The Best 18 Tourist Places to Visit and Things to Do in Caernarfon, Wales

July 23, 2023 Mustafa Natalwala 1107 Views

The Royal Town of Caernarfon is a town in the Gwynedd County of Wales. It is a port town facing the Menai Strait opposite to Anglesey Island. The town has had a rich history entangled with Royalty, hence the name. Some of the best things to do in Caernarfon, Wales revolve around exploring history.

The town has several historical sites to explore. Among these, the best places to visit in Caernarfon are Segontium and the Castle. These two tell you about the two most prominent aspects of the town’s history.

The Roman Fort was a major military establishment during the Roman Conquest of Britain. The Castle is also an important Caernarfon tourist attraction. It was pivotal in the English conquest of Gwynedd.

You will also come across many other historical buildings and museums among Caernarfon attractions. You can learn about the town’s history, military divisions, aviation, and more. If you are looking for some modern things to see in Caernarfon, you should head for the port.

The Portside is one of the most happening parts of the city with some of the best places to go in Caernarfon for shopping, dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Even the old town has many great restaurants and shopping streets. You can also merge historical Caernarfon sightseeing with dining at some of the classic venues like the Old Courthouse and the Black Boy Inn.

The town is also surrounded by incredible natural landscapes. The Menai Strait and Snowdonia Mountains are some of the most beautiful sites with a lot of fun outdoor things to do in Caernarfon, Wales. You can go for hiking, trekking, sailing, kayaking, and more.

There are also some great scenic routes for boat tours, railway tours, and bicycle tours. These are some of the best things to do near Caernarfon. You will also find many historical sites within these nature reserves around the town.

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Table of Contents

Top 18 Tourist Places to Visit in Caernarfon, Wales

1. Segontium

This Roman Fort dates between 77 and 78 AD. It used to be the central control centre for Roman controlled region of North Wales. It is one of the best places to visit in Caernarfon, Wales if you are interested in ancient architecture.

You can only see the base of the fort. But the museum shows you what it used to be at the time of its glory. You can learn about the structure, Roman conquest, rulership, and military. You will need an hour from Caernarfon sightseeing to explore this archeological site.

2. Caernarfon Castle

This castle was built during the 1200s under King Edward I. It is one of the best things to do in Caernarfon, Wales. The castle still dominates the scene and the stone structure has a magnificent presence.

As you tour the castle you will learn about the rulers and noble families of the region. The castle also gives you an insight into the military strategy and fortification structures of the time. It is one of the most impressive things to see in Caernarfon, Wales. You will need 2 hours to tour this castle.

3. Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

This museum is dedicated to the historic regiment of the British Regiment. It is part of the Caernarfon Castle and tells you about the achievements and soldiers of this historic regiment.

It is one of the most popular Caernarfon tourist attractions. Besides military achievements, the regiment is also associated with many famous people including poets and writers. You will need an hour from Caernarfon travel to tour this museum.

4. Caernarfon Airworld Aviation Museum

This museum is housed in a former Royal Air Force station and is home to several aircrafts. It is among the most popular Caernarfon attractions for families. You will see fighter planes, bomber planes, helicopters, weapons, uniforms, and more. You will need 30 to 45 minutes for this museum when you visit Caernarfon, Wales.

5. Menai Strait Boat Cruise

Caernarfon sits on the coast of the Menai Strait, opposite to Anglesey Island. You can take a boat trip to explore parts of the Strait from the city’s port. It is one of the top outdoor activities to do in Caernarfon, Wales.

The tour takes you along the coastline to see many attractions. You will see the Caernarfon Castle, Anglesey Island, Llanddwyn Island, Snowdonia Mountain Range, Newborough Sand Dunes, Belan Fort, and more. You will need about 2 hours for this cruise trip when you visit Caernarfon in Wales.

6. The Old Courthouse

This historical building is converted into a restaurant and a bistro. It sits in the heart of the old town and is known for its classic architecture and lush interiors. It is also one of the best places to go in Caernarfon for fine dining.

It’s a classy establishment with incredible cuisines and live performances. If you are looking for some enjoyable indoor things to do in Caernarfon, this is the place to be. You can also take an outdoor table to enjoy cakes, sandwiches, and beverages with a view of the Caernarfon castle.

7. Welsh Highland Railway Train Trip

You get to the train station and get aboard a train for a scenic trip across the Welsh countryside. You can explore several fun things to do near Caernarfon. The classic trains pulled by steam engines take you to Beddgelert, Porthmadog, and Rhyd Ddu.

But the most popular train is the Snowdonia Star. This heritage train takes you through the forests and foothills of Mount Snowdon. It is one of the most picturesque train routes in Wales.

This trip takes about 7 to 8 hours. So it is best to begin in the morning and enjoy a nature-bound day trip during Caernarfon travel.

8. Caernarfon Harbour

The town’s harbour is a happening venue with several cultural establishments. You will see beautifully designed posh neighbourhoods with art galleries, boutique stores, cultural centers, entertainment venues, shopping complexes, hip cafes, and restaurants.

The harbour is also known for one of the most unusual outdoor activities to do in Caernarfon: Crabbing. Yup! People come here to catch crabs. All you have to do is tie a bait on a string and try catching a crab.

You will have to let the crab go when you leave. Although unusual, it is one of the most popular activities among tourists and locals. Take an hour or so in the evening to explore the various Caernarfon attractions and activities at the harbour.

9. Greenwood Family Park

This park has a lot of outdoor and indoor activities to do in Caernarfon. It is a mix of the waterpark, theme park, garden, and nature park. The park has roller coasters, quest games, water slides, boat rides, sledging, archery, a children’s play area, and nature trails.

It is one of the best places to visit in Caernarfon for families. The park has a lot of fun games and activities for children. You can easily spend 2 to 3 hours to enjoy the Greenwood Family Park.

10. Lon Eifion Cycling Route

This route stretches for about 20 km and takes you through small towns, farmlands, forests, foothills, and coastlines. The route will take you to Bryncir, a charming little town.

It is one of the best things to do near Caernarfon for those looking for an adventurous experience. The trail is peaceful and beautiful. You will get to see and experience a lot of things along the way. Rent a bicycle when you visit Caernarfon and embark on this day trip journey.

11. Palace Street

This is considered the most well-known shopping street in North Wales. The narrow streets are lined on both sides by shops, boutique stores, bakeries, and alfresco-style cafes.

But the wonder lies above you. The entire street is lined by hanging umbrellas. Take an hour from Caernarfon sightseeing to enjoy shopping, dining, and sweet treats on this street.

12. Gypsy Wood Park

This park is yet another popular Caernarfon tourist attraction for families with children. The park has a maze, toy train, play area, gardens, trampolines, petting farm, go-karting, and more. You can easily spend an hour or so enjoying at this park with your children.

13. Fron Goch Garden Centre

This place is one of the best places to go in Caernarfon for shopping and dining. It is a market with a lot of boutique stores selling fashion, home decor, furniture, plants, gifts, and more. It is also home to one of the most popular restaurants in the town. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this place.

14. Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre

This activity center has some of the best things to do near Caernarfon. It sits a little outside the town and offers a variety of activities. You can come here for sailing, swimming, paddle boarding, rafting, wingfoil surfing, kayaking, speedboating, and more.

There are also crash courses to enjoy these fun outdoor activities to do in Caernarfon, Wales. You will need at least 3 to 4 hours to enjoy this place.

15. Black Boy Inn

This historic hotel has been around since the 16th century. While you might not choose to stay here, take time to visit the restaurant and bar of this hotel. It holds a historic appeal and is one of the most popular Caernarfon attractions.

It’s popular not just for the food, but for the decor and the vibe. You can plan an evening for this place when you visit Caernarfon.

16. Y Foryd Bay

This nature reserve sits east of Caernarfon at the edge of the Menai Strait. You only need a 10-15-minute car ride to get here. The trip would be one of the best things to do around Caernarfon for nature lovers.

You can explore nature trails through forests, streams, ponds, hills, and so on. The reserve is also one of the most popular spots for bird-watching. You will need at least 2 to 3 hours to explore the reserve.

17. Sygun Copper Mine

This historical mine has been turned into a unique adventurous experience. You can take a guided or self-guided tour through the mines. People can explore the mines as well as natural caves through underground tunnels.

The mine sits about 30 minutes away from the town. Aside from underground exploration, it also has many other interesting things to do near Caernarfon.

You can get a metal detector and go hunting for coins, pan the dirt for gold, enjoy lakeside walks, and more. You will need about 2 to 3 hours from Caernarfon sightseeing to enjoy this place.

18. Day Trip to Anglesey Island

Anglesey Island sits on the opposite end of the Menai Strait. It is a treasure of historical, natural, and entertainment attractions. You can get to the island by boat or by road.

Some of the most popular attractions include Beaumaris Castle, Anglesey Sea Zoo, Pili Palas Nature World, Newborough Forest, Foel Farm Park, Bryn Celli Dbu Burial Site, and more.

The island also has some of the best things to do around Caernarfon. These attractions are on the southwestern side of the island which faces the Strait. You can make a day trip from Caernarfon to Anglesley to explore these places.

If you are looking for more things to see in Caernarfon check out the sections below. We have created a complete list of attractions and activities that you can find inside the town and around it.

Things to do in Caernarfon, Wales

Monuments, Museums & Historical Places to Visit in Caernarfon, Wales

Caernarfon Castle
Sengontium Roman Fort
Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
Life: Full-Colour Galley
Anglesey Sea Salt Company
Airworld Aviation Museum
Eglwys Sant Baglan
Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

Nature & Wildlife Tourist Spots in Caernarfon, Wales

Y Foryd Bay Nature Reserve
Newborough Forest
Lon Eifion
Mount Moel Elio
Mount Mynydd Mawr
Mount Tryfan
Foel Goch Reserve
Mount Snowdonia

Entertainment & Leisure Tourist Spots in Caernarfon, Wales

Beacon Climbing Centre
The Fun Centre
Gypsy Wood Park
Greenwood Family Park
Llanberis Lake Railway
Gylnllifon Country Park
Fron Goch Garden Centre
Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre
Foel Farm Park
Anglesey Sea Zoo

Shopping in Caernarfon, Wales

Palace Street
Fron Goch Garden Centre

Beaches & Islands in Caernarfon, Wales

Ynys Llanddwyn Island
Anglesey Island

Offbeat Places, Tours, & Adventures in Caernarfon, Wales

Hiking
Swimming
Kayaking
Rafting
Boat Cruise
Trekking
Sailing

Sightseeing in Caernarfon, Wales

Historic Town Walls
Palace Street
Pont Yr Aber
Black Boy Inn
Old Courthouse
Caernarfon Harbour

Food, Dining, Restaurants, & Street Food in Caernarfon, Wales

Black Boy Inn
Ouzo and Olive
Osteria
Anglesey Arms
Y Castell
The Gunroom
Doc Fictoria
The Old Courthouse
Harbour Table
The Crown Y Goron
Tafarn Y Porth
Villa Marina
Galeri Cafe Bar
Llwyn Brain
Morrisons Cafe
The Gaerwen Arms
Ship and Castle
Streetbox
Sheeps and Leeks
The Castle Bangor
Palas Caffi

Where to Stay in Caernarfon?

Here we have listed Top Rated Hotels in Caernarfon. You can check the below-listed hotels for your perfect stay in Caernarfon.

Custom Tours Package in Caernarfon

How to Reach Caernarfon, Wales?

By Air

Although Caernarfon has an airport, it does not receive passenger airlines. The closest airports to the town include Manchester, Birmingham, Liverpool, Belfast, and Dublin. Caernarfon travel is only 3 to 4 hours away from these airports by road.

By Road

The closest train station is in Bangor. It only takes 20 to 30 minutes to visit Caernarfon from this station by road. This station receives direct trains from several cities in the UK. You can get trains from Chester, London, Manchester, Holyhead, Cardiff, Euston, and other cities.

You can get direct buses to reach Caernarfon from several cities including Bangor, Manchester, London, Cardiff, and so on. However, these journeys are quite long. It is much easier to get a train to Bangor and take a bus there onwards.

If you are planning to reach Caernarfon by road, you should head for Route A487. This is the only major route that passes through Caernarfon.

By Water

There are no direct water routes to visit Caernarfon. Although, you can get ferries to and from Anglesey Island from the town.

Image Reference

Segontium – Anne-Lise Heinrichs / Flickr
Caernarfon Castle – James Petts / Flickr
Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum – Nilfanion / Wikimedia Commons
Caernarfon Airworld Aviation Museum – Alan Wilson / Flickr
Menai Strait Boat Cruise – Anna / PixaBay
The Old Courthouse – Reading Tom / Flickr
Welsh Highland Railway Train Trip – Herbert Ortner / Flickr
Caernarfon Harbour – Reading Tom / Flickr
Greenwood Family Park – GreenWood Forest Park / Flickr
Lon Eifion Cycling Route – Siaron James / Flickr
Palace Street – Dunnock_D / Flickr
Gypsy Wood Park – Richard Hoare / Geograph.org.uk
Fron Goch Garden Centre – Richard Hoare / Geograph.org.uk
Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre –
Black Boy Inn – James Petts / Flickr
Y Foryd Bay – Andrew / Flickr
Sygun Copper Mine – James Petts / Flickr
Day Trip to Anglesey Island – Clapperboard_Films / PixaBay