Caernarfon Castle
Visitor Notice
This monument is open to visit.
Pre-book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry and please remember:
- purchased tickets cannot be refunded — please check you’re able to attend on the date you have booked
- book a ticket for every member of your party for the same time slot
- bring your face covering, to be worn in all indoor areas.
Please note: Due to ongoing conservation works at Caernarfon Castle, it’s not possible to enter the King’s Gate, to compensate for this visitors will be offered a free guidebook (1 per party).
Entry to the castle will be through the Eagle Tower — on the quay side opposite the Aber Swing Bridge.
Disabled access will be limited as entry will be through the Eagle Tower up approx. 50 steps, please contact our team for more information and to pre-arrange access on 01286 677617.
Overview
Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict
Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages.
This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone.
Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years and cost a staggering £25,000.
The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes. So of course its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault. But the polygonal towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message.
These echoed imperial Roman architecture, especially the walls of Constantinople. They also recalled the Welsh myth of Macsen Wledig, who dreamed of a great fort at the mouth of a river – ‘the fairest that man ever saw’.
So Caernarfon is a castle of dreams. A legend brought to life. Even after 700 years it still stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle.
Read more about Caernarfon Castle here
Opening times
Saturday–Wednesday 10am–5pm - Closed 1pm–2pm
Closed Thursday and Friday
Saturday–Wednesday 9.30am–6pm
Closed Thursday and Friday
Daily 9.30am–6pm
Saturday–Wednesday 10am–5pm
Closed Thursday and Friday
Saturday–Wednesday 10am–4pm
Closed Thursday and Friday
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£9.25
|
| Family* |
£31.00
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£6.60
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£8.80
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry
|
|
Facilities
Assistance dogs only at this site.
There are many car parks in and around Caernarfon town, including a long stay public car park at the waterfront, adjacent to the castle.
During the current conservation works there will be limited disabled access as entry will be through the Eagle Tower up approx. 50 steps.
Please contact our team to pre-arrange entry on 01286 677617.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Due to ongoing conservation works at Caernarfon Castle, it’s not possible to enter the King’s Gate, to compensate for this visitors will be offered a free guidebook.
The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum is located within the castle with free entry included in your castle admission ticket.
Cadw do not allow drone flying from or over its guardianship sites, except by contractors commissioned for a specific purpose, who satisfy stringent CAA criteria, have the correct insurances and are operating under controlled conditions.
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
Discover our free facilitated educational activities.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
A video presentation is available at this site.
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Cadw free public WiFi available at this site.
Directions
Postcode LL55 2AY
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
Contact us
Telephone 03000 252239
Email
CaernarfonCastle@gov.wales
Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01286 677617
