Attractions in and around Caernarfon
1. Caernarfon Castle
No visit to North Wales would be complete without a visit to Caernarfon Castle located in the heart of the town. Built in the fourteenth century by Edward I, it is one of the finest castles you can visit in the country. Allow a few hours to see everything, there are an awful lot of steps to climb if you want to explore every level and don't miss the Royal Welch Fusiliers museum housed inside two of the towers.
Tip: If travelling by car you can park in the pay and display car park right outside.
https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/caernarfon-castle
2. Plas Newydd
Plas Newydd is home of the Marquis of Anglesey and run by the National Trust. The house and gardens are grade 1 listed and located on the banks of the Manai Strait.
A previous owner, the 5th Marquis Henry Paget is the subject of the new big budget film Madfabulous. He was flamboyant and extravagant, squandering his family fortune worth many millions in today's money.
Located: 15 minutes, 8 mile drive from Caernarfon.
https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/wales/plas-newydd-house-and-garden
3. Llanfairpwll
Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch is famous for having the longest place name in the United Kingdom.
Translated it means "St Mary's church in the Hollow of the White Hazel near a Rapid Whirlpool and the Church of St. Tysilio near the Red Cave"
The railway station sign makes for a great photo opportunity!
Located: 15 minutes, 8 mile drive from Caernarfon.
4. Pant Du Vineyard
You might be surprised to learn that there is a flourishing vineyard in this part of North Wales but that is exactly what you will find in the thriving village of Penygroes. Buy some locally produced wine or indulge in a beautiful home cooked meal in the cafe.
The restaurant gets extremely busy so please book a table through the website before visiting.
Located: 10 minutes, 5 mile drive from Caernarfon.
5. Gypsy Wood Park
This fantastic family park has something for everyone and is especially suited for families with small children. Set in 20 acres, there are go carts, a railway, a maze, tramoplines, tunnels, a variety of farm and pet animals you can feed, gypsy caravans, a fairy hunt and loads more.
Please note: this attraction is seasonal.
Located: 6 minutes, 2.1 mile drive from Caernarfon.
6. Airworld Aviation Museum
Sited on an active airfield which used to be the RAF Llandwrog site, this small museum has a variety of wartime and rescue aircraft on show. Even if you are not an aviation enthusiast this attraction is well worth a look around. It is located next to Dinas Dinlle beach so if it is sunny when you go you can make a whole day of it and explore the local coastline too.
Located: 18 minutes, 8.8 mile drive from Caernarfon.
7. Portmeirion
Fans of The Prisoner will know that Portmeirion is the beautiful Italianate village where Patrick McGoohan filmed and starred in his 1960's cult classic TV series. In addition to the Mediterranean themed village there are 70 acres of grounds with 19 miles of walks and numerous hidden spaces, temples and lakes. The village also boasts a private stretch of estuary coastline with sandy white beaches and hidden caves and gullies.
Located: 38 minutes, 23 mile drive from Caernarfon.
8. Mount Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa)
The highest mountain in England and Wales, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa in Welsh) dominates the North Wales skyline for miles around. There's a choice of six routes to walk up, all of which are rated as hard/strenuous and take from 6 to 8 hours there and back. If you are unable (or unwillling) to tackle a walk of this difficulty there is a steam train service you can catch to the visitor centre at the summit. Use the Visit Snowdonia website to check the weather forecast and to plan your route before you set off.
Located: 21 minutes, 8.9 mile drive from Caernarfon (to Llanberis starting point)
9. Caernarfon Town
The ancient town of Caernarfon is awash with history and best of all it is free to wander around and explore. The walls, which still survive intact and surround the town were built by Edward I in the thirteen century and are almost a kilometre long with eight towers and two gatehouses. The harbour and marina both make for a pleasant stroll and Hole in the Wall Street is a lovely cosmopolitan thoroughfare lined with shops and restaurants including the Hole in the Wall Inn which is built into the castle walls. Be sure to check out Castle Square too as there is often something entertaining going on there.
10. Dinas Dinlle Beach
This is one of many fine beaches in north Wales. Seemingly never ending with masses of free parking, it stretches as far as the eye can see. The top part of the beach is pebbled but beyond that is lovely golden sand down to the water's edge and across the bay are views of the Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey. There are a couple of cafes and a few small shops selling mainly beach toys, ice cream and the like and also a working airfield with the Airworld Museum at the other end of the promenade. The beach has been given the Blue Flag Award so is safe and clean for swimming. Best of all it rarely seems to get too busy!
Located: 15 minutes, 7.6 miles drive from Caernarfon.
11. Plas Menai National Outdoor Centre
Situated on the banks of the Menai Strait, Plas Menai offer a host of fun activities to do on the water. From kayaking and sailing to wind surfing and paddle boarding, there is something to suit children and adults of all ages. The National Outdoor Centre is also a recognised RYA (Royal Yachting Association) and BC (British Canoeing) training centre offering courses at all levels.
Located: 9 minutes, 3.2 miles drive from Caernarfon.
https://www.plasmenai.wales
12. Welsh Highland Railway
The longest heritage railway in the UK is the Welsh Highland running from Caernarfon southwards past the foothills of Snowdon then through Beddgelert and on to Porthmadog. The Ffestiniog is the oldest narrow gauge railway in the world and runs eastwards from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. Stunning scenery is naturally guaranteed and you can choose from a variety of luxury carriages to travel in pulled by steam locomotives. You won't find a railway experience like this anywhere else in the country!