Caernarfon Castle , Wales

Caernarfon Castle, built by Edward 1st of England, is possibly the most famous of Wales's castles with its sheer scale and commanding presence.

Begun in 1283 as the definitive chapter in his conquest of Wales, Caernarfon was constructed as a military stronghold and a seat of government and royal palace.

The building work cost between £20,000 and £25,000 from the start until the end of work in 1330. Despite Caernarfon Castle's external appearance of being mostly complete, the interior buildings no longer survive and many of the building plans were never finished.

The castle was designed to echo the walls of Constantinople, the imperial power of Rome and the dream castle, 'the fairest that ever man saw', of Welsh myth and legend. After all these years Caernarfon's immense strength remains unchanged.

Standing at the mouth of the Seiont river, the fortress dominates the walled town also founded by Edward I. Caernarfon's symbolic status was emphasized when Edward made sure that his son, the first English Prince of Wales, was born here in 1284. In 1911, Caernarfon Castle was used for the investiture of the Prince of Wales, and again in 1969.

Opening Times

Opening Hours 2011 - 2012

1st April to 30th June
09.30 - 17.00 daily

1st July - 31st August
09.30 - 18.00 daily

1st September - 31st October
09.30 - 17.00 daily

1st November to 29th February
Monday to Saturday 10.00 - 16.00
Sunday 11.00 - 16.00

1st March - 31st March
09.30 - 17.00 daily

Last admission half an hour before closing.

Closed:24th, 25th, 26th December, 1st January

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Ticket Prices

Adults £5.25
Family Ticket £15.35 - admits 2 adults & up to 3 children under 16.

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Disabled Facilities

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