Caernarfon Castle Tours and Activities

Caernarfon Castle showing heritage elements and château or palace
Caernarfon Castle featuring interior views
Caernarfon Castle showing interior views
Caernarfon Castle showing 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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Campanile Runcorn
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The Everglades Park Hotel

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Hole in the Wall

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Pass the Keys | Apartment 2 Old Conservative Club in Historic Town

Pass the Keys | Apartment 2 Old Conservative Club in Historic Town

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Apartment 1 Old Conservative Club in Historic Town | Pass the Keys

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The Old Stables - a gem Surrounded by Mountains!

The Old Stables - a gem Surrounded by Mountains!

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The Old Stables - a gem Surrounded by Mountains!
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, immerse yourself in the rich history with an engaging audio tour. After exploring the castle, enjoy a scenic bike ride around the area to take in the stunning views. A trip to Caernarfon is not complete without experiencing its vibrant culture and beautiful surroundings, making it a perfect destination for an unforgettable adventure.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Caernarfon Castle, visit James Pringle Weavers, located 9.7km away, offering a range of gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, check out Summit to Sea, situated 24.1km away, for more unique finds.

Recreation

At Gypsy Wood Park, only 483m from Caernarfon Castle, enjoy serene walks in nature and relaxation amidst lush greenery. For golf enthusiasts, Tyddyn Mawr Golf Club and Penrhyn Golf Club, located 4 and 8.0km away respectively, offer invigorating outdoor sports experiences in beautiful surroundings.

Adventure

For an adventurous experience near Caernarfon Castle, visit Plas Menai National Watersports Centre, located 4.8km away, for thrilling water sports. Explore the scenic Rhyd Ddu Path, 12.9km away, for stunning hiking trails, or enjoy adrenaline-pumping fun at Redline Indoor Karting, only 1.6km away.

Nightlife

For a cultural night out, visit Theatr Fach, 12.9km from Caernarfon Castle, where you can enjoy diverse performances. If you're up for some adventure, head to Glasfryn Parc, 22.5km away, for arcade fun and family entertainment in a lively atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Caernarfon Castle

Whether you're a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Caernarfon offers an array of attractions around the iconic Caernarfon Castle. Explore the stunning beach and mountainous landscapes, or delve into the rich culture at the renowned Royal Caernarfon Castle. With plenty of Gwynedd attractions nearby, your visit will be filled with memorable experiences that cater to both relaxation and adventure.

  • Yr Wyddfa: Experience the breathtaking beauty of Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales. Just 16.1km from Caernarfon Castle, it offers exhilarating outdoor adventures, stunning views, and a chance to explore diverse landscapes, perfect for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Newborough Beach: Relax on the pristine sands of Newborough Beach, located 8.0km away from Caernarfon Castle. With its tranquil atmosphere and picturesque scenery, it's ideal for sunbathing, picnicking, and enjoying a refreshing swim in the sea.
  • Menai Bridge: Discover the charm of Menai Bridge, a historic marvel 11.3km from Caernarfon Castle. This iconic structure is steeped in culture and history, offering beautiful views and a fascinating glimpse into the region's architectural heritage.

Best time to go to Caernarfon Castle

The best time to visit Caernarfon Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, 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 on your trip to Caernarfon Castle, consider visiting during the cheaper months of January to February or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays tend to be the least expensive nights to stay, while Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to compare hotels and look for last-minute deals, especially with the green banner for discounts. Combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential package savings, and filter for eco-friendly options to find budget-friendly stays that match your preferences.

  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your Caernarfon Castle hotel accommodation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia