Our visit to Caernarfon Castle was quite spontaneous, and I was surprised we hadn’t explored it sooner. The Caernarfon Town Walls, located by the water, offer stunning views of Snowdonia National Park. The scenery is reminiscent of Conwy Town, making it a delightful experience for visitors. If you have already fallen in love with Conwy Castle, you must add Caernarfon to your itinerary in Wales.
Caernarfon Castle is recognized as a World Heritage Site. It is part of the Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd. This group includes Beaumaris and Harlech castles, along with the town walls of Caernarfon and Conwy. UNESCO has deemed these sites as prime examples of military architecture from the late 13th and early 14th centuries in Europe.
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Where is Caernarfon Castle and How to Get There?
Caernarfon Castle is located in North Wales, a bit more secluded area than Conwy Castle. This makes it a longer journey for those traveling from Liverpool, Manchester, or Birmingham. The distance between Conwy and Caernarfon is 23 miles, which adds approximately 35 minutes to your drive time.
Our visit to Caernarfon Castle was somewhat spontaneous. We had initially planned to explore Harlech Castle, which is even further from Liverpool and Manchester. The drive to Harlech takes you through the winding roads of Snowdonia National Park, which can be challenging for those prone to motion sickness or discomfort during travel.
To make the most of our day and skip driving through Snowdonia National Park, I proposed we take the coastal route back and stop at Caernarfon. This way, we could enjoy two stunning castles in one trip. It turned out to be a fantastic decision, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of both locations.
🚆 BY TRAIN
Caernarfon Castle is located in North Wales, but reaching it can be a bit tricky. There is no train station directly in Caernarfon. The closest train station is in Bangor, which is near Penrhyn Castle. If you plan to visit Welsh castles by train, consider Chirk Castle and Penrhyn Castle, as they are more accessible for those without a car.
🚗💨 BY CAR
For those traveling by car, Caernarfon Castle is a two-hour drive from Liverpool. The North Wales Expressway offers a beautiful route that every visitor to Wales should experience at least once. The scenic views along the way make the journey memorable.
If you’re coming from Manchester, expect the drive to take about two hours and thirty-five minutes. A trip from Birmingham will take approximately three hours and twenty-five minutes. Given the travel times, it might be a good idea to stay in the area. Options like the Celtic Royal Hotel and The Black Boy Inn provide comfortable accommodations for visitors.
If you choose to explore Caernarfon Castle on a day trip, you’ll find a large car park nearby. This car park is situated between the Seiont River and the castle itself. While Slate Quay Car Park does require a fee, its location is very convenient for your visit.
Caernarfon Castle Tickets
Caernarfon Castle usually does not offer free tickets like Penrhyn, Chirk, or Harlech castles during Open Doors Event. If you wish to explore the castle’s interior, tickets are available on the Cadw website. They also provide a few day’s Explorer Passes, which grant access to various historic sites across Wales.
When we arrived in the evening at Caernarfon, the castle was already closed. Visiting after hours allowed us to enjoy the castle’s exterior without the usual tourist crowds. At night, Caernarfon Castle is beautifully lit, making it a stunning sight.
Caernarfon Castle History Facts
When Was Caernarfon Castle Built?
Caernarfon Castle’s history dates back to the late 11th century when the first fortification was a motte-and-bailey castle. King Edward I of England initiated the construction of the current stone castle in 1283, replacing the earlier structure. This monumental project marked a significant development in medieval architecture and military strategy.
During the castle’s construction, impressive town walls were also erected around Caernarfon. The total cost of this extensive work ranged from £20,000 to £25,000, reflecting the scale and ambition of the project. The construction efforts continued until 1330, showcasing the importance of the castle in the region’s defense and governance.
While Caernarfon Castle looks largely complete from the outside, many interior buildings have not survived the test of time. Additionally, several parts of the castle were never fully finished. For those interested in exploring Welsh castles with stunning interiors, Penrhyn, Chirk, and Powis Castle are excellent alternatives to consider.
Who Built Caernarfon Castle?
Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I of England, who reigned from 1272 to 1307. He aimed to establish a stronghold in North Wales, making it the administrative center of the region. This castle was part of a broader strategy to settle English migrants in Wales, leading to the creation of new towns such as Flint, Aberystwyth, and Rhuddlan.
The construction of these towns often excluded the local Welsh population, who were prohibited from residing there. The new English settlers enjoyed protection from the extensive walls surrounding these towns. This approach was part of Edward’s efforts to assert control over Wales and diminish Welsh influence in the area.
For those interested in exploring a castle with a different history, Powis Castle is a great option. Unlike Caernarfon, it was not built as a means of English domination. Visiting Powis Castle offers a unique perspective on the architectural styles and historical significance of Welsh castles compared to those built by the English.
Caernarfon Castle vs Conwy Castle
Many people wonder which castle is better: Caernarfon Castle or Conwy Castle. Both castles share a rich history, as construction on them began in 1283 under King Edward I of England. Conwy Castle received its Grade I Listed status in 1950, while Caernarfon Castle was added to this prestigious list 33 years later, in 1983.
Conwy Castle enjoys a more convenient location for travelers, making it a popular travel destination in Wales. However, Caernarfon Castle also attracts many visitors and it does surpass the annual attendance of tourists in other nearby castles like Penrhyn Castle or Chirk Castle. Caernarfon and Conwy Castle remain some of the most popular attractions in Wales.
Which Castle Was More Important?(Caernarfon or Conwy)
In 1284, Caernarfon had a garrison of forty men. This was more than the thirty men stationed at Conwy and Harlech. Even during peacetime, when most castles had only a few guards, Caernarfon maintained a defense of twenty to forty men.
Unlike other castles, which often had minimal protection, Caernarfon was always well-guarded. This consistent presence of troops highlighted the castle’s importance in the region.
Is Caernarfon or Conwy Better for Nightlife?
The appeal of both castles lies among others in their stunning surroundings. Conwy Town is particularly enchanting at sunset when the crowds thin out, giving it an almost deserted feel. In contrast, Caernarfon Castle surprises with its lively nightlife, featuring bustling pubs like Anglesey Arms and Palace Vaults, which add vibrancy to the town.
Caernarfon once boasted a total of 57 pubs. Over time, the number of pubs has changed. However, the party spirit remains strong in Caernarfon. The town continues to be a welcoming place for socializing. Moreover, the illuminated Caernarfon Castle at night enhances the charm of this beautiful Welsh town.
Caernarfon Castle Towers vs Conwy Towers
Caernarfon Castle stands out from other Edwardian castles due to its unique polygonal towers. For comparision, Conwy Castle features round towers. Moreover, the castle’s broad bands of colored stone are reminiscent of the famous Walls of Constantinople, showcasing a blend of architectural influences.
The inspiration for Caernarfon Castle came from the legendary dream of Roman Emperor Magnus Maximus. In this dream, he envisioned a magnificent fort located in a city by a river, surrounded by mountains. This dream also included an island across the water, which corresponds to Anglesey Island, situated opposite Caernarfon Castle. Edward I interpreted this vision as a sign that Caernarfon could be the city Maximus dreamed of.
Caernarfon Town Walls vs Conwy Town Walls
Caernarfon Town Walls feature eight towers and two gateways, while Conwy boasts twenty one towers and three original gateways. Despite this, I believe Caernarfon’s walls are better preserved and more visually appealing, especially from the waterfront. A lovely promenade allows visitors to stroll and appreciate the stunning views of these historic walls.
Some tourists, however, are drawn to the more weathered appearance of Conwy Town Walls. They find charm in the signs of age and history that these walls display. Even with their wear, Conwy’s walls are still regarded as some of the best-preserved fortifications in Europe.
The contrast between the two sets of walls highlights the unique character of each location. Caernarfon offers a pristine view, while Conwy provides a sense of history through its timeworn features. Both towns showcase remarkable examples of medieval architecture that you must visit in Wales.
Does Caernarfon Have a Beach?
Caernarfon is surrounded by stunning Welsh beaches, but they are not right at your doorstep. While North Wales boasts many beautiful coastal spots, reaching them from Caernarfon takes some time. One of the best options is Traeth Llanddwyn on Anglesey Island, which is about a 50-minute drive away.
If you’re looking for a beach closer to Caernarfon, Dinas Dinlle is your best bet. This lovely beach is just a 15-minute drive from the town. It’s perfect for a quick visit if you’re short on time but still want to enjoy the seaside.
For those staying in the Caernarfon area, consider a trip to Harlech Beach as well. This beach is approximately 50 minutes away by car and offers a beautiful setting. Exploring these nearby beaches can enhance your experience when visiting castles in North Wales.
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