Excursion Caernarfon castle tour at Holyhead

Take the scenic journey across Anglesey and the Menai Strait to Caernarfon with its famous castle dating from 1283. Standing at the mouth of the Seiont River, the fortress with its unique polygonal towers, intimidating battlements and colour-banded masonry dominates the walled town.

Of the four castles in North Wales built by the order of Edward I, Caernarfon Castle is the most magnificent. The grandeur Caernarfon Castle displays signifies King Edward I’s intent that it should serve as the powerful seat of English government in Wales. It is said to have been designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream-castle ‘the fairest that ever man saw’ of Welsh myth and legend.

Caernarfon’s symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first Prince of Wales was born here in 1284. A statue of King Edward II can be seen above the entrance at the King’s Gate. In more recent times King Charles III was crowned Prince of Wales here in 1969.

Visit inside the once impregnable castle and explore its magnificent ruins with your guide. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore further, or visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, housed in two of the castle’s towers.

Caernarfon town is adjacent to the Castle and a good option for free time before returning to Holyhead.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Caernarfon Castle (UNESCO World Heritage Site), Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking (approximately a mile, at the discretion of each guest) along gradually sloping surfaces, some of which are cobbled. There are numerous stairs to reach the battlement walkways. Individuals using wheelchairs are limited to the ground floor of the castle. Scooters are not permitted. Guests are recommended to wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and to dress according to the weather with rain jackets and sun protection. Entrance to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is included.