Caernarfon
The town of Caernarfon has a superb setting, with the mountains of Snowdonia as a backdrop and wonderful views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. Dominated by its majestic castle and ancient mediaeval walls, Caernarfon today is a busy market town with one of the highest percentages of Welsh speakers throughout Wales.
Things to see in Caernarfon and Snowdonia, North Wales
Caernarfon Castle - Possibly the most famous of Wales's castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart from the rest, and to this day, still trumpet in no uncertain terms the intention of its builder Edward I.
Segontium Roman Fort - Many visitors come to Caernarfon to see the castle, but in fact Caernarfon's history can be traced back to Roman times and the remains of Sgontium are still visible today with a museum to boot.
Caernarfon Maritime Museum -Small, but well worth a free visit for historical information on the town's Maritime history.
Inigo Jones Slate Works - Founded in 1861 primarily to produce school writing slates, today the company produces all nature of craft and garden products. A tour of the works is available which has become a major tourist attraction
Activities in Caernarfon and Snowdonia, North Wales
Snowdon Mountain Railway - Since 1896 visitors from around the world have travelled on Snowdon Mountain Railway. Trains travel to the Summit of Snowdon, which at 3,560ft (1085m), is the highest mountain in England and Wales, where the surrounding countryside boasts dramatic landscape and scenery. This unique railway is one of the most popular visitor attractions in North Wales.
Walking - Snowdonia is the best mountain walking venue in Southern Britain and has the largest area of wilderness south of Scotland. There are endless opportunities for walking, hiking, trekking and hillwalking in Eryri (Walking in Snowdonia ) Wales, with Guided Walks up Snowdon and around Snowdonia , Mountain Skills Courses and Navigation Courses.
Faenol Festival - One of the main events of the year in North Wales. The brainchild of Welsh Opera star Bryn Terfel "BrynFest" has attracted a wealth of stars to the area and runs over four days in late August.
Welsh Highland Railway - The Welsh Highland Railway is now an established attraction in Caernarfon and one which should not be missed. The narrow gauge steam trains run from their station at St Hellens Road near the castle.
Golf - Sitting on the shore of the Menai straits, Caernarfon Championship Golf Course has wonderful panoramic views of the Snowdonia mountain range with equally stunning views of Anglesey
Glasfryn Park - offers the thrill of outdoor karting (indoor karting is also available in Caernarfon). They also offer many other indoor and outdoor activities including bowling, quad biking, fishing, shooting and archery
Cycling - Cycling tours can help you help you explore some of the hidden corners of the Snowdonia National Park and the surrounding area
Portmeirion - a beautiful Italianate resort village in Gwynedd, on the coast of Snowdonia in Wales created by Welsh architect Clough Williams-Ellis (1883-1978)
Caernarfon Town Tour - starts at Castle Square, in the centre of the town and is about 1.5 miles (almost 2.5KM) in distance
Hwylfan Fun Centre -North Wales' largest indoor fun centre is an ideal attraction for families on holiday in North Wales, with great slides and ropes, snack bar and a place for the adults to relax whilst the kids let off some steam.
Caernarfon Leisure Centre -Tennis, swimming, ball games, weights, fitness room and everything else you'd expect for Gwynedd's largest Leisure Centre.
Greenwood Forest Park, Felinheli is a theme park with a difference! Greenwood is green not only in name but in nature with even a people powered rollercoaster. A great day out for all the family.
