Caernarfon Castle Tours

Caernarfon Castle featuring heritage elements and a castle
Caernarfon Castle showing interior views
Caernarfon Castle which includes interior views
Caernarfon Castle which includes interior views
Caernarfon Castle which includes interior views


Patrol the battlements of a medieval fortress built by King Edward I in his campaign against the Welsh.

Make your way past the walls and towers of the historical Caernarfon Castle. Scale the Eagle Tower to see the stone heads built to fool enemies into thinking the castle was heavily guarded. Walk along the walls and climb the towers to enjoy the commanding views of Caernarfon and the surrounding countryside.

Caernarfon Castle was built between 1283 and 1330, one of several castles constructed for Edward I. Together they formed his “Iron Ring” around Wales. Notice the unusual polygonal towers and colored stonework. Historians say these were inspired by the walls of Constantinople that Edward I saw during his part in the Crusades.

The interior of the castle is a network of paths through courtyards and large, empty halls. You’ll also find several exhibits throughout the grounds. Learn about the construction of the castle and Edward himself by watching the short film The Eagle & the Dragon. This repeats every half hour, so you’ll find it easy to catch. Visit the North-East Tower for an exhibit on the various princes of Wales throughout history. The investiture of Prince Charles took place here in 1969 watch video footage of the occasion in the area dedicated to this event.

Head to the Queen’s Tower to see many examples of medals, uniforms and weapons. The castle also hosts various events and guest exhibitions, such as Halloween trails. These events vary throughout the year, so be sure to check the official website.

Opening hours at Caernarfon Castle vary throughout the year. There is an admission fee. Children under 5 years can enter for free, as can disabled visitors with a companion. The grounds and lower level are wheelchair accessible.

Find Caernarfon Castle at the mouth of the Seiont River emptying into the Menai Strait. Look out over the water and imagine yourself in medieval times watching for enemies approaching.

Plan a trip to see Caernarfon Castle

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Reviews of Caernarfon Castle

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5 - Excellent 76%
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4 - Good 18%
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3 - Okay 5%
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5/5 - Excellent

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If you only see one castle while in the area then this is the one to see.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Caernarfon Castle

Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa

Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa

3 out of 5
Bangor Street, Gwynedd, Caernarfon, Wales
Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
Black Boy Inn

Black Boy Inn

4 out of 5
Northgate Street, Caernarfon, Wales
Black Boy Inn
Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse Bar and Cafe - Hostel

Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse Bar and Cafe - Hostel

4 out of 5
1 Castle Street, Caernarfon, Wales
Ty Glyndwr Bunkhouse Bar and Cafe - Hostel
Victoria House Room Only Accommodation

Victoria House Room Only Accommodation

5 out of 5
13 CHURCH STREET, Caernarfon, Wales
Victoria House Room Only Accommodation
Hole in the Wall

Hole in the Wall

3 out of 5
9-11 Hole in the Wall Street, Caernarfon, Wales
Hole in the Wall
Host Stay Apartment 2 High Street

Host Stay Apartment 2 High Street

2 out of 5
7 High St Caernarfon LL55 1RN UK, Caernarfon, Wales
Host Stay Apartment 2 High Street
Chapel St Apartments

Chapel St Apartments

2 out of 5
30/32 Chapel Street, Caernarfon, Wales
Chapel St Apartments
Stylish annexe in Caernarfon

Stylish annexe in Caernarfon

Caernarfon
Stylish annexe in Caernarfon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Caernarfon Castle

When visiting Caernarfon Castle, don't miss out on the exciting outdoor adventures nearby, including biking along picturesque trails. The castle itself offers a rich historical experience, allowing you to explore its impressive architecture and learn about its significance in Welsh history. Make sure to fully enjoy both the castle and the surrounding activities for a memorable trip.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Caernarfon Castle, visit James Pringle Weavers, located 6 miles away, offering a variety of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Summit to Sea, situated 15 miles from the castle, for unique finds and local products.

Recreation

Gypsy Wood Park, located 0.3 miles from Caernarfon Castle, offers a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation amidst nature. For sports enthusiasts, Penrhyn Golf Club, 5 miles away, provides a challenging golf experience surrounded by beautiful landscapes, while Clwb Golff St. Deiniol Bangor Golf Club, 9 miles away, features exquisite outdoor settings.

Adventure

At Plas Menai National Watersports Centre, located 3 miles from Caernarfon Castle, you can engage in thrilling water sports amidst stunning scenery. For hiking enthusiasts, the Rhyd Ddu Path, 8 miles away, offers breathtaking views and adventure. Meanwhile, Redline Indoor Karting, just 1 mile away, promises an exhilarating racing experience.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Caernarfon Castle at Glasfryn Parc, a fun-filled arcade AdventureZone located 14 miles away. For a touch of culture and romance, enjoy a show at Theatr Fach, just 8 miles from the castle, perfect for family entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Caernarfon Castle

When visiting Caernarfon Castle in Wales, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to diverse interests, including stunning beaches, scenic mountains, and rich historical sites. Explore the impressive castle walls and delve into local culture while enjoying outdoor experiences. With options like guided tours and nearby tourist attractions, your vacation promises to be both enriching and enjoyable, making it a perfect destination for history buffs and nature lovers alike.

  • Yr Wyddfa: Experience the majestic beauty of Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales, located 10 miles from Caernarfon Castle. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, it offers breathtaking views and exhilarating hiking trails amidst stunning scenery.
  • Bangor University: Immerse yourself in the rich culture at Bangor University, a historic institution situated 9 miles away. With its beautiful architecture and vibrant student life, the campus is a hub of knowledge and creativity.
  • Menai Bridge: Discover the architectural wonder of Menai Bridge, located 7 miles from the castle. This iconic bridge connects the Isle of Anglesey to the mainland and showcases remarkable engineering while offering picturesque views of the surrounding landscape.

Best time to go to Caernarfon Castle

The best time to visit Caernarfon Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Caernarfon Castle falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Caernarfon Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.1°F (5.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.9°F (8.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August59.0°F (15.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
September56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
October52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November47.8°F (8.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly Low
December44.4°F (6.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Caernarfon Castle

To save money on your visit to Caernarfon Castle, plan your trip between January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Book your stay about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on Expedia. Wednesdays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s filters for budget-friendly options, and consider booking a hotel-and-flight package for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and the chance to earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Caernarfon Castle are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Caernarfon Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Caernarfon Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Caernarfon Castle is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Caernarfon Castle with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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