Caernarfon Castle (Carnarvon Castle)

Overview

Caernarfon Castle is a medieval fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest Wales. It is one of the most impressive and well-preserved castles in Britain, with a rich history and stunning architecture.

The castle is a symbol of Welsh history and identity, and it played a significant role in the political and military history of the region.

Historical Site Architectural Marvel

Location

Address

Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, Gwynedd

Neighborhood: Castle Town

Coordinates

53.136300, -4.260300

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM

saturday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Admission

Adults

£12.50

Children

£7.50 (ages 5-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, September-October

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

3-4 hours

Full Experience

Full day (including nearby attractions)

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild, occasionally rainy

• Spring flowers
• Green landscapes

summer

Warm to hot, occasional rain

• Extended opening hours
• Outdoor performances

autumn

Cool, crisp air, occasional rain

• Fall colors
• Harvest markets

winter

Cold, rainy, occasionally snowy

• Holiday decorations
• Christmas markets

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring valid ID
Check weather forecast
Wear comfortable shoes

What to Bring

essential

ID Tickets Water Comfortable shoes

seasonal

Jacket (spring/autumn) Umbrella Warm clothing (winter)

not allowed

Large bags Drones Pets (except guide dogs)

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate (some walking and stairs)

• Uneven surfaces
• Stairs
• Crowds

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit/debit cards, Mobile payments

Currency

British Pound (GBP)

Typical Costs

entry £12.50 (adults)

parking £5

food £10-15

souvenirs £5-20

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, Walking shoes or hiking boots, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1-2 weeks in advance for peak season
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

Cadw Welsh Government

Size: 50 MB

Features: Map of the castle, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event information

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Café

Charging Stations: Visitor center

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Anglesey Airport (VLY)

Distance: 25 km

Travel Time: 30 minutes

taxi

£30-40 30 min

public_transport

£5-7 45 min

From City Center

Distance: 5 km

bus

£1.50 10 min

taxi

£8-10 10 min

walking

60 min

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Caernarfon Castle is a symbol of Welsh pride and history, offering a glimpse into the medieval past

Historical Significance: The castle was built by Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer Wales and is a testament to medieval military architecture

Insider Tips

Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience
The best views of the castle are from the nearby Menai Bridge
Local cafés offer traditional Welsh tea and cakes

Local Recommendations

• Try Welsh cakes at a local café
• Visit the nearby Caernarfon Town Walls
• Ask for a guided tour with a local historian

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Helo

thank_you Diolch

where_is Ble mae

how_much Faint

beautiful Pobl

ticket Tocyn

Guide Languages: English, Welsh, French, Spanish

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Eagle Tower

Best Time: Golden hour (late afternoon)

Tips: Capture the tower against the sky

Result: Stunning architectural shot

#CaernarfonCastle #WelshHistory #MedievalArchitecture

King's Gate

Best Time: Early morning

Tips: Low angle shot to emphasize the grandeur

Result: Impressive entrance shot

#CastleGateway #HistoricalSite #TravelWales

Castle Walls

Best Time: Sunset

Tips: Wide-angle shot to capture the entire wall

Result: Breathtaking panoramic view

#CastleWalls #SunsetViews #Wales

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Castle walls and towers, Courtyards

prohibited areas Interior exhibitions, Restricted zones

flash photography Not allowed in interior spaces

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Restricted, check with staff

selfie sticks Allowed in outdoor areas

Nearby Attractions

Segontium Roman Fort

Distance: 500m

Walking: 7 min

Type: Historical Site

Caernarfon Town Walls

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Historical Walk

Gwynedd Museum and Art Gallery

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min

Type: Museum

Menai Suspension Bridge

Distance: 5km

Walking: 60 min

Type: Engineering Marvel

Reviews

4.5

Based on 1,000 reviews

Recent Visitor Tips

"Book tickets online in advance"
"Visit early to avoid crowds"
"Comfortable shoes are a must"
"Don't miss the views from the towers"

Contact Information

+44 1286 677617

caernarfoncastle@cadw.wales.gov.uk

www.cadw.gov.wales

Social Media

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