Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon, United Kingdom
A large medieval fortress on the Menai Strait with polygonal towers and banded stonework, and wall walks with views over the water. Allow two hours and climb the towers for the best outlook.
King Edward I had Caernarfon Castle built from 1283, following the conquest of Gwynedd. Its plan is roughly a figure of eight, and its polygonal towers are built in coloured, banded masonry. The Eagle Tower has three turrets that were once crowned with statues of eagles. According to tradition, the future Edward II was born here in 1284. In 1294 the castle was captured and damaged in the Welsh revolt led by Madog ap Llywelyn, and it later withstood sieges in the Glyndŵr Rising; it was besieged three times in the Civil War and was extensively restored from the 1870s. Since 1986 it has been part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd”.
Allow about two hours for a visit. Climb the towers and wall walks for the view over the strait. The castle is cared for by Cadw; come early in the day or outside school holidays to avoid larger groups. Park in the old town or on the edge of town; the edge of town is the better choice for motorhomes.
- Nearest town
- Caernarfon, United Kingdom
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 53.1390, -4.2770
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- United Kingdom: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Drive on the left. Some bridges and tunnels charge tolls.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Tyn-Yr-Onnen Farm & CampsiteCampsite7 km from Caernarfon CastleTentsCaravansMotorhomesElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Pentre Bach campsiteCampsite7 km from Caernarfon CastleTentsDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Bodfan FarmMotorhome stopover19 km from Caernarfon CastleCaravansMotorhomesShowersToilets
- Gwern Gof Uchaf CampsiteCampsite20 km from Caernarfon CastleTentsDrinking waterShowersToiletsNo dogs
- Llyn Gwynant CampsiteCampsite20 km from Caernarfon Castle · 1,000 pitchesTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWi-Fi
- Pen-y-Llyn Touring Caravan SiteMotorhome stopover23 km from Caernarfon Castle · 45 pitchesMotorhomesDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
All campsites in United Kingdom · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Caernarfon Castle?
Caernarfon Castle is in Caernarfon, United Kingdom, at GPS 53.1390, -4.2770. It is about 10 km from Llanberis.
Can you camp near Caernarfon Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Fron Caravan & Camping Park, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 143 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Caernarfon Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa) (16 km), Beaumaris Castle (19 km), Criccieth Castle (25 km) and Portmeirion (28 km).
When is the best time to visit Caernarfon Castle?
No month is ideal everywhere on this route; the most pleasant are usually May–September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)