History
Caernarfon is a beautiful port town based on the western end of the Menai strait opposite Anglesey. It has a rich maritime background and a iconic place in Welsh History. Its image is dominated by a medieval castle that houses the Welsh town inside its fortress walls built by in 1283 after the falling of the last Welsh ruler of Gwynedd and native Prince of Wales, Llewlyn ab Gruffedd. To this day its castle turrets which rise straight from the waters of the Menai straits dominate the towns skyline.
Background
Situated on the banks of the Menai strait and flanking the snowdonia national park, Caernarfon sits at the western end of the Menai straits in north Wales. With the Llyn peninsular to its south all the way down to Bardsey Island and the famous Llandwyn island off the the west just across the water on Anglesey it is truly flanked by beauty all around. It faces Anglesey across the short stretch of water that is the famous Menai strait, a beautiful and dynamic body of water that seperates . A rural community with strong port links, Caernarfon is a mix of land and sea all rolled into a medieval setting. Its a vibrant town and the square is a haven for coffee drinkers and outdoor enthusiasts soaking up the suns rays.
Beaches and coast
Caernarfon sits on the shores of the Menai straits and has the thriving Seiont river running through the town meandering onto its shores, which makes for a muddy and rocky foreshore. The shores around Caernarfon are a fantastic walk and there are miles of beautiful Wales coastal path walking along there. There are plenty of beaches near by though, so if sand is your thing we have got you covered. Just a short drive away 3 miles away is Dinas Dinlle beach or you can drive across the scenic Menai strait to the super beautiful Newborough beach. Just a little further down the coast along from Caernarfon to the south on the Llyn peninsular you have the stunning beaches of Trevor and Nefyn.
Activities
Take a boat ride up the Menai straits with Seawake
Wednesday and Sunday sailing session at Porth Dinorwig yacht club
Why not do some windsurfing, sailing and sea kayaking at Plas Menai
Caernarfon sits on the door step of snowdonia national park, pack your boots and head up for a hike. We suggest the miners track or PYG track for new commers to the area, but do your research first!
SUP down the straits and have a drink at the Garddfon pub at Felinheli-
Food and amenities
There are host of nice restaurants to visit in Caernarfon one of the top ones is the rather lovely Blackboy Inn. This guest house is just fantastic, we like to take the speed boat from Bangor unto Caernarfon in the summer and sit outside the Blackboy and have a coffee or drink in the sun. Other top eats in the area are to see the full listing see here.
The summer months
Caernarfon is a bustling port town in the summer months attracting visitors from all over the world. Its rich heritage is a draw for Culture seekers from all corners of the world. With its epic castle situated on the banks of the strait it has a jaw dropping vista. Its best angle though is from the blue waters just beyond its shore.. if you can you must get on a boat and see the castle from the water. Caernarfon is busy, but nice busy, not like Venice shoulder to shoulder cramped. On clear blue sky days we love to camp in a local campsite or on the beach at Dinas dinlle where I go fishing, the drive to Caernarfon for a morning coffee at Cafe Maes and stroll. Its very popular with cyclists and the square has a lovey appeal in moving sunshine.
Things to do when you stay here:
Go visit Caernarfon castle its a must!
Hop on a boat and cruise the up the Menai strait to go and see the famous Llandwyn Island.
Go for a day flight from Caernarfon Airport
Hire a car and drive further down the Llyn peninsular to Abersorch
Go wake boarding for a taster session to Glasfryn waterpark
Take a boat from Caernarfon to Menai bridge, Beaumaris, Puffin Island
Places of note:
Go visit Caernarfon castle
Fort Belan is a fortification on the straits- well worth a visit! great place to fish also.
Take a walk around Victoria dock and see the yachts in the marina
Go to the Galeri and go see a live event
Take walk around the castles walls in Caernarfon town
Places to stay:
Best Hotels – on Trip advisor
Holiday cottages in Caernarfon
Campsites in and around Caernarfon
Useful links:
Mountain biking north Wales book
Good book as a guide to the coastal path of Anglesey
We hope this bite sized blog is useful for you if your heading to Caernarfon on your hols or maybe just doing some research on north Wales and its gems overall.. If you think there is something to add drop us a comment below and tell us what your favourite things are to do in Caernarfon on your stay!?
