Caernarfon Castle (Carnarvon Castle)

The Basics

Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I on the site of a former Roman fortress and Norman fort in the 1280s to display English wealth and power over Wales. With its uniquely shaped towers and color-block brickwork, it is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the exterior is complete, the plans for the building’s interior were never fully finished. The castle also includes a museum dedicated to the Royal Welch Fusiliers army regiment.

Many people opt for a guided tour to learn more about the building’s history. Guided day trips from nearby cities (including Bangor, Caernarfon, Holyhead, and Llandudno) visit the walled city of Caernarfon as well as the mountains of Snowdonia and other area highlights.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Discount admission to the castle is available for children, seniors, and students. Children under 5 enter free.

• Several parts of the castle feature steep narrow stairs and are not suitable for those in a wheelchair.

• Your ticket to the castle covers also admission to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.

• Hours vary by season, so check in advance if making your own way to the castle.

How to Get There

Caernarfon Castle sits on the Menai Strait, a body of water that separates mainland Wales from the island of Anglesey. Many people opt to take a guided tour that includes transportation from nearby cities. Others travel by car or take a train to Bangor and a public bus to the castle. Public parking is available nearby.

When to Get There

The castle’s hours change seasonally, with the longest hours in July and August and reduced hours September through February. The castle is closed on major holidays and last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Weekends are the busiest time to visit.

Island of Anglesey

Just across the water from Caernarfon Castle, the small island of Anglesey is known to British families as a quick and easy vacation getaway. With pretty scenery, historic buildings including Beaumaris Castle and Plas Newydd, and sandy beaches with dramatic cliffs topped with lighthouses, it also holds appeal for tourists visiting the area.

Is visiting Caernarfon Castle worth it?

Yes, definitely. Along with a group of other Welsh castles (Beaumaris, Conwy, and Harlech), Caernarfon Castle has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The massive scale and painstaking restoration make this an impressive spot. Plus, climbing the tower gives you a panorama of the fishing town below.

What is Caernarfon Castle famous for?

The fortress complex was built in the Middle Ages by Edward I of England. The fiery leader conquered Wales in the 13th century, and the region fell under English control. A costly undertaking, Caernarfon Castle was a symbol of Edward’s dominion—and a prime target during Welsh revolts.

How long does it take to visit Caernarfon Castle?

For a visit to both Caernarfon Castle’s interior and its grounds, count on spending anywhere from one to two hours there. Housed inside two towers of Caernarfon Castle is the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, with multimedia exhibits dedicated to Wales’s oldest infantry regiment. Admission tickets are included along with your castle entry.

Do I need to visit Caernarfon Castle with a guide?

No, not necessarily—simply come during opening hours to visit Caernarfon Castle. With that said, there’s a lot of history to unpack, and most travelers find it helpful to listen to explanations from a guide while visiting the castle. Small or private groups give you a chance to ask questions, too.

Is Caernarfon Castle or Conwy Castle better?

That depends. Conwy Castle lets you walk around the castle walls as they loop through the picturesque town of the same name, and it has immaculately preserved royal apartments. Caernarfon Castle is larger and boasts the Fusiliers Museum. They’re both stunning and historically significant, so if you can, visit both.

What language is spoken at Caernarfon Castle?

The town of Caernarfon has its own regional Welsh dialect, known as Cofi. (That’s also what people from the waterfront town are called.) In fact, Caernarfon is a great destination for anyone hoping to hear the Welsh language, as many native speakers live there. But don’t fret—everyone knows English, too.