Caernarfon Castle Walls
Walk the remarkably complete medieval walls that Edward I built to fortress an entire town.
Walk the remarkably preserved medieval town walls of Caernarfon, a 734-metre circuit built by Edward I between 1283 and 1292. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features eight towers and two gatehouses, offering atmospheric lanes and panoramic views across the town and surrounding landscape. The walls form an integral part of Edward's fortress-town masterplan, complementing the adjacent castle and providing insight into 13th-century military architecture and colonial ambition.
A brief summary to Caernarfon Castle Walls
- Hole in the Wall St, Caernarfon, LL55 2AY, GB
- +443000256000
- Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during weekday mornings for fewer crowds and better photography opportunities. The walls are open during reasonable daylight hours year-round.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip; the stone surfaces can be uneven and slippery, especially after rain.
- Start your walk at the waterfront near the castle and follow the circuit to experience the best-preserved sections and atmospheric medieval lanes like Hole-in-the-Wall Street.
- Combine your visit with Caernarfon Castle, located adjacent to the walls, to fully appreciate Edward I's complete fortress-town vision.
- Collect the key to Porth Mawr Tower from Y Gist Ddillad shop on Pepper Lane (open 10am–3pm Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays) for closer inspection of one of the eight towers.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
Getting There
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Bus from Bangor
Take bus number 5, 5A, or 5B from Bangor town centre to Caernarfon. Journey time approximately 45–60 minutes depending on service and stops. Buses run regularly throughout the day. Alight at the town centre stop near Castle Street or High Street, then walk 2–3 minutes to reach the walls at Hole-in-the-Wall Street.
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Train and walk from Bangor
Take the train from Bangor to Caernarfon station (approximately 20–30 minutes). From the station, walk through the town centre towards the waterfront and castle area, approximately 10–15 minutes on foot. The walls begin near the castle entrance on the waterfront.
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Car with parking
Drive to Caernarfon town centre. Several car parks are available near the castle and town walls, including Castle Ditch car park and town centre parking areas. Parking costs vary; expect to pay £1–3 for short stays. Once parked, walk to the walls at Hole-in-the-Wall Street, typically 3–5 minutes depending on which car park you use.
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Guided walking tour
Join a guided historical walking tour of Caernarfon that includes the town walls. Tours typically last 75–90 minutes and cost approximately £10–36 per person. Tours depart from the town centre and provide detailed historical context about Edward I's fortress-town vision and medieval life within the walls.
Caernarfon Castle Walls location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Caernarfon Castle Walls
Edward's Fortress Town: A Medieval Vision in Stone
The town walls of Caernarfon represent one of the most complete and ambitious medieval defensive circuits in Britain. Built between 1283 and 1292 under the direction of King Edward I, these walls were constructed as part of a sweeping colonial enterprise designed to assert English dominance over North Wales. Edward's military architects created not merely a castle, but an entire fortified town—a statement in stone of English power and permanence. The walls stretch for 734 metres around the town centre, enclosing 4.18 hectares, and remain remarkably intact after more than seven centuries. This remarkable preservation allows visitors today to experience the medieval townscape much as it would have appeared to inhabitants in the late 13th century.Architectural Mastery and Defensive Innovation
The walls showcase sophisticated medieval military engineering. Eight towers punctuate the circuit, most of them "gap-backed"—lacking walls on their inner faces—a design that allowed defenders to seal off sections of the walls and create killing zones for attackers. Two medieval gatehouses controlled access: the East Gate served as the main landward entrance to the borough, while the West Gate (also called the Water Gate) originally could only be approached from the sea. The walls were constructed primarily from carboniferous limestone, the same material used in the adjacent castle, creating visual and structural unity. Originally built with removable wooden bridges connecting the towers, the walls represented a flexible defensive system that could be adapted to different threats. The construction was labour-intensive and expensive, costing approximately £3,500—an enormous sum for the period—and required large numbers of workers brought in from England.Surviving Medieval Life and Adaptation
Within and around the walls, the medieval town evolved and adapted over centuries. The 14th-century Chapel of Saint Mary was built directly into the defences on the north-west corner, ingeniously using the only fully circular tower in the walls as a vestry. Several towers were later converted for civilian purposes: one became part of the County Offices and was incorporated into the former County Gaol during the 19th century; another has housed the Royal Welsh Yacht Club since the 1800s; and the Bath Tower was restored and converted into a holiday home by the Landmark Trust in 1967. These transformations reflect how the walls transitioned from active military structures to integral components of the town's civic and social fabric. The walls were significantly damaged during the rebellion of Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294 and required costly repairs, demonstrating their continued strategic importance even after initial construction.Walking the Circuit: Atmospheric Lanes and Views
Today's visitors can experience the walls by walking the nearly complete circuit, discovering atmospheric medieval lanes that preserve the original town layout. Hole-in-the-Wall Street, with its shaded passage, offers particular charm and a genuine sense of stepping back into the medieval period. The waterfront sections near the castle provide particularly evocative views, while the best-preserved wall sections lie just north of the East Gate. Walking the full circuit rewards visitors with panoramic views across Caernarfon town and the surrounding landscape, offering perspectives that would have been familiar to medieval sentries. The walk is accessible and manageable, making it suitable for visitors of varying fitness levels, though the terrain is uneven in places.Heritage Protection and Modern Recognition
The walls were designated as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986, alongside Edward I's other great castles at Conwy, Beaumaris, and Harlech. They are protected under UK law as a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument. Archaeologists Oliver Creighton and Robert Higham describe the defences as "a remarkably intact walled circuit," acknowledging their exceptional state of preservation compared to other medieval town walls across Britain. This recognition reflects both their historical significance and their architectural integrity, making them essential to understanding Edward I's ambitious programme of conquest and consolidation in Wales.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
CARN / Oriel Pendeitsh
0.2 km
Discover contemporary Welsh art and culture in Caernarfon’s inspiring Oriel Pendeitsh gallery, a vibrant creative hub above the Tourist Information Centre.
Caernarfon War Memorial
0.2 km
A dignified stone pillar in Castle Square honoring Caernarfon’s fallen heroes from the World Wars and beyond.
Pont Yr Aber
0.3 km
A scenic swing bridge linking Caernarfon Castle with woodland paths, offering iconic views and a touch of maritime theatre as boats pass beneath.
South African War Memorial
0.4 km
A wheel-headed Celtic cross honouring 173 Caernarfonshire soldiers lost in the Boer War, unveiled in 1904.
Caernarfon Tower
0.5 km
Explore Caernarfon Tower, a medieval fortress sentinel offering breathtaking views and rich Welsh history in a UNESCO World Heritage setting.
Bryn Gwyn Standing Stones
4.4 km
Discover the towering Neolithic Bryn Gwyn Standing Stones, ancient sentinels of Anglesey’s prehistoric past and ritual heritage.
Caer Leb (Prehistoric Castle Enclosure)
4.6 km
Explore Caer Leb, a prehistoric fortified enclosure with water-filled ditches that reveal ancient defensive ingenuity on scenic Anglesey.
Tafarn Snowdonia Parc
6.2 km
Discover the heart of Welsh culture at Tafarn Snowdonia Parc, where delicious food meets stunning natural beauty in Snowdonia National Park.
Cadair y Cythraul
8.8 km
Discover the mysterious 'Chair of the Devil' in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, a historic landmark steeped in Welsh myth and ancient landscape charm.
Porth y Clochydd
9.0 km
Explore the historical landmark of Porth y Clochydd in Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, a captivating site steeped in rich Welsh heritage and scenic beauty.
Celtic cross
9.1 km
A serene Celtic Cross memorial honoring Welsh poet Syr John Morris-Jones, set beside historic St. Mary's Church with stunning Menai Strait views.
Hen Eglwys Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog
10.6 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Hen Eglwys Llanfihangel Ysgeifiog, a medieval Welsh church steeped in history and nestled in tranquil Anglesey countryside.
Ynys yr Eglwys
11.5 km
Discover the serene charm and rich heritage of Ynys yr Eglwys, a peaceful island gem beside the iconic Menai Suspension Bridge.
Tŷ-Gwyn Menhir
13.4 km
Discover the ancient Tŷ-Gwyn Menhir near Menai Bridge, a prehistoric standing stone steeped in druidic mystery and Welsh heritage.
Zip World Penrhyn Quarry
14.5 km
Experience the thrill of Zip World Penrhyn Quarry – the ultimate adventure park in Snowdonia with breathtaking views and exhilarating activities.
Unmissable attractions to see
Town walls in caenarfon
0.0 km
Discover the historical significance and stunning views of the Caernarfon Town Walls, a must-visit landmark in Wales.
Historic Tours Wales
0.1 km
Explore Caernarfon’s rich history with passionate local guides on immersive walking tours that reveal hidden stories beyond the castle walls.
Caernarfon Walks - Guided Tours
0.2 km
Discover Caernarfon’s rich history and hidden stories on expert-led walking tours through its medieval streets and iconic castle walls.
Sir Hugh Owen
0.2 km
Celebrate the legacy of Sir Hugh Owen, a pioneer of Welsh education, with his statue in the historic heart of Caernarfon’s Castle Square.
Bath Tower
0.2 km
Sleep in a 13th-century tower within Caernarfon's castle walls—where medieval history meets modern comfort.
Caernarfon Waterfront
0.2 km
Historic Caernarfon Waterfront: Where medieval heritage meets vibrant maritime charm on the Menai Strait.
Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum
0.2 km
Explore centuries of Welsh military history within the majestic towers of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Caernarfon Castle
0.2 km
Discover the grandeur of Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in history and stunning medieval architecture, perfect for your Welsh getaway.
Hanging Tower
0.2 km
A haunting medieval tower in Caernarfon where justice was once served by execution, steeped in history and ghostly legend.
Big Wheel, Caernarfon Castle
0.3 km
Experience breathtaking panoramic views from the Big Wheel beside historic Caernarfon Castle, blending medieval heritage with modern leisure.
Welsh Highland Railway - Caernarfon
0.3 km
Historic steam journeys begin beneath Caernarfon Castle, winding through Snowdonia’s breathtaking landscapes on the UK’s longest heritage railway.
The Fun Centre
0.3 km
North Wales's largest indoor adventure play centre, blending historic charm with thrilling slides, mazes, and safe toddler zones for family fun all year round.
Aber Foreshore
0.7 km
A scenic coastal walk with iconic views of Caernarfon Castle and the Menai Strait, perfect for a peaceful stroll or a quiet moment by the water.
Caer Rufeinig Segontium / Segontium Roman Fort
0.8 km
Explore the ancient Roman military outpost of Segontium, where history and legend meet amidst scenic Welsh landscapes.
Foel Farm Park
2.0 km
Discover a charming working farm with animal encounters, scenic views, and family fun on the beautiful Isle of Anglesey.
Essential places to dine
Tafarn Y Porth - JD Wetherspoon
0.0 km
A lively, historic pub in central Caernarfon offering great value meals, local ales, and a welcoming atmosphere near the town’s ancient East Gate.
Sheeps and Leeks
0.0 km
An intimate fine dining experience in Caernarfon celebrating Welsh produce through expertly crafted tasting menus in a cozy historic setting.
Lizzy's Caernarfon
0.0 km
A cozy, woman-owned café near Caernarfon Castle serving fresh, home-cooked British dishes with warm Welsh hospitality.
Black Boy Inn Four & Six Restaurant & Bar
0.1 km
Discover authentic Welsh cuisine at Black Boy Inn Four & Six Restaurant & Bar in Caernarfon, where tradition meets modern dining.
Four Alls
0.1 km
Historic charm meets delicious fare at The Four Alls, Caernarfon’s beloved pub and restaurant for great food, drinks, and community spirit.
Tân Woodfired Pizza
0.1 km
Savor authentic wood-fired pizzas in a cozy Caernarfon setting, blending traditional flavors with local charm every evening.
Wal Restaurant
0.1 km
Experience the warm hospitality and diverse flavors of Welsh, British, and Italian cuisine at Wal Restaurant in the heart of Caernarfon.
Ouzo & Olive
0.1 km
Discover authentic Greek tapas and warm hospitality in the historic heart of Caernarfon at Ouzo & Olive.
The Market Hall Brew Pub
0.1 km
Discover the essence of Welsh hospitality at The Market Hall Brew Pub in Caernarfon – where local brews meet delicious bites.
Osteria
0.1 km
Experience authentic Tuscan cuisine in a cozy, welcoming Italian restaurant nestled in the heart of Caernarfon.
Caernarfon Tandoori Restaurants
0.1 km
Authentic Indian flavors and tandoori specialties served in a spacious, friendly setting in the heart of Caernarfon.
Caffi Maes
0.1 km
A friendly, three-storey café on Caernarfon’s Castle Square, serving hearty breakfasts, local dishes, and excellent coffee in a relaxed, pet-friendly setting.
Y Gegin Fach
0.1 km
Family-run cafe in Caernarfon serving hearty Welsh classics and homemade British dishes in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Caffi Gisda
0.2 km
Ethical café in Caernarfon serving fresh local fare with a heart for community and kindness in a cozy, welcoming setting.
The Old Courthouse, Caernarfon
0.2 km
Historic neo-classical courthouse turned elegant bistro with stunning views of Caernarfon Castle and a modern British menu.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Lwsi
0.0 km
Discover unique sustainable fashion treasures in Caernarfon’s charming secondhand boutique nestled within medieval town walls.
Slate and Things
0.0 km
Discover authentic Welsh slate crafts and unique souvenirs in the heart of historic Caernarfon at Slate and Things.
Mirsi
0.0 km
Discover stylish, affordable women's fashion in the heart of historic Caernarfon at Mirsi Boutique on High Street.
Siop iard Caernarfon
0.1 km
Discover handcrafted Welsh jewellery and crafts at Siop Iard Caernarfon, a unique boutique celebrating local artistry and heritage.
Siop Siafins
0.1 km
A charming gift shop in Caernarfon offering authentic Welsh crafts, souvenirs, and locally made treasures in the heart of historic North Wales.
Lotti & Wren
0.1 km
Discover unique independent design treasures and handcrafted gifts in the heart of historic Caernarfon at Lotti & Wren.
YLP Fabric & Wool Shop
0.1 km
Discover Caernarfon’s premier fabric and wool shop, a creative hub for knitters, quilters, and embroidery lovers alike.
Tin of Sea
0.1 km
Discover unique home décor, gifts, and furnishings blending historic charm with modern style in Caernarfon’s Tin of Sea.
Siop Y Ddraig
0.1 km
Discover authentic Welsh gifts and souvenirs in a charming shop steeped in local culture at Caernarfon’s Siop Y Ddraig.
Craftcentre Cymru
0.1 km
Discover authentic Welsh handmade crafts and unique gifts in the heart of historic Caernarfon, opposite the iconic castle.
Na Nôg
0.2 km
Discover authentic Welsh culture through music, crafts, and unique gifts at Na Nôg, Caernarfon’s beloved boutique in Castle Square.
Peacocks
0.2 km
Affordable fashion for men, women, and children in Caernarfon’s Caolfan shopping center.
Castle Gift Shop
0.2 km
Explore the charm of Wales at Castle Gift Shop, your destination for unique souvenirs and local crafts in Caernarfon.
Cei Llechi: Artisan Shopping Village
0.2 km
A vibrant artisan village in Caernarfon blending heritage slate quay buildings with local crafts, food, and culture by the harbour.
The Original Factory Shop (Caernarfon)
0.2 km
Discover unbeatable bargains on fashion, beauty, and homeware at The Original Factory Shop in Caernarfon’s vibrant Pool Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The hole in the wall
0.0 km
Authentic Welsh pub with historic charm, lively events, and welcoming locals in the heart of Caernarfon.
Market Hall
0.0 km
Historic Market Hall in Caernarfon offering excellent pints, authentic kebabs and curries, plus lively open mic nights in a vibrant local setting.
The Crown Y Goron
0.1 km
A cozy, family-friendly Welsh pub in Caernarfon offering local ales, home-cooked meals, and a warm, inviting atmosphere seven days a week.
Tŷ Glyndŵr Bunkhouse & Su's Cocktail Bar
0.1 km
Cozy Georgian hostel with a lively cocktail bar, local flavors, and live music just steps from Caernarfon Castle in the heart of North Wales.
Ship & Castle
0.1 km
A lively and welcoming pub in Caernarfon, where friendly locals and traditional charm create the perfect spot to relax and socialize.
Bar Bach
0.1 km
Discover Bar Bach, Wales’ tiniest bar in Caernarfon, where local brews and cozy charm create an unforgettable intimate pub experience.
Palace Vaults
0.1 km
A cosy, historic pub opposite Caernarfon Castle offering hearty fare, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere in the heart of Gwynedd.
The Morgan Lloyd
0.1 km
A traditional Welsh pub in Caernarfon offering good beer, friendly service, and a lively local atmosphere near the historic castle.
La Marina Cei
0.2 km
Experience the vibrant social heart of Caernarfon at La Marina Cei, where lively bar vibes and welcoming atmosphere meet.
Anglesey Arms
0.2 km
Historic harbourfront pub and inn in Caernarfon offering cozy rooms, hearty Welsh fare, and stunning views of Menai Strait and Caernarfon Castle.
Albert Inn
0.3 km
A cozy, family-friendly pub in Caernarfon serving homemade British classics with warm local hospitality.
Twthill Vaults
0.3 km
A cozy, traditional Welsh pub in Caernarfon offering local ales, hearty food, and a welcoming community atmosphere every day from noon till late.
The Eagles
0.4 km
A cozy and friendly Caernarfon pub offering local brews, hearty meals, live music, and a warm Welsh welcome.
Yr Alex
0.5 km
Experience authentic Welsh hospitality and local brews in the cozy, welcoming atmosphere of Yr Alex, Caernarfon’s beloved traditional pub.
The Newborough Arms
3.0 km
A warm, family-friendly pub in Bontnewydd offering hearty Welsh fare, a lively bar, and a spacious beer garden with play area.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Wellman's Sports & Social Club
12.4 km
Llangefni’s vibrant social hub with lively entertainment, spacious dance floor, and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Academi
13.5 km
Bangor’s beloved student nightclub, offering vibrant music, a welcoming atmosphere, and a central role in university social life.
Trilogy Nightclub
14.1 km
Experience Bangor’s vibrant nightlife at Trilogy Nightclub, where diverse music rooms and lively weekend parties create unforgettable nights.
Clwb Llyn Bach
25.6 km
Discover the lively spirit of Clwb Llyn Bach, a top pub in Porthmadog offering great drinks, vibrant events, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Cove
26.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Cove in Hafan Y Mor, North Wales, where music, dancing, and unforgettable memories await.
Black Rock Beach Club
26.7 km
Experience the ultimate beachside retreat at Black Rock Beach Club with delicious grilled dishes and breathtaking coastal views.
Vics Boogie-Nights
27.2 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Vic's Boogie-Nights, Abererch's premier bar for music, dancing, and unforgettable memories.
The Queens Head
30.2 km
Experience the heart of Amlwch at The Queens Head, a welcoming pub with local ales and hearty meals in a cozy atmosphere.
Albert Vaults
30.5 km
Experience authentic Welsh hospitality at Albert Vaults, a charming pub in Anglesey with a vibrant atmosphere and exceptional drinks.
The Buffs
30.5 km
A welcoming social club in Holyhead offering lively nights, friendly faces, and a true taste of local nightlife on Cambria Street.
Stag Inn
32.4 km
Experience the charm of Anglesey at The Stag Inn, where delicious meals and a cozy atmosphere await you.
Club 147
36.0 km
Llandudno’s energetic nightclub and sports bar offering electronic beats, pool, and a lively social scene in the town centre.
Broadway Boulevard
36.6 km
Llandudno’s largest nightclub, Broadway Boulevard pulses with vibrant music, themed events, and a lively party atmosphere in the heart of town.
New Horizons
43.9 km
Experience vibrant nightlife and lively music at New Horizons, Dyffryn Ardudwy’s welcoming nightclub with spaces for all ages.
The Club Barmouth
48.8 km
Experience vibrant Saturday nights at The Club Barmouth, where stylish vibes meet lively music by the scenic Welsh coast.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Historic
- Scenic
- Unique
- Adventurous
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Rustic Designs
- Vintage Styles
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Car-Free Access
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
