Caernarfon

Travel Guide

Caernarfon showing boating, a marina and a river or creek
Caernarfon Castle featuring heritage elements and chateau or palace
Caernarfon Castle which includes heritage elements and a house
Caernarfon Castle which includes interior views
Caernarfon which includes street scenes

Dominated by its huge medieval fortress and surrounded by calm waterways, Caernarfon is one of Wales’ most picturesque towns.

Visit pretty Caernarfon to explore one of Wales’ most historically rich destinations. The area has been populated since pre-Roman times and features fascinating architecture from every era since. Explore narrow streets lined with Georgian houses, visit a Roman fort and see the enormous castle.

Caernarfon was founded in A.D. 60 when the Romans built the Segontium Roman Fort as part of their campaign against the druids of Anglesey. In subsequent centuries it held a court of the original Welsh princes, who successfully defended it against the army of William the Conqueror.

The town’s most impressive legacy, however, was built by its first English king, Edward I. The gigantic Caernarfon CastleOpens in a new windowwas completed in 1330 and has survived a series of battles between English and Welsh armies over the centuries. See the famous polygonal towers and climb to the ramparts to look out across the surrounding waterways to the mountains of Snowdonia.

The best way to see the rest of town is to book a guided walk, available through the North Wales Tour Guide Association. Pass pretty market squares and historic cobbled streets to reach St. Mary’s Church. This impressive structure was built at the same time as the castle and was originally part of the old town walls.

Caernarfon is surrounded by water, with the Menai Strait to the west and the River Seiont flowing from the east. Book a cruise of the surrounding coastline or rent a boat or kayak and explore on your own. Views of the castle are particularly impressive from the water.

As one of Wales’ major towns, Caernarfon is easily accessible by bus, train and car. Spend a few days exploring this charming town.

Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
3 out of 5
Bangor Street, Gwynedd, Caernarfon, Wales
$132 nightly
The price is $159 total per night from Jul 13 to Jul 14
$159 total
Jul 13 - Jul 14
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Caernarfon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Lovely all-around. The only drawback was that the rooms didn't have fridges but other than that it was perfect."

Reviewed on Jul 11, 2025

Celtic Royal Hotel & Spa
The Royal Victoria Hotel
The Royal Victoria Hotel
3 out of 5
Llanberis, Gwynedd, Caernarfon, Wales
$93 nightly
The price is $112 total per night from Aug 10 to Aug 11
$112 total
Aug 10 - Aug 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Caernarfon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,001 reviews)
Excellent location
"Fabulously convenient location for the Snowdon railway and great views too. Good room in the separate coach house. Excellent breakfast. Wonderful view from the window seats in the restaurant if you can get a table there."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

The Royal Victoria Hotel
Plas Y Bryn Manor Hotel
Plas Y Bryn Manor Hotel
3 out of 5
Plas Y Bryn Manor House,, Bontnewydd, Caernarfon, Wales
$102 nightly
The price is $123 total per night from Jul 14 to Jul 15
$123 total
Jul 14 - Jul 15
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Caernarfon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Gypsy Wood Park and Redline Indoor Karting are ...
7.4/10 Good! (31 reviews)
"This is an interesting place! The room was clean and comfortable, you just need to bring your own toiletries. The property has a lot of space to lounge and hang out, including nice outdoor tables to enjoy the sunset, and even has an indoor shuffleboard table. The staff was very nice and will make ..."

Reviewed on Jul 8, 2025

Plas Y Bryn Manor Hotel
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.
Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in  North Wales
Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in North Wales
Caernarfon
Stay at this chalet in Caernarfon. Enjoy laundry facilities, balconies, and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Redline Indoor Karting and Gypsy ...
Last minute break
"Excellent location and facilities. My son loved it especially the Pool Bar with games wtcExcellent location fir activities and sightseeing in the area."

Reviewed on Apr 16, 2025

Beautiful Snowdonia Chalet in North Wales
5* accredited charming traditional Welsh stone Cottage in Snowdonia
5* accredited charming traditional Welsh stone Cottage in Snowdonia
Penygroes
Stay at this cottage in Caernarfon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Glynlllifon Country Park and Moel Tryfan are located ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
A perfect place of beauty
"Perfect views, beautifully clean and attention to detail 2nd to none. The narrow lane up from the main road was challenging for Australian visitors but once there you couldn't find a better place to stay."

Reviewed on Jul 7, 2025

5* accredited charming traditional Welsh stone Cottage in Snowdonia
New luxury converted barn at the foot of Moel Hebog
New luxury converted barn at the foot of Moel Hebog
Beddgelert
Stay at this vacation home in Caernarfon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Yr Wyddfa and Gelert's Grave are located ...
10/10 Exceptional! (64 reviews)
Stunning property and location
"Don’t hesitate to book this beautiful, comfortable and very clean accommodation in a quiet location yet a lovely 10 minute walk into Beddgelert. We enjoyed the mountain view( even in the rain), sheep, sound of cuckoo birds and the creek but the daily highlight was the heritage steam train!"

Reviewed on Jun 19, 2025

New luxury converted barn at the foot of Moel Hebog
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.

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Reviews of Caernarfon

4.6
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
11
5 - Excellent 61%
4 - Good
7
4 - Good 39%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We stayed here as our base to explore Snowdonia and we had loads of fun. I’d stay at Plas Dina’s again

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Great place to start exploring beautiful north Wales.

5/5 - Excellent

Bob

Beautiful ancient walled city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Incredible scenery.

Cities near Caernarfon