Caernarfon Castle at Caernarfon Castle (Cadw)CastleAfter all these years Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress. Caernarfon Castle’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles. Worthy of World Heritage status no less.
Most castles are happy with round towers, not Caernarfon! Polygonal towers were the order of the day, with the Eagle Tower being the most impressive of these. You will also note the colour-coded stones carefully arranged in bands.
The site of this great castle wasn’t chosen by accident. It had previously been the location of a Norman motte and bailey castle and before that a Roman fort stood nearby. The lure of water and easy access to the sea made the banks of the River Seiont an ideal spot for Edward’s monster in masonry.
Edward wasn’t one to miss an opportunity to tighten his grip even further on the native population. The birth of his son, the first English Prince of Wales, in the castle in 1284, was a perfect device to stamp his supremacy. In 1969, the investiture of the current Prince of Wales, HRH Prince Charles took place here.
Whilst you're visiting this formidable fortress, don't miss the opportunity to see the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed in two of the castle’s towers.CaernarfonGwyneddUnited Kingdomhttp://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&pid=
Caernarfon Castle at Caernarfon Castle (Cadw)
Castle, £5.70-£9.50
Caernarfon Castle
Details
Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most famous of Wales's many castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence sets it apart from the rest, and, to this day still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intentions of its builder, Edward I.
Pay & display parking nearby, toilets, gift shop, exhibition, video presentation, portable induction loop.
Opening Details
Open all the time
1 March - 30 June 2018 Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm 1 July - 31 August 2018 Daily 9.30am - 6.00pm 1 September - 31 October 2018 Daily 9.30am - 5.00pm 1 November 2018 - 28 February 2019 Monday to Saturday 10.00am - 4.00pm, Sunday 11.00am - 4.00pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 Dec & 1 Jan. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Prices
Prices valid until March 2019 Adult - £9.50 Family (2 Adults & up to 3 children under 16) - £27.50 Seniors £7.60 Students and children under 16 - £5.70 Children under 5 - Free
Caernarfon Castle at Caernarfon Castle (Cadw)
Caernarfon Castle at Caernarfon Castle (Cadw)
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Local Accommodation
Coach parties accepted
Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Facilities for educational visits
Gift shop
Public toilets
Regional Tourist Board Member
Accepts groups
Children welcome
Disabled access
Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs)
Smoking not allowed
Facilities for hearing impaired
