Caernarfon Holiday Cottages
Caernarfon is a beautiful medieval town set on the north coast of Wales. With miles of sandy beaches and rugged mountains a short drive away, its a great central place to enjoy a bit of town life and history whilst being on the door stop to experience the great outdoors.
CAERNARFON
Caernarfon, home to one of the best-preserved medieval castles on the planet —mighty Caernarfon Castle—sits on the coast of North Wales with views across the Menai Strait to Ynys Môn (Anglesey).
The imposing fortress stands at the heart of the town, surrounded by historic town walls and cobbled streets, elegant Georgian architecture, and a recently redeveloped waterfront. Interesting shops, galleries, cafés, and restaurants bring the town to life.
Caernarfon is the perfect base for exploring some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the region – the stunning beaches of Ynys Môn and the scenic Pen Llŷn (Llŷn Peninsula) are just a short drive away. For a truly memorable holiday experience, hop aboard the Welsh Highland Railway, departing from the town centre, to enjoy picturesque journeys to Porthmadog, Beddgelert, and Rhyd Ddu.
Things to do in Caernarfon
Caernarfon is one of the most atmospheric and historic destinations in the UK. The castle’s vast curtain walls, polygonal towers, and turrets are inspired by the Byzantine architecture of medieval Constantinople, making it a stunning site to explore. Immerse yourself in its epic medieval grandeur.
For a taste of local creativity, head to Cei Llechi, once the centre of the town’s thriving slate trade. This area is now a hub for local artists, artisans, and craft makers. Cei Llechi also hosts regular markets and events, offering a great opportunity to experience some of the vibrant local arts culture.
History buffs will want to visit Segontium, a Roman fort on the outskirts of town. Established nearly 2,000 years ago, Segontium was a strategic military outpost for the Romans, and it remained occupied until around AD 394. The ruins, which are free to visit, provide fascinating insight into Roman life at the edge of the Empire.
The traffic-free Lon Las Fenai cycle track is perfect for both cycling and walking. The path hugs the coast of the Menai Strait from Caernarfon to Y Felinheli, and can be extended all the way to Bangor or across the Menai Bridge to Ynys Môn. The track offers stunning views of the water and surrounding landscapes.
Off the beaten track ideas:
Walk along stunning sea cliffs on the Wales Coast Path – head to the nearby village of Trefor on the north coast of Pen Llŷn for a stunning walk along the cliff tops. You’ll get spectacular views of the Yr Eifl mountains (The Rivals) on your way, and there are dramatic sea stacks visible from the footpath. Look out for cormorants drying their feathers on the cliffs. Beware of the sheer drops! This circular route starts at Trefor Beach Car Park. 14 miles from Caernarfon.
Conquer Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) from the quietest route up – The start of the Rhyd Ddu path, typically the quietest of the routes up Yr Wyddfa, is easily accessible from Caernarfon. There is a short section where the path gets close to some big drops, so it is not recommended for young children. The path is around 7.5 miles to the summit. Park at Rhyd Ddu, in the car park of the Welsh Highland Railway. 10 miles from Caernarfon.
Caernarfon is an historic fortress town on the edge of Eryri (Snowdonia) in North Wales. On the southwestern shore of the Menai Strait, the town has wonderful views to Ynys Môn. Caernarfon is close to Bangor, Llanberis, and Pen Llŷn.
There are some great restaurants and cafés in Caernarfon. For pubs, soak up the atmosphere (and the beer) at The Black Boy Inn or the Anglesey Arms; the Galeri café bar and the Bonta deli are both great for a bit of lunch, and for restaurants you could try Sheeps and Leeks, Wal Restaurant, or Ouzo and Olives.
Although Caernarfon is on the North Wales coast, it is a harbour town without a beach. However, gorgeous Dinas Dinlle beach is just a short drive away – around 7 miles – with a vast expanse of golden sand and absolutely spectacular coastal views. To the south, take in views along the coast of Pen Llŷn including the peaks of Yr Eifl (The Rivals). To the north, it’s Llanddwyn Island and the coast of Ynys Môn. Dinas Dinlle is a real gem of a beach – worth visiting the Iron Age hillfort which stands guard over it all.
