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Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum at Caernarfon Castle

Explore centuries of Welsh military history within the majestic towers of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

4.7

Located within the historic Caernarfon Castle, the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum showcases over 300 years of the regiment’s rich military history. Visitors explore original exhibits, films, and models that narrate the regiment’s global service from peacetime to war. The museum is housed in two castle towers, offering a unique blend of medieval architecture and military heritage in a UNESCO World Heritage Site setting.

A brief summary to Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

  • Caernarfon Castle, Castle Ditch, Caernarfon, LL55 2AY, GB
  • +441286673362
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 1 to 3 hours
  • Mid ranged
  • Environment icon Indoor
  • Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
  • Monday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-6 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-6 pm

Local tips

  • Admission to the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is included with your Caernarfon Castle ticket, so plan to explore both for a full experience.
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the castle and museum involve walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs.
  • Visit the museum’s ground floor exhibits for wheelchair-accessible displays focusing on the Second World War and post-war history.
  • Check the castle’s schedule for custodian-led tours and special exhibitions that can enrich your visit.
  • Take time to enjoy panoramic views from the castle towers and explore nearby Welsh heritage sites for a broader cultural experience.
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Getting There

  • Bus

    Take the local bus service from Bangor to Caernarfon, which runs frequently and takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes. The bus stops near the castle, offering convenient access. Tickets typically cost around £3-£5 one way.

  • Car

    Driving to Caernarfon Castle is straightforward with available free on-street parking for up to six cars in front of the castle and a larger long-stay car park at Slate Quay nearby. Travel times from Bangor are about 20 minutes. Note that parking spaces are limited and can fill up during peak times.

  • Train and Walk

    The nearest train station is Bangor, approximately 10 miles away. From there, a taxi or bus can be taken to Caernarfon Castle. Walking from the train station is not recommended due to distance and terrain.

Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum location weather suitability

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Discover more about Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum

A Storied Regiment Preserved Within Medieval Walls

The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum is nestled inside two towers of Caernarfon Castle, a medieval fortress famed for its polygonal towers and colorful stonework. The castle itself was constructed between 1283 and 1330 under King Edward I and stands as a symbol of English authority in Wales. Within these historic walls, the museum tells the story of Wales’ oldest infantry regiment, the Royal Welch Fusiliers, whose history spans more than three centuries.

Exhibits That Bring Military History to Life

The museum’s collection includes a wealth of original artifacts such as medals, uniforms, weapons, and archival materials. Interactive elements like films and sound presentations enhance the storytelling, providing visitors with immersive insights into the regiment’s roles in conflicts worldwide, including the World Wars and colonial campaigns. The displays are thoughtfully arranged to reflect both peacetime and wartime experiences, making the regiment’s history accessible and engaging.

Architectural and Historical Significance of the Castle

Caernarfon Castle itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for its military architecture and ceremonial importance, including the 1969 investiture of Prince Charles as Prince of Wales. The castle’s massive walls, imposing towers, and strategic location overlooking the Menai Strait offer visitors a palpable sense of medieval power and defense. The museum benefits from this dramatic setting, combining military heritage with architectural grandeur.

Visitor Experience and Accessibility

Visitors to the museum enjoy free admission with a ticket to Caernarfon Castle, which also grants access to the castle grounds and other exhibitions. The museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. While the castle’s medieval design presents some accessibility challenges, recent improvements have made parts of the museum wheelchair accessible, particularly the ground floor exhibits focused on the Second World War and post-war era. Assistance dogs are welcome, though some areas involve steep steps and narrow walkways.

Complementary Attractions and Facilities

Beyond the museum, visitors can explore the castle’s battlements, towers, and courtyards, enjoying panoramic views of Caernarfon and the surrounding countryside. Nearby amenities include a café within the castle grounds and visitor facilities such as toilets and information boards. The castle’s location in Caernarfon places it within reach of other notable Welsh heritage sites, including Conwy and Harlech castles, as well as the scenic Snowdonia National Park.

The Museum’s Role in Preserving Welsh Military Heritage

As part of a wider network of regimental museums, the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting the military history of Wales. It serves as an educational resource, archiving thousands of items and offering programs that connect visitors with the regiment’s legacy. The museum’s presence within Caernarfon Castle enriches the cultural landscape by linking medieval history with modern military heritage.

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