Towers with a story to tell.
Follow the walls and notice how the castle was built to impress as well as defend.
Gwynedd · North Wales
Caernarfon
Castle.
Castell Caernarfon
Explore Caernarfon’s imposing waterfront castle and the upper levels of the King’s Gate. The lift opens up part of the gatehouse, while towers and wall walks still involve steps. Indoor interpretation provides shelter, but the courtyards and much of the route remain exposed.
Part of a UNESCO World Heritage SiteSome places
stay with you.
Built for Edward I from 1283, Caernarfon Castle was a statement of English royal power during the conquest of Wales. Its walls and angular towers still dominate the town. Today it forms part of the UNESCO-listed Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd, alongside Conwy, Harlech and Beaumaris.
World Heritage listing ↗Indoor interpretation and museum, with substantial outdoor castle areas.
Come for the castle.
Look a little closer.
A different point of view.
Take in the courtyards and the setting by the water. Choose the parts of the castle that suit your group.
Take a look.
Good to know.
Opening
1 November–28 February: 10:00–16:00. Closed 24–26 December and 1 January; severe weather can close the site.
Checked 2026-11-03Admission
Published September–March adult admission £14.90; under 5s free. Check Cadw’s ticket date and any online discount.
Checked 2026-11-03Access
Ramp into the King’s Gate and lift to its upper levels; many other areas have steps. Visitors needing emergency assistance should reserve a space, as capacity is limited.
Checked 2026-11-03Parking
No dedicated castle car park. Nearby public car parks charge; the quayside approach has a steep incline.
Checked 2026-11-03Dogs
Detailed visitor text allows short-lead dogs on ground levels from 1 November to 28 February, but the summary icon says assistance dogs only. Confirm the policy before bringing a pet.
Checked 2026-11-03Facilities
Toilets and baby changing. King’s Gate café currently closed; separate pop-up refreshments have seasonal days.
Checked 2026-11-03Coming by car?
No dedicated castle car park. Nearby public car parks charge; the quayside approach has a steep incline.
Using public transport?
Check your route and return journey before setting off.
Plan with Traveline Cymru ↗A castle day.
Your kind of day.
Sources and credits +
Profile checked 2026-11-03. Individual facts carry their own review dates.
- cadw.gov.wales · 2026-11-03
- cadw.gov.wales · 2026-11-03
- cadw.gov.wales · 2026-11-04
Share photograph: Caernarfon castle interior by Gdr, cropped and resized under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Contains public sector information from Cadw, © Crown copyright, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Photographs have been resized and cropped for this guide.
- The castle’s towers and courtyards, Vanbug28 (Ivan Bugeja) (2016) · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Inside the castle walls, Gdr (2004) · CC BY-SA 3.0
- The castle and its waterfront, Stefan Oemisch (2024) · CC BY-SA 4.0
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