Caernarfon Itineraries
Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Caernarfon, planned step by step.
Whether you have a few hours or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Caernarfon. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.
Half a day from Y Maes: the castle, round the walls, and up to the Romans
The castle, the walls and the Roman fort a thousand years older, a lunch inside the walls and a drink on the harbour, all on foot from Y Maes. The castle opens at 9:30 for most of the year and 10:00 in winter, per Cadw. Segontium's access is uneven, so ring Cadw before step 4.
- 109:30·2 hours
Caernarfon Castle
Straight in at opening, ticket bought online for 5 per cent off or at the desk. On days Cadw runs them, a custodian tour leaves at 11:00 for £5 extra.
View Caernarfon Castle - 211:30·45 minutes
Round the walls from below
Free and ticketless. Cadw has the ramparts closed, so take the loop out to the harbour, through Porth yr Aur and back by Northgate Street and Porth Mawr.
View Caernarfon Town Walls - 312:30·1 hour 15 minutes
Lunch at the Black Boy
Walk-in only, with a list at the door, so go early rather than late.
View Black Boy Inn - 414:00·45 minutes
Segontium
About 700 metres up from Y Maes on Constantine Road. Cadw's page says both 'open all year' and 'selected tour dates May to August', so check before you walk up.
View Segontium Roman Fort - 515:00·45 minutes
A drink by the water
Back down to the Anglesey, the old Customs House against the outside of the wall, facing the Menai Strait.
View The Anglesey
A full day: steam to Beddgelert, and the castle after
The Welsh Highland Railway's Gelert Explorer leaves Caernarfon at 11:10 and is back at 15:25, which leaves the morning for Cei Llechi on the quay and the late afternoon for the castle, open until 5pm for most of the season. Check the railway's running days first; it is a seasonal timetable.
- 109:30·1 hour 15 minutes
Breakfast and the quay
Coffee at Becws Melys in Cei Llechi, then a look round the makers' units on the old slate quay.
View Cei Llechi (Slate Quay) - 210:50·Departs 11:10
Board the Gelert Explorer
From the station on St Helen's Road, a few steps from Slate Quay. Book ahead online, or by phone if you use a wheelchair.
View Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon - 311:10·4 hours 15 minutes
Steam to Beddgelert and back
Up to 75 minutes in Beddgelert at the halfway point, per the railway; back in Caernarfon at 15:25.
View Welsh Highland Railway from Caernarfon - 415:30·1 hour 30 minutes
The castle
Across the quay to the castle. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing, so this works while Cadw's closing time is 5pm or later.
View Caernarfon Castle - 517:15·45 minutes
A pint at Pen Deitsh
The Palace Vaults, facing the castle gate across Castle Ditch.
View Palace Vaults (Pen Deitsh) - 618:00·1 hour 30 minutes
Dinner at the Black Boy
Walk in and put your name on the list at the door.
View Black Boy Inn
Ready to plan your visit?
Check the weather forecast before you head out.