Caernarfon Castle
Visitor Notice
Following the announcement of a short ‘firebreak’ lockdown by the Welsh Government as of 6pm on Friday 23 October, all Cadw staffed and unstaffed sites will be closed until further notice.
Until we can welcome you back in person, you can visit us virtually through our Open Doors Online 3D tours. All you’ll need is a mobile phone or a desk-top computer — of if you have a VR head-set you can be fully-immersed inside your selected adventure.
Please check our Latest News for further updates, sign up to our newsletter or stay in touch through our social media channels:
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Diolch and we hope to see you again soon.
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
Caernarfon Castle Guidebook
Buy your guidebook online today
10% off for Cadw members!
Opening times
9.30am – 5pm daily
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
AM 10am-1pm Closed 1-2pm PM 2-5pm
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
CLOSED
Thursday and Friday
AM 10am-1pm Closed 1-2pm PM 2-5pm
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
CLOSED
Thursday and Friday
10am–1pm Closed 1–2pm 2–4pm
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday
Closed Thursday and Friday
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£5.20
|
| Family* |
£14.70
|
| Disabled and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / NUS / Armed Forces and Veterans |
£3.10
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£4.20
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry Due to ongoing enabling works at Caernarfon Castle in preparation for a major conservation project, it is only possible to access the upper part of the castle, to compensate for this we have reduced entry prices by 50%. |
|
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.
Digital trails available on the Cadw app.
A purpose built access ramp enables access from kerb-side at street level to main entrance. Wheelchair accessibility throughout lower level.
On-site exhibition within monument.
Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.
Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.
The Royal Welsh Fusiliers Museum is located within the castle. Free entry is included in castle admission.
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!
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 01286 677617
Email
CaernarfonCastle@gov.wales
Castle Ditch, Caernarfon LL55 2AY
