Castell Caernarfon
Castell Caernarfon
4.5
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
About
After all these years Castell Caernarfon’s immense strength remains undimmed. A brute of a fortress, Castell Caernarfon’s pumped-up appearance is unashamedly muscle-bound and intimidating. Picking a fight with this massive structure would have been a daunting prospect. By throwing his weight around in stone, King Edward I created what is surely one of the most impressive of Wales’s castles, which today boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. The displayed opening times are our general pattern. Please check the Cadw website for unexpected closures, opening times, events, and site facilities.
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- GeoffR3 contributionsGreat guideImpressively well preserved castle. We were given a guided tour with Sue who had a great knack of making connections between the mediaeval history and current events. The sheer incompetence of relying on the town walls to defend the landward side, but then letting the Welsh into the town for market days was just one example.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 6, 2023
- J-from-MarysvilleMarysville, Ohio1,008 contributionsInteresting castle, fairly well preservedMy wife and I enjoyed our visit to the castle. We parked down by the water and had to guess where the entrance was. There is no signage. From the parking lot, , facing the castle, go to your left. The entrance is through one of the town gates and up the hill a bit. My wife is considered handicapped and the gentleman at the entrance gave us quite good information on what she could easily access. Many of the corridors are still accessible inside the walls, as well as the walkways on top of the walls. Most of the towers are also accessible. Some have the interior rooms open, but less than half. The passageways in the towers are a bit of a maze, with several dead ends. Mind your head. I'm a little over 6 ft tall. Most of the time, there was a little extra headroom, but some of the tower entrances from the passageways drop low enough to bump your head. Overall, a very fun visit.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 15, 2023
- Littleladies33 contributionsBrilliant staff benny and keithThis is our second time here and wow what a castle really is fabulous. The weather didn't detur us either what's a little rain, kids loved the dress up in the museum. Special mention to benny and Keith at the end made the experience even more magical with the children asking them questions and really passionate about the museum even testing the children's knowledge! Without them it just would be the same so thank you!!Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 26, 2023
- HungryBird4 contributionsFantastic castleAn amazing castle, lots of opportunities to read and learn about the fascinating history. The children loved the dress up and Benny and Keith were just so lovely with them. Fantastic place.. highly recommend a visitVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten October 26, 2023
- N DLincolnshire, United Kingdom1,501 contributionsAmazing Ruined CastleCaernarfon Castle is impressive for its sheer size alone. There are lots of steps, empty rooms and corridors to explore. It wasn’t cheap at £25 per couple so we were disappointed that there was so little information available. We saw a lot of ‘headphone’ signs but few information boards to accompany them. When I asked at reception, headphones were a further £3 per person. Ergo, £25 to enter the castle or £31 to enter and learn about its history.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten October 30, 2023
- northbaychrisNorth Bay, Canada110 contributionsA castle experience not to be missed!!!We went on a Princess cruise excursion and enjoyed it immensely. It was the most magnificent castle I had seen. It beat the Blarney castle by a wide margin. Very impressive and a lot to see. Took lots of pictures and the history was fascinating. The guide was extremely knowledgeable but went on a little too much for my liking but still give him a thumbs up for his passion for the castle. I would have liked more time to explore on our own. We were there about two hours and would have enjoyed a good 3 hours or more there if I had my choice. The town of Holyhead has an interesting sea wall but the town itself is a small fishing village with not much to offer so if you are on a cruise there, make sure you go to Caernarfon Castle, you wont regret it.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten December 4, 2023
- jacobkingsMaidstone, United Kingdom361 contributionsWell worth the visitThe entry fee is very reasonable. There is lots to see here. We spent over 2 hours here as there is so much to see and do. The steps at every point in the castle are very steep and lots of them so you definitely need to be an able Walker, as we were out of breath and we were all under 25! The views from the top of the castle were amazing, from every single side of the castle! The corridors in some parts of the castle are very dark and slippery so you have to be very careful! There are also a few museum parts to the castle which are very informative too! Would visit again!Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten December 26, 2023
- Lobsterlover99Lincolnshire, United Kingdom1,450 contributionsOk but couldn’t see everythingIt’s certainly an impressive castle and it was reasonably priced to get in. The climb up the turrets onto the high wall was a bit precarious but thankfully there were very few people visiting so didn’t have to negotiate with people coming up and down. The shop is a bit uninspiring and we were very disappointed that the museum are was closed on our visit, something we were not told when we paid to enter. Other than a short film there’s not much else to seeVisited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten February 10, 2024
- Kritsana PRayong, Thailand2,004 contributionsGreat visitThis is 800 years old castle in North Wales. The castle is quite perfect. It's not too big, 1-2 hr is enough for tour the whole castle. There is exhibition about Prince Chales coronation to be Duke of Wales in 50 + years ago. Entrance fee is about 12 GBP.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten February 27, 2024
- Amanda T42 contributionsWorth visitingVisited with 2 grandchildren aged 7 and 11. Paid £30 for family ticket. Our dog was allowed in too. Really enjoyed our visit. The children loved exploring all the little passage ways and steps up and down the towers. 2 brilliant staff in the museum (thank you guys) who engaged with our history loving 11 year old grandson and gave him little treats. Well worth visiting.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten February 28, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
4,348 reviews
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2,931
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206
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32
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15
Alison
London, UK5 contributions
Sept 2021 • Solo
I visit castles wherever I can, I love them. So far this has been the most disappointing experience. One star is given for the friendly front staff and complimentary brochure.
Usually there’s a gasp of amazement when I first see a castle. On this occasion my reaction was do I want to stay here?
The first thing I saw was a huge amount of scaffolding covering the left side of the castle. I know there has to be restoration work etc but honestly why would they not advise at the start the castle is covered in scaffolding do you still want to view it? I would have said no.
I love taking photos of the castles however I was unable to take any of the outside because of the scaffolding. The large posters placed all around and the modern benches propped up against the castle also prevented me from taking photos. It’s fantastic visitors have somewhere to sit but honestly why would I want a photo of a castle with a picnic bench propped up against it? Hardly in keeping with the history is it? Just move the benches to a segregated area.
I think younger children would like the experience of the videos and talks on the castle history in the different areas. I didn’t stay for these.
I left feeling I had wasted half a day, wasted £10 on entry and feeling very deflated.
Usually there’s a gasp of amazement when I first see a castle. On this occasion my reaction was do I want to stay here?
The first thing I saw was a huge amount of scaffolding covering the left side of the castle. I know there has to be restoration work etc but honestly why would they not advise at the start the castle is covered in scaffolding do you still want to view it? I would have said no.
I love taking photos of the castles however I was unable to take any of the outside because of the scaffolding. The large posters placed all around and the modern benches propped up against the castle also prevented me from taking photos. It’s fantastic visitors have somewhere to sit but honestly why would I want a photo of a castle with a picnic bench propped up against it? Hardly in keeping with the history is it? Just move the benches to a segregated area.
I think younger children would like the experience of the videos and talks on the castle history in the different areas. I didn’t stay for these.
I left feeling I had wasted half a day, wasted £10 on entry and feeling very deflated.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary Ellis
Halifax, UK133 contributions
Aug 2020
Booking for our visit the day before due to the corona virus was well worth it. Although building work is ongoing and restricted viewing to half of the castle our visit was fascinating. Built around 1283 and to hear about it's history and viewing the architecture was fascinating. Edward born to King Edward 1 and Queen Eleanor was invested as the first Prince of Wales and was to speak only Welsh and not English. The title Prince of Wales has carried on for 700 years. Prince Charles being the the current Prince of wales.
Written September 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma C
Bridgend, UK193 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
During covid-19 pandemic, you must book a slot at least 24hrs before visit. We're Cadw members so luckily knew this, many people were being turned away if they hadn't booked with no availability for 2-3 days.
This castle is very impressive, large and plenty to see. We spent just over an hour exploring. There is a one way system in place and admission capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing is possible. This does take away the ability to return to see another part again as once you're on the route, you cant change. Make sure you sit and watch the video on the projector, which details the history of the castle. Very interesting. Cadw have done very well to ensure the publics safety whilst visiting. Bear in mind too, that the shop closes 1pm-2pm, so if you're likely to want to purchase something, make sure you book a slot outside of that time.
This castle is very impressive, large and plenty to see. We spent just over an hour exploring. There is a one way system in place and admission capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing is possible. This does take away the ability to return to see another part again as once you're on the route, you cant change. Make sure you sit and watch the video on the projector, which details the history of the castle. Very interesting. Cadw have done very well to ensure the publics safety whilst visiting. Bear in mind too, that the shop closes 1pm-2pm, so if you're likely to want to purchase something, make sure you book a slot outside of that time.
Written August 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dntennent
Birkenhead, UK23 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Visited here as a family August 2022. We found the castle to be easy enough to walk around although some of the steps were tricky for our youngest (3 and a half). Plenty of information around to learn about the castle. There is a room that showed a video of the history of the castle, which we found interesting and informative. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum inside the castle was also very interesting. It was a shame there is currently work ongoing at the castle, we would like to return when it’s completed. We paid for a family Cadw membership which entrance was included, which I would recommend if planning on visiting multiple places within a year. Parking a bit expensive in main car park outside as can only buy a ticket for the whole day at £6.
Written September 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DennisJorch
Rome, Italy3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
A supposed highlight of castles in Wales disappoints, with misunderstood focus on tourist comfort.
After having visited several castles across Wales and as a history buff, it was with particular excitement, that I arrived at the Caenarfon Castle with its rich history. Unfortunately I was quickly disappointed.
Welsh authorities have correctly identified a large interest from tourists, but for some reason have interfered with the authenticity of the castle. A café in the courtyard, large wheelchair ramps, benches and other accommodation being built above the King's Gate, plateau outside the queens gate and finally odd alien installations in different chambers within the castle make it impossible to take in the history of the place.
Whilst trying to accommodate a completely understandable interest from the public, it has become almost impossible to get an authentic feel for a grandiose castle built in the 1300s.
Money and time would be much better spent in Beaumaris Castle, Conwy castle or in particular the smaller Harlech - if you are looking to experience the breath of history, rather than an ice cream amongst the other tourists at Caenarfon Castle.
After having visited several castles across Wales and as a history buff, it was with particular excitement, that I arrived at the Caenarfon Castle with its rich history. Unfortunately I was quickly disappointed.
Welsh authorities have correctly identified a large interest from tourists, but for some reason have interfered with the authenticity of the castle. A café in the courtyard, large wheelchair ramps, benches and other accommodation being built above the King's Gate, plateau outside the queens gate and finally odd alien installations in different chambers within the castle make it impossible to take in the history of the place.
Whilst trying to accommodate a completely understandable interest from the public, it has become almost impossible to get an authentic feel for a grandiose castle built in the 1300s.
Money and time would be much better spent in Beaumaris Castle, Conwy castle or in particular the smaller Harlech - if you are looking to experience the breath of history, rather than an ice cream amongst the other tourists at Caenarfon Castle.
Written July 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D_&_A
Leeds, UK22 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Well worth the visit, lots to see. During covid they offer time slots which was good to manage the number of people inside - didnt feel at all busy.
Friendly staff.
We did this castle and conwy- would certainly choose Caernarfon!
Friendly staff.
We did this castle and conwy- would certainly choose Caernarfon!
Written October 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James M
Woking, UK406 contributions
Aug 2021
We visited on a very sunny day and it was nice to get into the cool insides of this impressive castle. Imposing and visible from the whole town it's a very well fortified castle with an interesting history that I wasn't aware of but is well documented in some interesting formats and 'sets' around the various rooms. There is a very good flow to walking around the castle some inside, some outside which culminates with a museum tour focussing on the Welsh regiments of the British Army's involvement at all the major campaigns over the centuries. You need to book ahead (or we did and you could not walk in off the street last week w/c2nd Aug) - It will take you a good couple of hours to half a day depending on how interested you are on reading everything.
Parking is all over town and easy to find.
Parking is all over town and easy to find.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Middlesbrough, UK7,700 contributions
Aug 2019
This castle is so much fun to explore! You can walk along the battlements, up and down lots of tiny stone staircases and climbing the winding steps up to the top of the castle towers for some great views
This is a proper stone castle so yes sometimes the walkways are uneven, but this is all part of the charm! We spent around 2 hours here, before having to move on. We highly recommend, especially for those wit adventurous kids who like to explore.
Entry was £9.90 each in August 2019, we parked Parking by the river in the large carpark for £5.
This is a proper stone castle so yes sometimes the walkways are uneven, but this is all part of the charm! We spent around 2 hours here, before having to move on. We highly recommend, especially for those wit adventurous kids who like to explore.
Entry was £9.90 each in August 2019, we parked Parking by the river in the large carpark for £5.
Written July 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jane M
16 contributions
Feb 2023
I spent around 5 hours wandering around the castle and museum recently and I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. There are a lot of steep narrow steps to climb if you want to experience the towers, so bear that in mind, but it was well worth it, if a little bit hair-raising at times! There are some renovations ongoing so part of the castle has been cordoned off but there is still plenty to see with views from the towers and the museum pieces which explain the history of the castle, and also the Royal Fuselier's museum, which was incredibly detailed, and full of information and exhibits. Lovely small cafe which I thought was very reasonably priced, good range of food and drinks and very friendly staff. There was no audio guide when I visited but I was given a printed guide book which would normally have cost £5 and there are a couple of spots within the castle where you can watch a film which narrates and shows you footage and artist impressions of the history of how Caernarfon was built and the various sieges it withstood. Actual news footage of the investiture of both (now) King Charles and King Edward VIII who went onto abdicate. Really fascinating stuff. Your day ticket enables you to literally spend all day if you wish and you can come in and out of the castle at any point with your ticket during that day. Really enjoyable time, thoroughly recommend.
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Beth Porritt
7 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
The weather on our weekend away was pretty awful so we decided to go into the castle and we loved it! For a modest entry fee, you are free to explore all the nooks and crannies, go up all the towers and finish off with the museum of the Welsh Fusiliers. This was unexpectedly engaging and Stuart was most knowledgable and brought the exhibits to life for us. Low key compared to a lot of castles but well worth a visit. Looks like some regeneration/improvements are happening to the outside, will definitely return. Coffee shop was nice too.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is the castle still intact and are there any rooms I can visit and view still intact as how they lived
Written April 7, 2023
The vast majority is in tact with exhibitions in many many rooms and towers open too. And part of the castle has received improvements with a rooftop cafe
Written April 8, 2023
It’s around £12 for an adult. It’s worth looking it up on the CADW website as prices may be subject to change and there is a range of prices. Whatever you pay, I’m sure you’ll enjoy your bisit
Written March 1, 2023
is it free to get into the castle with an English Heritage card
Written March 19, 2022
Apologies just spoke to my partner and we got free entry as I'm disabled. But they were letting people in for free after a certain time of day.
Written March 20, 2022
We will be stopping by for an afternoon next summer - we are coming from Conwy by coach, and will be heading to Bath via train at Bangor. We will have 2 pieces of hand luggage. I don't see any places in Caernarfon that store luggage for the day, does anyone know of any or if we can secure them at the castle?
Written September 5, 2021
Sorry to say this but I have not seen any storage in or around the Castle for storing luggages. You could try calling the train station and ask if they have storages there! Good luck
Written September 6, 2021
You can walk from the RR station to the castle entrance in less than 15 minutes.
Written May 18, 2022
Is there a cafe at the castle? Or can you take a picnic?
Written August 7, 2021
Yes you can take picnic the cafe was not open when we went but plenty of cafes and pubs outside castle you can get a good meal as castle is in town. Would recommend Black Boy as a place to eat
Written August 9, 2021
Sorry - I don't know. I can't recall seeing any dogs inside the castle grounds. There's a one way system that involves walking up and down spiral staircases so I don't think you'd get to see the whole castle with a dog.
Written July 18, 2021
Is there a car park without a height barrier, where we will be allowed to park our motorhome when visiting the castle?
Written June 20, 2021
Yes the castle car park has no height barrier. However the main car park does have a wicked speed bump to be aware of.
Written June 21, 2021
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