Castell Caernarfon
Visitor notice
The upper levels of the King’s Gate are accessible via lift or steep stairs, providing access to areas of the castle not seen close up for centuries. The lift is currently only operational on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Please Note: In the event of an emergency, such as a fire, please be aware that the King’s Gate can accommodate only a limited number of individuals needing assistance to evacuate. The evacuation route involves descending a narrow, uneven spiral staircase. To ensure you receive the necessary support, we advise visitors who may require evacuation assistance to contact the castle in advance and secure a reserved timeslot for your visit.
Contact – 01286 677 617 / caernarfoncastle@gov.wales
Overview
Royal fortress-palace built on legends and bitter medieval conflict
Castell Caernarfon 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.
How to visit
• purchase your admission tickets on arrival
• view our opening times and prices below
• check Welsh Government health & safety advice before visiting.
Opening times
Daily 9.30am–5pm*
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 9.30am–6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 9.30am–5pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Daily 10am–4pm
Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January
Last admission 30 minutes before closing
Please note: during extreme weather conditions we may need to close monuments at short notice, please check our social media channels before visiting to ensure the site is open and safe to visit.
Facebook @CadwWales | Twitter @cadwwales
Prices & Tickets
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Member - Join now |
Free
|
| Adult |
£13.70
|
| Family* |
£43.70
|
| Disabled person and companion |
Free
|
| Juniors (Aged 5-17) / Students** |
£9.60
|
| Seniors (Aged 65+) |
£13.00
|
|
*Admits 2 adults and up to 3 children All children under 5 receive free entry **Student photo ID card is required to be shown on entry Blue Light Card holders and HM Armed Forces & Veterans receive 10% off admission (not available online).
|
|
Facilities
Please read our accessibility guidance for information on how to plan your visit.
Audio guide available to purchase on arrival in the visitor centre. Free for Cadw members.
There are many car parks in and around Caernarfon town, including a long stay public car park at the waterfront, adjacent to the castle.
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 with free entry included in your castle admission ticket.
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
Smoking is not permitted.
A portable induction loop is available.
Castell Caernarfon's new cafe – Coffi Castell – is now open and serving a selection of local Welsh food and drink. Committed to sustainable practices, Bonta Deli work hard to champion local produce and are minimising their use of plastics by replacing it with Vegware products.
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, follow these simple steps in our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Our video presentation is currently being repaired by our teams and will not be available during your visit. We will reinstate this interpretation as quickly as possible.
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 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 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
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
