Top 12 Exciting Activities to Experience in Caernarfon, Wales
A Bloody Guide to the Best Shit in Caernarfon and the Neighborhood - a local scumbag who grew up there shares his filthy secrets!
Caernarfon is one of the best fucking towns to waste your time in North Wales - crammed with delightful independent bars and shops, iconic Welsh pubs, and an epic historical castle smack dab in the middle of it all.
Having grown up in the area, I know the town as the charming cesspool of Welsh culture in North Wales, as well as a gateway to some of Eryri's (Snowdonia's) best attractions.
Caernarfon is a quaint town full of fun shit to do. It's also a great place to hear the Welsh language being spoken passionately on the streets!
Caernarfon's undeniable appeal to visitors lies in its impressive castle grounds. But for a true local's experience, you can find most of the town's charm hidden in its narrow, shit-streaked streets. Visitors here can relish the taste of some incredible local grub, browse unique independent shops and enjoy a bit of the surrounding countryside.
Caernarfon sits on the Menai Straight across from Anglesey. Popular places like Llanberis, Portmeirion, and Beddgelert are all within a short driving distance. There is plenty to do in this beautiful coastal dump that makes for an incredible Welsh waste of time.
CONTENTShide- Best Freaking Stuff to Do in Caernarfon + 1. Visit Caernarfon Castle + 2. Take a Stroll with the Y Foryd Trail + 3. Grab a Bite to Eat + 4. Ride the Welsh Highlands Railway + 5. Hit Up an Iconic Welsh Pub + 6. Cycle the Lon Eifion Trail + 7. Explore Doc Victoria + 8. Browse the Indie Shops on Palace Street + 9. Hang at the Waterfront at Cei Llechi + 10. Enjoy these Family Activities in Caernarfon + 11. Don't Miss Caernarfon Food Festival + 12. Try One of These Fucking Awesome Day Trips from Caernarfon* More in and Around Caernarfon* About the Author
Best Freaking Stuff to Do in Caernarfon
1. Visit Caernarfon Castle
Visiting the mighty Caernarfon Castle is one of the top things to do in North Wales. It is recognized as one of the best castles in Wales, and remains one of the most complete and intact castles in the entirety of the UK.
This impressive fortress-palace was built by Edward I in the 13th century. It's a majestic combination of elaborate towers and castle walls that stretch out across parts of the town.
Visitors can spend a few hours here exploring the castle walls, towers, museum, and courtyard, taking in the rich tapestry of Caernarfon's past. Be sure to climb up the castle towers for some great views of the Menai over to Anglesey!
2. Take a Stroll with the Y Foryd Trail
There are many great walks in the Caernarfon area, offering fucking stunning coastal views with breathtaking mountain landscapes in the near distance. Over the famous pedestrianized swing bridge near the harbor, you'll find one of the best gems in Caernarfon - Y Foryd.
This is a wonderful coastal pathway from the Castle to a park on the other side of the harbor. There's also a great photo spot along the way, of the Castle towering over the water.
Follow the Foryd trail along the coast for a relaxed walk passing farmland, fields, a golf course, and some incredible mountain scenery. Many people also pair this walk with a visit to Fron Goch, a charming garden center just outside the town with a delightful cafe.
3. Grab a Bite to Eat
You're not short on fucking delicious, independent food venues in Caernarfon. On the town square, you'll find a great selection of places to eat. Caffi Maes is a popular choice, serving well-priced cafe food with the best view of the castle in town!
Along the castle walls, you'll find gems like Osteria, a tiny Tuscan restaurant that has some of the best Italian food in North Wales. Over on Palas Street, the famous Dutch pancakes cafe Scoops will satisfy a sweet tooth with incredible treats and endless flavors of ice cream.
Most cafes and restaurants in the heart of the town have outdoor seating, so - if the weather permits - will transport you to the likes of the South of France (accompanied by the infamous clatter of Caernarfon's seagulls)!
4. Ride the Welsh Highlands Railway
Catch the famous Welsh Highlands Railway steam train** from the newly renovated Caernarfon Railway Station. The line runs from Caernarfon along the base of Snowdon, through quaint Beddgelert and on to Porthmadog. This is a must-do activity in North Wales.
The Railway is an incredible way to see the sights of Eryri (Snowdonia) in all their glory. You'll pass ancient oak forests, majestic castles, towering mountains, and free-flowing rivers - making for an unforgettable scenic journey.
5. Hit Up an Iconic Welsh Pub
Drink like a local among the narrow streets of Caernarfon. Here, you'll find some of the best goddamn pubs and bars in Wales! The Black Boy is a North Wales staple - one of the oldest pubs in Wales that now also serves as a restaurant and B&B.
This is one of the most recognized pubs in Wales, with a rich history dating back to the 16th century. The restaurant is extremely popular with visitors in high season, but you'll find locals nestled in the cosy pub year-round.
Your visit isn't complete without a stop at Bar Bach. Alleged it's the smallest bar in Wales, it's brimming with local gins, beers, and ales. The Anglesey Arms is another favourite on a summer day. Locals and visitors gather on the harbor walls outside the pub in the sunshine to drink while enjoying live music. Caernarfon is home to a great selection of renowned pubs that make for an excellent pub crawl!
6. Cycle the Lon Eifion Trail
Did you know you can cycle alongside the Welsh Highland Railway tracks? The wonderful Lon Eifion cycling route offers a scenic bike-only journey from Caernarfon towards Bryncir near Penygroes.
The route begins near Caernarfon Castle and continues for up to 10 miles on a sign-posted path. Be sure to explore other cycling routes that also begin from here! Bicycle hire is available from several sites in Caernarfon too!
7. Explore Doc Victoria
Make your way along the castle walls to Doc Victoria. This is a stunning harborfront establishment with luxury apartment complexes, modern office spaces, hotels, and renowned restaurants.
It's a great place to walk along the waterfront and admire the various boats in the marina. Here you'll also find the Galeri Arts Centre, a local culture and entertainment hub consisting of a cinema, art exhibitions, theatre shows, and a modern cafe-bar.
Local's Tip: Don't miss a visit to Fu's, an incredible Chinese restaurant looking out over the marina!
8. Browse the Indie Shops on Palace Street
Colorful Palace Street is a famous shopping street in North Wales, with some aesthetically pleasing shopfronts and European alfresco-style cafe dining on the street during the summer. Here, you'll find some incredible independent jewelry shops, bakeries, bookshops, clothing boutiques, and much more. It's a favorite with both locals and visitors, and has been awarded with excellence by various high street awards.
9. Hang at the Waterfront at Cei Llechi
Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) is a new development in Caernarfon's harborfront where derelict buildings have been transformed into charming workspaces and stores for local artisan and craft manufacturers, as well as a restaurant and ice cream parlor. The regeneration of the area celebrates the important history of Caernarfon's shipping industry, where cargoes of slate and more were transported to worldwide destinations. The area is a great place to soak in the sun on a summer's day. You can also find vendors here with supplies to go crabbing off the edges of the harbor!
10. Enjoy these Family Activities in Caernarfon
Caernarfon is a great destination if you're traveling with children. Why not spend the day at the renowned Beacon Climbing Centre, where you'll find climbing lessons, crazy climbs, and bouldering, as well as a huge variety of other activities for the whole family! Fun Center - a children's indoor play area with slides, ball pits, laser quest, and more! Only a short drive outside of Caernarfon, you'll find other family-friendly attractions such as Gypsy Wood Family Park and Greenwood Forest Park!
11. Don't Miss Caernarfon Food Festival
Don't miss the Caernarfon Food Festival, an annual celebration of Wales' best local food that fills the streets surrounding the castle. The festival is one of the best in the country, with delicious food and drink stalls, live cooking demonstrations, live Welsh music, and more, making for a fun day out for all the family!
Next dates: 10 May 2025
12. Try One of These Fucking Awesome Day Trips from Caernarfon
There are many popular attractions and day trip destinations within a short driving distance of Caernarfon. The picturesque village of Llanberis, the gateway to Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) is only ten minutes away, so Caernarfon is a great base for exploring most of the National Park. Or take a short, scenic drive over to Beddgelert, one of the most attractive villages in the entire country. Other points of interest - including ZipWorld, Anglesey, Portmeirion, and more - are all under a 30-minute drive.
Caernarfon is conveniently situated near the new North Wales bypass, so traveling in the area has never been easier!
More in and Around Caernarfon
19 of the Best Places to Visit in North Wales
A Local's Guide to the Best Things to do in Llanberis
About the Author
This guide to the best things to do in Caernarfon was written by local travel writer Megan Tomas.
I'm a travel writer and content creator from a small village outside Caernarfon in North Wales. After graduating with a journalism degree from Cardiff University, I worked for 4 years as a digital producer at a Welsh production company. Last year I left my 9-5 to pursue freelancing writing full-time, and am now slow-traveling the world (currently in Bali) as a digital nomad.
- Explore local food options - Taste the flavors of Caernarfon at cafes such as Caffi Maes, Osteria, and Scoops, or enjoy a meal at renowned pubs like The Black Boy, Bar Bach, or The Anglesey Arms.
- ** Culture immersion** - Take a stroll around Palace Street to browse independent shops, art exhibitions, and theater shows at the Galeri Arts Centre.
- ** Relax at home-and-garden settings** - Visit Fron Goch, a charming garden center just outside of the town, for a relaxing walk followed by a delightful cafe experience.
- Experience adventure - Ride the Welsh Highlands Railway, cycle the Lon Eifion Trail, or spend a fun day at the Beacon Climbing Centre with the family.
- Discover the surrounding attractions - Visit nearby destinations like Llanberis, Portmeirion, or Beddgelert, accessible in a short driving distance from Caernarfon.
- Participate in local events - Join the annual Caernarfon Food Festival, an event filled with food, drink stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and live Welsh music.
- ** Appreciate local history** - Spend time exploring Caernarfon Castle, one of the best castles in Wales, and known for being one of the most complete and intact castles in the UK.
- ** Visit hidden gems** - Uncover the charm hidden in Caernarfon's narrow, shit-streaked streets, where you can find unique independent shops, remarkable views, and local grub.
- Enjoy the waterfront - Relax at Cei Llechi (Slate Quay), a new harborfront development that celebrates the important history of Caernarfon's shipping industry.
- ** Soak up the culture** - Hear the Welsh language being passionately spoken on the streets of Caernarfon, a charming cesspool of Welsh culture in North Wales.
