There is plenty to do in the historic Gwynedd town to keep you entertained over the weekend
If you're thinking of holidaying in North Wales rather than going abroad this year, there are plenty of perfect destinations for you to choose from. One of the standout places to stay in the region has to be Caernarfon.
The historic town, with its castle and picturesque streets, is an ideal place to visit for couples and families, especially as the weather slowly improves. It is also an excellent base should you want explore other parts of North Wales, such as Snowdonia, although there is plenty in the town itself to keep you occupied for a weekend.
This is in no small part due to the investment there has been in recent years, with a new cinema, railway station, and a redeveloped waterfront arriving at the town over the past five years. Add to that, the shops, restaurants and pubs that have stood in the town for years – and centuries in some cases – and you have all you need for a perfect weekend away without having to step foot in an airport.
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If you have never been before there is raft of hidden gems waiting to be uncovered, with culture, history, good food and drink and incredible scenery all there in abundance. Here is a quick guide of what you could get up to should you choose to spend 48 hours in this unique town.
By road
For those travelling westbound on the A55, take the exit at junction 10 and then travel along the A4087, taking the first exit on the Faenol roundabout by Tŷ Golchi onto the A487. This road will then lead to another roundabout by Plas Menai where you take the second exit onto Ffordd Bangor which then leads into the town.
What is your favourite thing to do in Caernarfon? Let us know in the comments section
Otherwise, you can take the A5 which cuts through Snowdonia and offers a more scenic option as does the A4086 – which you can join from Capel Curig or Beddgelert, depending on which direction you are travelling from – that goes past Pen-y-Pass, Nant Peris and Llyn Padarn.
By train and bus
The closest train station is in Bangor which is over nine miles away, although there is a regular bus service running from the station and the bus depot at the city centre.
In terms of hotels, the main options are the Travelodge and Premier Inn, which are both located by the dock, Y Castell Hotel, which is located on Y Maes (the town square) and the Celtic Royal Hotel, which is approached via the third exit on the second roundabout as you enter the town just after the Morrisons. These are all fairly central and are within a short walk from the town centre.
If you want something a bit different, and slightly more expensive, you can stay at the historic Black Boy Inn which can't be missed if you're spending two days in the town. Otherwise, there's a range of nice B&B's and Airbnbs in the town centre to choose from.
Visit the castle
This is perhaps the most obvious thing to do while spending a couple of days in Caernarfon. The castle was built in 1283 by King Edward I of England and is in excellent condition given it's over 700 years-old. It is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. "But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone," says Cadw.
Go to the cinema
Following an afternoon of exploring Caernarfon Castle, you could catch a film at the local cinema by the dock. A £4m cinema extension at Galeri Caernarfon was completed in 2018. It has two screens which offer a range of films, from the latest Hollywood blockbusters to independent films you won't be able to see at some of the larger chains. You won't have to break the bank either as tickets are more affordable than at the larger picture houses. When the credits roll, you can then enjoy a drink by the dock as the sun comes down over the Menai Strait.
Grab some dinner
Where: Osteria
What: Authentic Tuscan cuisine in a relaxed setting.
Location: 26 Hole in the Wall St, Caernarfon LL55 1RF.
Opening hours and contact: 6pm-9pm. 01286 678460.
Reviews: 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor.
Ride the steam train
A new £3.5m station was built in Caernarfon back in 2019 by the Welsh Highland Railway, which is the UK's longest heritage railway. The line runs for 25 miles from Caernarfon, past the foot of Yr Wyddfa and Beddgelert, then through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to Porthmadog. Travelling in the steam train is like taking a step back in time, passing by some incredible scenery on the way from the comfort of an old-fashioned carriage.
Explore the town
After returning from your train journey, you could take a walk around the town. Starting from the railway station, if you cross the road you will come across the new redeveloped Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) on the waterfront. The £5.8m redevelopment opened last year and features a range of local artisan and craft shops as well as an interactive visitor centre detailing the history of the site. From there, if you walk towards the castle and turn left, you will come across the picturesque Stryd y Plas (Palace Street) which features a range of cafes and small independent shops. The picture postcard street was named one of the best in the country before the pandemic.
At the end of the street you will come onto Stryd Pedwar a Chwech which is home to the 500-year-old Black Boy Inn. The pub is arguably one of the best in North Wales with a range of local ales and good food on offer. There is also Bar Bach – the smallest bar in Wales – around the corner, just off Y Maes, as well as several other Caernarfon staples such as The Anglesey Arms, The Four Alls, The Ship and Castle among others.
Grab some dinner
Where: Sheeps and Leeks
What: Set tasting menus.
Location: 12 Eastgate Street, Caernarfon LL55 1AG
Opening hours and contact: 11:30am-2:30pm, 6:45pm-10pm. 01286 239118.