This historic town in the deep of North Wales is a fantastic location for visitors to stay to explore locally as well as the wider area. Read on for the best secret and well-known spots to see while staying at a Caernarfon hotel or just visiting for the day.
Visit the Castle
Let’s start at the obvious place hey? The famous Caernarfon castle is the principal seat of culture and history in the Caernarfon area. Constructed by King Edward longshanks as part of his iron ring of castles created for his campaign of oppressive domination by the English. The welsh have since reclaimed the area for their own, and the town is possibly one of the ‘Welshest’ in the country – which goes to show the resilience of the Welsh people and language… After all, the Welsh flag is the one which now flies above it.
Drive or Walk to the Old Church of Eglwys Sant Baglan
An ancient Welsh church which still stands today is the wonderfully old Eglwys Sant Baglan. This is a little known secret that mainly only locals and those with a bit of knowledge venture to.
While the church is not in use, it is cared for by Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service, and is a designated Grade I listed building.
The present church was estimated to have been constructed in the 13th century. It is remarkably unaltered by the Victorians, and the interior is still very much the same as it was all those years ago, with alterations made in the form of a rebuilt chancel in 1800. This is a fantastic example of a church of the time, and a real tangible part of the authentic welsh history. The area has views over the Menai and beyond -ell worth checking out.
Segontium
Caernarfon has its historical roots in the fact that it was the administrative capital for the area for a very long time during the Roman occupation of Britain. The Segontium is a Roman fort that takes its name from the nearby Afon Seiont or a preexisting settlement. It also can be translated as ‘strong place’. These days the stones may be mostly gone but you can still see the remains of the foundations of a once-mighty Roman fortress. This is one of the amazing things about Caernarfon – history abounds everywhere.
A Sunny Trip to Dinas Dinlle Beach
Fancy a jaunt to the beach? Dinas Dinlle is just a short drive away and sports some amazing views across to the Llyn Peninsula. When the tide is high it may be a bit stony, but if you time it right, and the tide goes out, you’ll be pleased to know that a sandy beach is revealed from beneath the waves – a great place to play. It’s a great day out for couples, families or lone adventurers looking for a place of breeze, serenity and fantastic sights. Dinas Dinlle is widely thought to have some of the most amazing views, to rival that of the far end of the Llyn Peninsula without having to make the drive.
A Pint and a Meal at the Black Boy Inn
The BlackBoy Inn has been in service since the 16th century, welcoming visitors and locals alike for a pint of ale and a hearty meal, or even lodgings for the night also for that matter. It serves as the perfect base to explore Snowdonia and the wider North Wales region. This is because it is placed between the Llyn Peninsula, Anglesey and the Snowdonia National Park, you couldn’t ask for a better location. On top of that, it has a fantastic selection of freshly prepared meals, guest beers and ales to enjoy.
