North Wales is a place steeped in mystique, history and romance, and Caernarfon is no exception. Famous for its imposing and brutal 13th-century castle, it is a quintessentially Welsh town. Lying near to the savage green mountains and misty gullies of Snowdonia National Park, it is the ideal holiday destination for history lovers and hikers alike. Full of museums, old-fashioned pubs, outdoor adventure activities and some great historical sites, the town and its surrounding area is choc-a-bloc with things to do and see. It is, in fact, in these surrounds where you will find some of the best places to stay in Caernarfon; charming country houses with spectacular views.
If you're hankering for a real taste of Wales, this is the town for you. Over 85% of the locals speak Welsh, so throughout your stay, you will be truly immersed in the Celtic heritage of Caernarfon, whether you're in the lovely old pubs washing down a pie with a pint of Ayr Eryri Gold besides a roaring fireplace, or enjoy local works of art in the Oriel Pendeitsh gallery. The town itself is a maze of charming narrow streets, in the shadow of the looming great Caernarfon Castle and the remnants of its walls by the waterfront, which has been recently and stylishly redeveloped.
The main attraction of Caernarfon is obviously its castle. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it was constructed in the 13th-century under the orders of Edward I - costing the equivalent of roughly 90% of the crown's annual income - and was used as a royal palace. A strategically-sound place, the area was once inhabited by Celts and later on, by the Romans, who built a fort called Segontium on the hill above the town, the remains of which can still be seen. The castle also holds the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum inside two of its polygonal towers. St Mary's Church, standing nearby, was built in 1307 to serve as a place of worship for the residents of the tower and although the exterior was reconstructed in the early 19th-century, the original 14th-century masonry remains inside.
For many, Wales is defined by the wildness of its landscape and in nearby Snowdonia National Park, you can readily hear the poems of Dylan Thomas sing through the foggy air. Boasting the highest mountain in Wales, there is a savage beauty to the land. Streams with waters as clear-as-glass flowing through the heart of rugged green valleys, it is an enchanting place and is ideal for hiking.
What not to miss
During the summer months, this is a popular destination, so to ensure a room at one of the best places to stay in Caernarfon we suggest you plan well in advance.
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Caernarfon ( Gwynedd )
A charming restaurant with rooms in historic Caernarfon. Four beautifully styled rooms benefit from plenty of light flooding through the sash windows, open fireplaces and pops of colour coming from the Welsh tapestry bed spreads. With plenty to explore in the area this is the perfect weekend escape.
Caernarfon (nr. CAERNARFON)
A charming hotel in a glorious part of Wales. Simply styled rooms feature floor to ceiling windows (to enjoy the garden views), soft hues and modern bathrooms. A fine-dining restaurant is worthy of a visit alone. With numerous outdoor pursuits in the area this is the perfect country escape.
Caernarfon (Caernarfon)
A fine old house steeped in character and history, set in beautiful 15 acre grounds between Snowdonia and the Irish Sea. Plas Dinas has a number of majestically decorated rooms and several dining options. This remote getaway is perfect for large groups looking for an active and luxurious weekend.
