Caernarfon is underrated. It's one of my favourite places to visit in North Wales, a beautiful town which sits along the edge of the Menai Strait, with views of Anglesey in one direction and Eryri (Snowdonia) in the other.
There are some excellent things to do in the town itself, but it's well located for exploring the rest of the North Wales coast, the Llyn Peninsular, and Eryri.
In this guide, I'll share some of my favourite things to do in Caernarfon, and hopefully, give you some inspiration for your next trip to the Welsh coast.
1. Visit Caernarfon Castle
At the centre of the town, you'll find the imposing Caernarfon Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Wales. You'll have to pay to enter, but it's well worth it since you'll spend several hours exploring it.
Built by King Edward I in the 13th century, it played a significant role in the power struggle between England and Wales. Today, it's part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with several other fortresses in the region.
The castle is very well preserved. Inside, you can wander along the walls and climb some of the towers for an excellent view across the town and the Menai Strait.
It's also home to Royal Welch Fusiliers Regimental Museum which spans several floors inside two of the towers. I spent at least an hour in this area alone. There's also another museum about the Prince of Wales and some videos you can watch about the castle's history.
Recent renovations have made Caernarfon Castle more accessible, added a new rooftop deck and an exhibition about the people who built it. I've not visited since these changes were implemented, but it looks like some great additions to an already excellent attraction.
Also Read: My Guide To Visiting Caernarfon Castle
2. See Caernarfon's landmarks on a walking tour
Caernarfon from Above
A walking tour is an ideal way to take in the history of Caernarfon and its iconic landmarks.
You can arrange a private walking tour with a local guide over at Caernarfon Walks. These cost £10 per adult, starting and ending at Castle Square. There's an option of adding on a visit to Segontium Roman Fort too.
Another great way to tour the town is using my Caernarfon AudioWalk. This is a self-guided walking tour around the town using my dedicated Wales Guidebook app.
The tour lasts roughly an hour but can be done at a pace that suits you. An onscreen map will direct you, while the audio guide will share fun facts and stories about the town's history along the way.
3. Take a boat cruise down the Menai Strait
Menai Strait Cruise
Caernarfon sits right alongside the coast, so it's well-placed for getting out and enjoying a cruise down the Menai Strait.
Throughout the peak season, Menai Cruises run daily public boat trips on their vessel named 'Queen of the Sea'. I had the pleasure of joining them on a cruise last year which was a great way to spend 45 minutes.
The cost was £10 per person (cash only). You can't book tickets in advance, just head to their small office in Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) Car Park right in front of the castle to book tickets around 20 minutes before departure. You'll find the daily departure times on their website or on a board outside their office.
This particular tour only runs daily in summer (from May half term until August) with less frequent sailing in September. Although the boat was quite slow, this allowed for excellent commentary from the captain who gave some great information about the landmarks we passed. Dogs are welcome onboard too.
4. Enjoy afternoon tea at The Old Courthouse
The Old Courthouse, Caernarfon
The Old Courthouse is a beautifully renovated Grade I listed building in the heart of the town. Afternoon Tea is available daily from 12pm, alongside a wider menu offering a high standard of dining. It includes a range of sandwiches, cakes and tea.
I won't lie, I ate here more than once. My favourite sandwich is the Snowdonia Black Bomber cheese and plum chutney on brioche - simply stunning! But of course, a simple Welsh tea with Welsh Cakes and Bara Brith always goes down well.
If you're feeling a little more sophisticated (and boozy), there are options to upgrade to include Prosecco, and a ‘2 Tier Tea’.
5. Hop onboard the Welsh Highland Railway
Transport yourself back in time with a trip on the heritage steam trains running along the Welsh Highland Railway, the longest-running heritage railway in Britain.
The railway runs from Caernarfon, through the beautiful landscapes of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), with the final stop in Porthmdog.
You can choose a full-day ticket which takes you along the entire route and back again or hop off at Beddgelert where you can explore the village for 1hr30 before returning (I recommend this one).
They also run special Christmas services or you can upgrade to a luxurious first class Pullman package which provides an unforgettable experience.
For full details, and to book, visit their website.
6. Visit Airworld Museum
The Airworld Aviation Museum is located at the former RAF base Llandwrog, and contains a number of different aircrafts and exhibitions.
It’s a great chance to get up close with some fascinating technology, and it contains the only T2 BAe Harrier jet remaining worldwide!
There is a small cost to enter, but there is no need to book in advance. It’s a great place for the family, and you can even sit inside some of the exhibitions.
8. Walk or cycle along Lon Eifion
Lon Eifion is a 12.5 mile route which takes you from Caernarfon to Bryncir. The path is wide, and it means that there is plenty of room whether you want to cycle or walk.
The peaceful trail - previously a rail route - will take you through woodland and offers views of the Menai Strait and Snowdonia in the distance. It’s a great place to get some steps in, and enjoy the area away from the town centre.
The start of the path is noted by the old bicycle attached to a gate as shown in the photo above. You can find it here on Google Maps.
9. Enjoy a Fine Dining experience at Sheeps And Leeks
Sheeps And Leeks is a little treasure. Seating just 20 people, the restaurant uses market-fresh local produce to create a memorable dining experience.
As well as a standard menu, the 10-course Tasting Menu is something which I would highly recommend. Whilst it doesn’t come cheap, the experience and service is absolutely top notch. All of the dishes are made in-house, and wine pairing is also available.
Booking in advance is a must, but if you are a foodie, then it’s essential that you add this restaurant to your travel plan.
10. Get a Thrill at GreenWood Family Park
GreenWood Family Park is a short drive from Caernarfon, and offers award-winning thrills for the family. It includes the UK’s only solar-powered water ride, the world’s first people-powered roller coaster, and the longest sledge run in Wales
There is a great indoor soft play area as well as outdoor activities, and a number of food and drink options, including the Woodbarn cafe, to keep you going during the day.
I highly recommend that you book online as this saves you 15%. There are also Tipi’s within a glamping area onsite that offers overnight accommodation if you are looking for somewhere to stay.
11. Watch the Sunset From The Anglesey Arms
Sunset at The Anglesey Arms in Caernarfon
The Anglesey Arms pub is in the old port customs house, sitting right in the shadows of Caernarfon Castle which makes it idyllic enough as it is. However, when you've got the sun setting across the Menai Strait, it becomes even better.
You won't find typical pub grub here, they serve up locally caught seafood and Welsh-inspired dishes, all at reasonable prices. The only thing that I was slightly disappointed with was the limited range of local beers but other than that it was perfect.
You can grab a table or sit on the walls outside the pub and watch the sunset. If it's a weekend, you might even be treated to some live music to improve the ambience. Of course, any sunset that involves a beer is a good sunset for me.
12. Shop local at Cei Llechi
My final recommendation is a brand new addition to Caernarfon and one I'm super excited to share with you.
Cei Llechi is an artisan shopping village that has transformed some of the derelict buildings behind the harbour office into workspaces where local makers can work and sell their items. Here's a Google Maps pin.
So far, there's a great range of local businesses taking up residence in the units, including Becws Melys (famous for their cheesecakes), Siop Cynefin (who sell handmade home decor and printed gifts), and artist Rhiannon Gwyn (known for creating art showcasing the natural beauty of Wales).
Related Questions
Is Caernarfon Welsh-speaking?
A high proportion of Caernarfon is Welsh-speaking - around 87% of residents can speak Welsh, and it was at one point the most Welsh-speaking area of Wales. That isn’t to say you must only speak Welsh, of course, speakers of all languages are very welcome to the area, and signs are bilingual Welsh/English.
Is Caernarfon a town or a city?
Caernarfon is not a city, it's a town. But not just any town - it is known as a Royal Town, and is the only one in Wales. This title was given to Caernarfon in 1963, and it was the home of the investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969
Is there a beach near Caernarfon Castle?
There are three beaches in the Caernarfon area, but none are directly next to the Castle. Dinas Dinlle beach is the best choice, with golden sands, free parking and a cafe. Dinas Dinlle is around a 13 minute drive from Caernarfon Castle.
Published: 30 September 2022 · Last updated: 7 March 2024