Nestled in the northwest corner of Wales, the historic town of Caernarfon offers a perfect blend of rich history and culture surrounded by breath-taking natural scenery of Snowdonia.
Caernarfon sits along the Menai Strait in the county of Gwynedd, overlooked by the Snowdonia mountains.
About Caernarfon
Caernarfon has a long and fascinating history. It was originally a Roman fort, but gained prominence when King Edward I of England constructed Caernarfon Castle here in 1283.
He was determined to establish English rule over North Wales, and the imposing castle served as the seat of government in the region for centuries. Today the castle is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extensive history and impressive architecture. Tours are available allowing visitors to walk along the medieval stone walls and towers while learning about the castle’s strategic importance throughout the years.
Outside the castle walls, the town of Caernarfon retains its historic charm. Narrow streets are lined with shops, pubs, and cafes. It makes for a lovely place to stroll around and soak up the atmosphere. Be sure to wander through the lanes of Pool Street, Palace Street, and Hole in the Wall Street. For great views, climb up to the top of the town walls or Eagles Tower. From the top, you can gaze over the castle and out across the Menai Strait to Anglesey.
Exploring Snowdonia National Park
Just a short drive from Caernarfon lies Snowdonia National Park, an area of outstanding natural beauty covering nearly 900 square miles in northwest Wales. The rugged mountainous scenery, valleys, lakes, and rivers provide endless opportunities for outdoor recreation and wilderness exploration.
Climbing Mount Snowdon
The centrepiece of the park is Mount Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales at 3,560 feet (1,085m). Numerous hiking trails lead to the summit, ranging from gradual paths to challenging climbs. For many visitors, the most popular route is the Llanberis Path. This well-maintained trail winds for 7 miles from the town of Llanberis up the mountain, providing sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Isle of Man from the summit. The Snowdon Mountain Railway also takes passengers to the top on a unique steam locomotive. Be sure to check the weather before attempting an ascent, as conditions on Snowdon can change rapidly.
Outdoor Activities
In addition to hiking, Snowdonia has excellent options for climbing, scrambling, and mountaineering. Tryfan and the Glyderau are popular spots for climbers. For those wanting gentler walks, meander through the meadows to see the falls at Swallow or Aber Falls. Quieter paths also run along the shores of lakes like Llyn Ogwen.
Mountain biking is permitted on several designated trails, including Antur Stiniog Downhill Trails. Cyclists of all skill levels will find thrilling paths through the mountains. The national park also caters to water sports enthusiasts. Brave the rapids of the River Tryweryn for white water rafting or kayaking. Several large lakes including Llyn Gwynant and Llyn Padarn provide calmer waters to sail or paddle.
Scenic Drives
Scenic drives snake through mountain passes like Llanberis Pass and Pen-y-Pass, perfect for snapping photos of the dramatic vistas. Don’t miss stops at the Swallow Falls and the breathtaking view of Mt. Snowdon from Lake Llyn Padarn. With endless options across Snowdonia National Park both on land and water, you’re sure to find adventures to thrill any traveller.
Practical Information for Visitors
Getting There Caernarfon and Snowdonia National Park are located in the northwest corner of Wales, about a 3 hour drive from major cities like Manchester or Liverpool. For those without a car, trains run frequently along the North Wales coastline with direct service to Caernarfon from cities across England and Wales.
When to Visit Due to its location between the mountains and the sea, both Caernarfon and Snowdonia experience very variable weather patterns. Summer months of June to August tend to be the warmest and sunniest, though sudden rainshowers are common. For hikers, late spring and early autumn provide cooler and drier conditions. In the winter, Snowdonia transforms into a wonderland of snow-capped peaks and icy trails, but be prepared for severe cold and dangerous mountaineering conditions.
Accommodation Caernarfon offers a range of hotels, B&Bs, and inns for every budget. Or for a truly Welsh experience, book a cottage on a sheep farm to use as your homebase while exploring. In Snowdonia, options include hotels in towns like Beddgelert and Betws-y-Coed, or more remote cabins and campgrounds scattered through the mountains.
Language While English is widely spoken, the Welsh language remains strong in this area. Locals will appreciate you taking the time to learn some key Welsh phrases. Signs are posted in both Welsh and English.
Final Thoughts on Caernarfon and Snowdonia
With its royal castle, historic charm, surrounding mountains, and wealth of outdoor activities, Caernarfon and Snowdonia provide the perfect blend of culture, nature and adventure. Ideal for road tripping couples, families, or intrepid explorers – this scenic region of Wales has something for everyone.
