Caernarfon Castle

Discover Caernarfon Castle, part of a series of strongholds built by King Edward I in the 1280s. This particular structure is one of a few beautifully preserved fortress-like palaces from the Middle Ages. It is immense, with walls extending and circumnavigating the town. It was effective in protecting the docks, Royal inhabitants and townspeople.

Caernarfon Castle is part of four incredible forts built by King Edward during the Anglo-Welsh Wars of the 13th Century. All four sit on the coast with integrated ports, making the supply of essential military equipment, food and men viable during turbulent times. The others are Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech Castles.

All of the special four castles, plus many other repaired and re-built Welsh castles, played a role in the struggles between the Welsh and English, the Crown and the Princes of Wales. Caernarfon was the prime residence of them all, the seat of Royal power. Its scale, eagle motifs and polygonal towers imply status. A Welsh myth foretold of a “Great fortress at the mouth of a river, the fairest in the land.” Come and see for yourself on a guided tour of Wales.

Stay and eat at Bodysgallen Hall, a historic manor house hotel, looked after by the National Trust. If you prefer a traditional inn, stay at either The Bull in Beaumaris or the Erskine Arms in Conwy. Both of which are lovely pubs (Traditional Inns) serving excellent food with comfortable modern accommodation.