Castell Caernarfon
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What's on here
Why go
- Edward I and Master James of St George built the castle, town walls and quay as one project.
- Its position controlled the Menai Strait and allowed supplies to arrive by ship.
- The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is inside the castle, with entry included in admission.
Opening hours
Today09:30 – 17:00Show all
Don't miss
- Eagle TowerAt the castle’s western end, it rises 39 metres including its turrets and once held grand lodgings.Western end of the castle
- Red sandstone bandsThe northern wall’s bands were inspired by the Walls of Constantinople.Northern wall
- Great Hall foundationsOn the lower ward’s south side, they trace the 30.5-metre hall intended for royal entertainment.South side of the lower ward
- King’s GateThe unfinished entrance was designed with two flanking towers, two drawbridges, five doors and six portcullises.Northern wall, facing the town
Know before you go
- Dogs on short leads are allowed on the ground floor from 1 November to 27 March.
- The upper floors of King’s Gate are currently inaccessible while lift access is being restored.
Legends and hidden details
- The towers, eagle statues and coloured masonry echoed Roman architecture and the Welsh legend of Macsen Wledig.
- Tradition places Edward II’s birth at Caernarfon on 25 April 1284.
What's inside
- An exhibition is housed within the castle.
- The Inner East Gatehouse has inner and upper tiers to explore, with lift access when available.
- A gift shop sells products and guidebooks.
Tips for your visit
- Upper levels involve steep stairs.
- Uneven surfaces, gravel paths and cobbles may challenge mobility scooters.
- Queen’s Gate is reached by a ramp to the former motte’s level.
With kids
- Visitor toilets include baby-changing facilities.
Interesting facts4
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160 metres
The castle extends over 160 metres.
Caernarfon Castle - Wikipedia -
It has seven large and two smaller octagonal towers.
Caernarfon Castle - Wikipedia -
A well in Well Tower supplied its water.
Caernarfon Castle - Wikipedia -
47 years
Construction lasted 47 years and cost £25,000.
Castell Caernarfon | Cadw
Shorts
History
Welsh rulers Llywelyn the Great and Llywelyn ap Gruffudd sometimes stayed at the earlier castle. Edward I and Eleanor of Castile stayed at Caernarfon for over a month in 1283. The castle and town became the administrative centre of north Wales.
- c. 1090Hugh d’Avranches built a motte castle on the site.
- 1115Welsh princes recaptured Gwynedd, and the castle passed into their possession.
- 1283Edward I began building the present stone castle and town in June, with Master James of Saint George as architect.
- 1294Madog ap Llywelyn’s rebels captured and burned the castle.
- 1330Work stopped after a pause from 1300 to 1304.
Show all
- 1403–1404The garrison repelled two sieges during Owain Glyndŵr’s rebellion.
- 1646After a Royalist garrison endured three Parliamentarian sieges, it surrendered.
- 1840Restoration began under Anthony Salvin.
- 1870sGovernment-funded repairs and partial rebuilding took place under Llewellyn Turner.
- 1911Edward was invested as Prince of Wales at the castle.
How to get there
- ParkingLong-stay public car park on the waterfront beside the castle.
- On footThe visitor centre faces the quay; reach it by a short, steep climb along a town pavement. Main entrance: King’s Gate, facing the town. Address: Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY.
Sources: Caernarfon Castle - Wikipedia · Castell Caernarfon | Cadw · Caernarfon Castle - Wikipedia · Château de Caernarfon - Wikipedia · Castell Caernarfon: tickets (its own site) · checked 6 Oct 2026
- Phone
- 03000252239
Questions and answers
Can I buy tickets to Castell Caernarfon online?
Yes. Tickets are available through the castle’s website.
Can visitors arriving by river enter Castell Caernarfon?
Historically, a water gate in Eagle Tower’s basement admitted arrivals from the River Seiont. For a visit, use the main entrance at King’s Gate.
When is Castell Caernarfon open?
It is open daily from 09:30 to 17:00, except 26 December and 1 January.
Who looks after Castell Caernarfon?
Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment division, looks after the castle.
Why is Queen’s Gate at Castell Caernarfon above ground level?
It incorporates the motte of an earlier castle.
Can wheelchair users access Castell Caernarfon’s battlements?
Restoration completed in April 2023 enabled wheelchair access to the battlements. King’s Gate’s upper floors are currently inaccessible while lift access is restored.
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