Wales weblink right for details.

Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2AY. Tel: 01286 677617. Spring Opening Times from the beginning April to the end of May. Summer Opening Times from beginning of June to end September. Autumn Opening Times from beginning October to end October. Winter Opening Times, beginning of November to end of March. Pay and display parking is just nearby, and toilets, guidebooks, a gift shop and an exhibition are all on-site.

Segontium Roman Fort Caernarfon

Edward I and the English weren't the first to dominate the Caernarfon area of North Wales. The Romans dominated this area, and Anglesey and for an example of a preserved Roman Fort of mammoth proportions Sergontium Roman Fort demands your attention. It's the only Roman fort site in Wales revealing the internal layout of a Roman Auxiliary Fort, and it's dates from circa AD 77.

Around AD 77 Ceasar Julius Agricola had completed his conquest of Wales with the conquest of Anglesey. The Segontium Roman Fort was both a military and administrative centre at this most important Roman Garrison on the western edge of the Roman Empire.

Coins have been discovered on this Roman site revealing that Segontium was garrisoned up until AD 394 - so the Romans were there for quite a while! From this fort the Romans for a period dominated the fertile and mineral rich Anglesey, plus they defended the site against Irish pirates and raiders. An excellent museum is on-site. Look to the Segontium Roman Fort weblink right for more details.

Segontium Roman Fort, Beddgelert Road, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 01286 675625.

Welsh Highland Railway - Narrow Gauge Railway Caernarfon

Situated on St Helen's Road in Caernarfon is the station and start point for the Welsh Highland Railway where you can hook into atmospheric steam and diesel trains which run along a narrow gauge line all the way into Snowdonia National Park. At present the line weaves through a beautifully scenic route, ending at Rhyd-Ddu where (good news for walkers) you can join numerous trails up to and around Snowdon.

It's a 12 mile journey from Caernarfon to Rhyd Ddu with some steep gradients along the way. Refreshments are served on-board - check the Welsh Highland Railway weblink right for details on special events like the Real Ale run. This 12 mile narrow gauge route between Caernarfon and Rhyd Ddu is soon to be linked in with the Ffestiniog Railway (a 13 1/2 mile route linking Porthmadog to slate quarrying town Blaenau). Work should be completed by 2009, when visitors will be able to travel all the way from Caernarfon to Blaenau via Porthmadog. You'll be able to connect easily via this historic railway from Porthmadog to Caernarfon. Goodnews then for reducing the number of cars around Snowdonia - these railway links will serve to facilitate car free travel in the area.

See also the Ffestiniog Railway running from Porthmadog on the coast inland to Blaenau. (see weblink right). Both the Welsh Highland Railway and Ffestingiog Railway started off as railways used for carrying late from quarries inland to the coast.

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways, Harbour Station, Porthmadog, Gwynedd, LL49 9NF. Caernarfon (Limited winter opening). Tel: 01286 677018.

Caernarfon Watersports Centre & Outdoor Leisure

Lucky visitors to Caernarfon can enjoy a superb range of watersports courses and outdoor activity courses offered by the Plas Menai National Watersports Centre. Courses include yacht sailing, canoeing, kayak expeditions, windsurfing, mountain biking, powersports and multi adventure. Youth groups and corporate groups are most welcome.

A better location for this National Watersports Centre you can't imagine, sitting as it does on the waters of the Menai Strait which are perfect for canoeing, powerboating and windsurfing.

The Snowdonia National Park is also on your doorstep, offering plenty of crags, lakes and rivers perfect for canoeing, climbing and more. Check the National Watersports centre's weblink right for details on courses and how to book.

Plas Menai, The National Watersports Centre, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1UE. Tel: Bookings: +44 (0)1248 673943, Brochure Request: +44 (0)1248 670597 (24-hrs), All other Enquiries: +44 (0)1248 670964.

More Caernarfon Attractions & Museums

Caernarfon Maritime Museum, Victoria Dock, Caernarfon. Tel: 01248 752083.

Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, The Castle, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2AY. Tel: 01286 673362. (weblink right for details).

Caernarfon Airworld Museum & Pleasure Flights, Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5TP. Tel: 01286 830800. (website right for details).

Caernarfon Outdoor Leisure Companies & Cycle Hire

Beics Eryri Cycle Tours, 44 Tyddyn Llwydyn, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 2LX. Tel: 01286 676637. (weblink right)

High Trek Snowdonia, Tal y Waen, Deiniolen, Gwynedd, LL55 3NA. Tel:01286 871232. (website right for details). Pathfinders, Clynnog Fawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5NS. Tel: 01286 660 202. (weblink right)

Llanberis Guides Mountaineering & Rock Climbing, Arwelfa, Dinorwic, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. LL55 3ES. Tel: 08707 606 515. (weblink right)

Snowdonia Riding Stables, Waunfawr, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4PQ. Tel: 01286 650342. (weblink right). See Also Wild About Wales Walking Tours, Garreg Wen, Cwm y Glo, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 4DF. Tel: 01286 872656. (weblink right)

Kids Stuff Caernarfon & Arts & Crafts Caernarfon

Inigo Jones & Co Ltd, Tudor Slate Works, Y Groeslon, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 7UE. Tel: 01286 830242. (weblink right)

Parc Glynllifon Craft Workshops and Country Park, Ffordd Clynnog, Llanwnda, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL54 5DY. Tel: 01286 830222.

The Fun Centre Indoor Play Area, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1AR. Tel: 01286 671911. (weblink right) Gog the Friendly Dragon lives here!

Boat Trips from Caernarfon

Menai Strait Pleasure Cruises, Caernarfon, Gwynedd. Tel: 01286 672772. On offer is a 40 minute sightseeing cruise on the water, taking in views of Snowdonia, the Menai Strait, Caernarfon Castle, Llanddwyn Island and Anglesey.