Arriving in Caernarfon, you’re met with a vision of imperial power: immense, multi-sided towers and huge curtain walls banded with coloured stone, built to echo the walls of Constantinople. This was never just a fortress; it was a statement, a royal palace designed to symbolise a new world order in Wales.
In this definitive guide, we’ll uncover the stories, the secrets and the very best ways to explore Caernarfon, helping you make the most of every moment.
This guide is the second in our 5-part series on the Legendary Castles of North Wales. If you’re just joining us, start with our deep dive into the magnificent Conwy Castle.
At a Glance: Key Facts About Caernarfon Castle
- Built: From 1283 (work continued for 47 years).
- Builder: King Edward I & his architect, James of St George.
- Status: Part of the “Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd” UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Notable For: Its unique polygonal towers, its direct association with the ‘Prince of Wales’ title and its dual role as a military stronghold and a royal palace.
- Location: Caernarfon, North Wales, guarding the mouth of the River Seiont.
- Time to Visit: Allow 3-4 hours. The site is vast and includes the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum.
The Eagle Tower, with its three turrets, was designed as a self-contained luxury apartment for Sir Otto de Grandson, Edward I’s right-hand man in Wales.
A Walk Through the History of Caernarfon Castle
A Vision of Imperial Power
Edward I chose the site for Caernarfon with immense care. It was the location of a Roman fort, Segontium, and close to the heartland of the Welsh Princes of Gwynedd. By building his greatest castle here, Edward made a clear statement: English rule was the new, permanent power.
The design, inspired by imperial Rome, was meant to awe and intimidate, signifying the birth of a new era.
Building a Palace and a Prince
Construction began in 1283. Unlike Conwy’s simpler round towers, Caernarfon was given polygonal towers and bands of coloured sandstone to create a sense of grandeur.
In a masterful act of propaganda, in 1284 Edward I ensured his wife, Queen Eleanor, gave birth to their son (the future Edward II) within the castle walls, creating the first English Prince of Wales and binding the title to the site forever.
Moments of Drama and Ceremony
The castle’s strength was tested early. It was captured by Welsh forces during the 1294 uprising led by Madog ap Llywelyn and later withstood two major sieges during the Glyndŵr Rising.
However, its most famous moments came in the 20th century with the Investitures of the Prince of Wales in 1911 and, most famously, Prince Charles in 1969, broadcast to millions around the globe.
Exploring Caernarfon Castle Today: A Step-by-Step Tour
Your Journey Begins: The Intimidating King’s Gate
You enter through the King’s Gate, a gatehouse so formidably designed it was a fortress in its own right. Though never fully completed to its intended height, its sheer menace – with multiple drawbridges, portcullises and murder holes – is still palpable today.
Inside the Walls: The Lower and Upper Wards
Once inside, the castle opens into two vast courtyards. The Lower Ward contains the foundations of the magnificent Great Hall, while the Upper Ward is home to the Queen’s Tower (housing the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum) and the mighty Eagle Tower.
The sheer size of these open spaces makes it feel like a bustling administrative and military town.
Climbing to the Clouds: The Eagle Tower and Wall Walks
The highlight of any visit is exploring the towers.
The Eagle Tower is the jewel in Caernarfon’s crown – a vast, 10-sided palace-within-a-palace. Climb to the top for unrivalled views. The high-level wall walks are some of the best of any castle, offering a complete circuit with incredible views over the town, the Menai Strait and the Isle of Anglesey.
- The Classic Shot: From across the river (near the Aber Foreshore) for the commanding view of the castle reflected in the water.
- The High Vantage: The top of the Eagle Tower provides the best panoramic view of the town and sea.
- The Interior Shot: From the far end of the Upper Ward, look back towards the King’s Gate to capture the immense scale of the courtyards.
Legends and Secrets of Caernarfon Castle
Caernarfon’s story is woven with myth and masterful propaganda, deliberately tying the fortress to the very soul of Wales.
A Roman Dream: A Welsh legend, “The Dream of Macsen Wledig,” tells of a Roman Emperor who dreams of a magnificent castle at the mouth of a river. The story identifies this place as the Roman fort of Segontium – the very site Edward I chose for his castle, deliberately connecting his new structure to ancient myth.
The First Prince of Wales: The famous story goes that Edward I promised the Welsh a prince “born in Wales who spoke no English.” He then presented his infant son, Edward, to the Welsh chieftains. While likely a later invention, this tale has become an inseparable part of the castle’s identity.
The Eagle Statues: It is believed that the battlements of the Eagle Tower were once crowned with huge stone eagles, symbols of the Roman Empire, to reinforce the castle’s imperial message and its connection to the ancient dream of Macsen Wledig.
Visitor Essentials: Plan Your Trip
- Opening Times & Tickets: Caernarfon Castle is managed by Cadw. Times vary seasonally, so check the official Cadw website before you travel. Booking online in advance is highly recommended.
- Parking: A very large pay-and-display car park is located directly opposite the castle entrance on the slate quay (Maes).
- Public Transport: Caernarfon is a major hub for local buses and the terminus for the Welsh Highland Railway.
- Accessibility: Due to its historic nature, the site has many stairs and uneven surfaces. The lower levels are accessible, but the towers and wall walks are not suitable for wheelchair users.
- Refreshments: The castle is adjacent to the town square (Y Maes), filled with pubs, cafés and shops.
Caernarfon is perfect for a day trip from our cottages, just a scenic 45-minute drive away.
Beyond the Castle Walls: Explore Caernarfon
- Walk the Town Walls: Like Conwy, Caernarfon has a remarkably complete circuit of town walls offering great views.
- Discover Roman History: A short walk from the castle are the excavated remains of the Roman fort of Segontium, which is free to enter.
- Stroll the Slate Quay: Walk along the historic waterfront where slate was once shipped across the world, offering great views back at the castle.
Caernarfon Castle is more than a fortress; it is a symbol, a stage and a masterpiece of medieval ambition. To walk its corridors is to walk in the footsteps of kings and princes who shaped the history of Britain.
Our exploration of the iron ring continues. Next, we journey to a fortress perched dramatically on a cliff-top, a silent guardian against the sea: Harlech Castle, The Sentinel of Snowdonia.
FAQ Section
Why is Caernarfon Castle so famous?
Caernarfon Castle is famous for its unique, imperial architecture and its historic role as the site of the Investiture of the Prince of Wales. It was designed as both a military fortress and a royal palace for Edward I.
How long do you need at Caernarfon Castle?
Allow at least 3-4 hours for your visit. The castle grounds are vast, and the ticket price includes entry to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, which is housed within the Queen’s Tower.
Was a Prince of Wales really born at Caernarfon Castle?
Yes, in 1284, Queen Eleanor gave birth to the future King Edward II inside the castle walls. This act created the first English Prince of Wales and established a powerful link between the title and Caernarfon.
Can you walk on the walls at Caernarfon Castle?
Yes, the castle features extensive high-level wall walks that form a complete circuit. They offer incredible views over the town, the Menai Strait and into the castle courtyards.
Images: © Crown Copyright
