Holiday rentals in Caernarfon

Caernarfon is a medieval town on the North Wales coastline protected by imposing town walls and the mighty Caernarfon Castle. Caernarfon is possibly the most Welsh town in the United Kingdom, with more than 80 percent of the population speaking Welsh as well as English. Walking through the narrow streets, you’ll sense how deeply that Welsh flavour pervades shops stocked with traditional products, and restaurants and bars serving local fare and Welsh beers.

The 13th-century castle, the most famous castle in Wales and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits at the mouth of the River Seiont. You can walk the impressive grounds and go up to its towers, where you’ll enjoy beautiful views and fully appreciate its sheer scale. Just outside, you’ll find the picturesque Castle Square with cafes and bars. Caernarfon is also an ideal base from which to explore the rugged peaks of Snowdonia National Park and the sandy beaches of North Wales.

The most pleasant time to stay in a Caernarfon holiday cottage is from late March to June and again in September and early October, when the days are generally mild. In May, the Caernarfon Food Festival in Castle Square showcases food from local producers, accompanied by live music. July and August are the warmest months along this part of the shore, when you can expect sunny days that make it ideal to explore Snowdonia or the beaches of North Wales. The weather can be changeable, though, so pack a jacket along with your sunscreen. A winter visit will be greeted with colder temperatures and rain and even the chance of snow, so make sure you come prepared with warm layers. The Bangor Music Festival in February is a popular event that showcases new music.

Caernarfon Town Walls

A stroll around the town’s walls will give you a true appreciation of Caernarfon’s amazing medieval architecture and the imposing walls and castle. The walk also offers glorious views of the Snowdonia Mountains in one direction and, in the other, across the Menai Strait to the Isle of Anglesey. Cross the bridge to the opposite bank of the Seiont for what are possibly the best views of the castle and walls.

Caernarfon Coastal Walk

This 11-kilometre coastal trail leads from Caernarfon Castle to the picturesque town of Dinas, part of the Llyn Coastal Path, a 135-kilometre trail along the Llyn Peninsula. You’ll head south to Llanfaglan, passing St Baglan’s Church, built in the 13th century. Next, you’ll pass through Foryd Bay nature reserve, where brent goose, jack snipe, and spotted redshank are plentiful. You’ll then leave the coast before reaching Dinas, where you can catch the Welsh Highland Railway back to Caernarfon if you’re tired of walking.

Welsh Highland Railway

The Welsh Highland Railway is Snowdonia’s newest scenic train journey. Starting from below the walls of Caernarfon, this 40-kilometre train ride meanders south through some of Wales’ most spectacular scenery. You’ll rise 200 metres and pass the foot of Snowdonia’s beautiful mountains before the train descends the steep hill to Beddgelert in the heart of Snowdonia National Park. You’ll then continue along the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass, finishing in the lovely town of Porthmadog.