Because of its geographical position commanding the roads north of and through the valleys of Snowdonia, combined with its natural sheltered harbour with access to the sea, the highway to the western world, Caernarfon was the inevitable choice for conquerors to build their fortress towns.
The Romans, who with their European mercenaries, built the fort of Segontium and occupied it for about four hundred years were the first to put Caernarfon on the 'map' of western Europe. With the aid of the catholic Celtic church that influence survived through the Dark Ages.
William the Conqueror built a motte and bailey fortress near the harbour but seven succeeding Norman kings failed to bring Wales in line with English rule. Edward the First then built his castles around Snowdonia. Caernarfon with its walled town was the greatest. The walled town housed the administrators, privileged English traders and artisans. The Welsh were not allowed to live in the town but were content to live in the countryside near their work or villages surrounding their churches which they called the 'Llan'. This tendency persists up to the present day and Caernarfon never became a big town.
When the Welshman Thomas Pennant visited the Castle in 1772 he described it as "The most magnificent badge of our subjection". Today the Welsh regard it with pride as a symbol of their resistance. That resistance up until the Act of Union under Henry the Eighth must have been paid for by great cruelty and suffering on both sides. Gradually both sides appreciated the benefits of tolerance and Caernarfon is now the most Welsh town in the country where many English families have lived for several generations.
The Industrial Revolution brought prosperity with the export of slate from the harbour. The country landowners built their town houses within the walled town and the Nonconformists built fine chapels which are good examples of the architectural fashion of several decades.
By living in their close and small society the natives of Caernarfon have developed a distinct patois of their own. This has earned them the friendly nickname of 'Cofis'. By today the 'Cofis' take pride in their castle and close connection with the Royal Welch Fusiliers. The sailing ships have been replaced by countless pleasure yachts. The National Outdoor Persuit Centre and Caernarfon Airport are nearby. Cultural activities have been strengthened by the development locally of Welsh multi media studios. The new Millennium may be looked forward to with confidence.
Attraction
Bryn Bras Castle
Caernarfon Castle
Dolbadarn Castle
Inigo Jones Slate Works
Menai Strait Cruises
Segontium Roman Fort
Segontium Roman Museum
Budget
Premier Inn Caernarfon *book online*
Travelodge Caernarfon *book online*
Camping
Brynteg Holiday Park
Cwm Cadnant Valley
Plas Gwyn Caravan Park
Riverside Camping
Ty'n yr Onnen Mountain Farm Caravan & Camping
Caravan Park
Brynteg Holiday Park
Riverside Camping
Ty'n yr Onnen Mountain Farm Caravan & Camping
White Tower Caravan Park
Club
Cottage
Cae BerllanLakeside Cottage
Sea Dwelling
Snowdon View at Morannedd Cottages
Tan Y Dderwen
Tryfan
Council
Dentist
Dental Practice
Dental Surgery
The Dental Surgery
Doctor
Bron Seiont
Market Street Surgery
Estate Agent
Bob Parry & Co Ltd
Hardy Dafydd
James Properties
Medforth Chas & Co
Golf Club
Holiday Park
Inn
Y Beuno HotelMarket
Pub and Bar
Anglesey Arms
Celtic Royal Hotel
Crown Inn
Floating Restaurant
Harp Inn
Hole In The Wall Inn
Prince Of Wales Hotel
Y Goron Fach
Restaurant
Bistro
Bwyty Ogof Y Ddraig Restaurant In Caernarfon
Bwyty Rhikas
Celtic Royal Hotel
Floating Restaurant
Honor Cantonese Restaurant
Laan Maneeva Thai Restaurant
Molly's Restaurant
River Garden
Sopna Tandoori Restaurant
Ty Mawr
Ty'n Rhos Country House Hotel
Villa Marina
Y Gegin Fach
School
Hendre School
Maesincla Primary School
Santes Helen R C Primary School
Self-Catering
Brynteg Holiday Park
Cae Berllan
Snowdon View at Morannedd Cottages
Solicitor
Parry Davies Clwyd-Jones & Lloyd
Taxi
A 2 B Private Hire
Celtic Hire
Dukes Taxis
Pulking Horne
Robyns
Taxi Refail
Vale Cabs
Williams M
Vet
Sports Clubs
Arfon TC (Tennis)
Caernarfon Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Sakura Karate Caernarfon (Martial Arts)
Segontium Judo Club (Martial Arts)
Shops
Shop Y Pentan
Hampers Store
Boots
Owen Glyn Owen & Son
Seiont Nurseries
Peter Harrop
Trefor Jones Ltd
Mountain Art
Superdrug
Julian Graves
Antiques
Activities
Aberglaslyn Hall(Climbing)
High Trek Snowdonia(Climbing)
Redline Indoor Karting(Motor Sports)
Gadlys Farm Riding Centre(Riding)
Plas Menai National Watersports Centre(Water Sports)
Snowdonia Canoe Club (Cymdeithas Canw Eryri)(Water Sports)
Tanrallt Mountain Centre(Water Sports)
Places to Stay near Caernarfon
Celtic Royal Hotel (0.05 miles)
Within easy reach of Manchester Airport, via the A55 expressway, or Bangor railway station, the Celtic Royal Hotel is situated at Caernarfon on the North Wales Coast, only a 5 minute walk from the historic ... More | visit website
Premier Inn Caernarfon (0.10 miles)
Black Boy Inn (0.22 miles)
The Black Boy Inn is situated within the historic town walls of Caernarfon. Caernarfon is a market town with an open air market every Saturday (Mondays also in Summer).
The Inn is within easy walking distance ... More
| visit website
Travelodge Caernarfon (0.24 miles)
Situated within walking distance of the town centre, offering a great nightlife scene and a fantastic location for local attractions such as Caernarfon Castle and Gypsy Wood Park, Snowdon Mountain Railway and Anglesey Sea Zoo, ... More | visit website
Cartref Guest House (0.27 miles)
Caer Menai (0.27 miles)
Situated within the old town walls, Caer Menai adjoins the quiet promenade, and is conveniently placed ... More | visit website
Seiont Manor Hotel (0.87 miles)
Seiont Manor was created from the traditional farmstead of a Georgian manor house with origins as a Neolithic burial ground. Some of the buildings added in the 1800s by a naval surgeon were sited ... More | visit website
Plas Dinas Country House (2.39 miles)
This historic 400-year-old country house is set in 15 acres of beautiful grounds and stunning scenery. It was once the home of Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret. With log fires, sea and mountain views and individually ... More | visit website
Plas Tirion Farm (2.70 miles)
Plas Tirion Farm is set in the beautiful countryside between Snowdon and Caernarfon. It is in a quiet, rural location and is an ideal setting for a quiet weekend or mid-week break exploring North Wales. ... More | visit website
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