Caernarfon by AS
Caernarfon
Caernarfon is a historic town in north-west Wales, located on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait, facing the Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn). While it is not technically within the boundaries of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park), it sits right on the edge and is widely regarded as one of the main gateways to the park. The dramatic mountains of Eryri rise just beyond the town, with popular destinations like Llanberis and Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) only a short drive away.
The town is best known for Caernarfon Castle, a formidable fortress built by Edward I in the late 13th century as part of his campaign to subdue Wales. Its polygonal towers and imposing walls overlook the harbour and remain remarkably well preserved. The castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the location for the investiture of Charles, Prince of Wales, in 1969.
Caernarfon itself is a lively place with a strong sense of Welsh identity. The Welsh language (Cymraeg) is widely spoken, and many signs, businesses, and local conversations reflect that cultural richness. The town centre includes cobbled streets, independent shops, traditional pubs, and views across to Anglesey and the mountains beyond.
The area is also a hub for exploring the natural beauty of north Wales. From Caernarfon, visitors can head inland to the rugged landscapes of Eryri, take the narrow-gauge Welsh Highland Railway through mountain scenery, or follow coastal paths along the Menai Strait.
Caernarfon blends history, culture, and stunning surroundings, making it a significant and distinctive part of Wales.
Created: 12 June 2025 Edited: 12 June 2025
Caernarfon
Local History around Caernarfon
There are some historic monuments around including:
Pont Sarn-Las Hut Group Hafoty Ty-Newydd Enclosed Hut Group Hut Circle South of Cae'r Sais Tyddyn-Bach Standing Stone Bodowyr Burial ChamberRound Barrow East of Brynsiencyn Dinas Dinlle CampBryn-Celli-Ddu Standing StonePlas Newydd Burial ChambersCastell Bryn-GwynHafotty Wern Las Hut Group & FieldsDinas y Prif Camp Old Parish Church, LlanidanEnclosed Hut Circle Settlement North of Rhedynog Felen Bach Bryn-Celli-Ddu Burial ChamberCaernarfon Town WallSegontium Roman SiteAncient Village 270m West of Bod Angharad Caerlan Tibot Defended EnclosureHut Circle Settlement East of Dinas-y-Prif Lower Roman FortEnclosed Hut Circle North-West of Tan Rhiw Cae'r Odyn Unenclosed Hut Hut Circle Settlement North of Bryn Mair Dinas CampCored Gwyrfai Fish WeirGlynllifon standing stone Dinas Dinlle Seagull Trench Bryn-Glas Roman Signal Station Caer LebCaer Idris Hillfort Perthi-Duon Burial Chamber Hut Circle Settlement and Field System South-East of Erw Trefwri Standing Stone Bryngwyn Standing Stones Bryn-yr-Hen-Bobl Burial ChamberCaernarfon CastleHut Group and Field System E of Coed-y-Brain Enclosed Hut Circle Settlement in Coed Glan-yr-Afon Hut Circle South of Rhyd y Galen, Pont-Rug Early Gravestones & Shaft in Churchyard.Wildlife in and Around Caernarfon
Mammals found in Caernarfon
There have been 38 species of mammals recorded in the caernarfon area.
| (Nyctalus/Eptesicus agg.) |
| 55 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) |
| Badger (Meles meles) |
| Bottle-nosed Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) |
| Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus) |
| 45 Khz Pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) |
| American Mink (Neovison vison) |
| Bank Vole (Myodes glareolus) |
| Brandt's Bat (Myotis brandtii) |
| Brown Long-Eared Bat (Plecotus auritus) |
Tap here for more mammals found in and around Caernarfon
Birds found in Caernarfon
There have been 50 species of birds recorded in the caernarfon area.
| (Anthus spinoletta/petrosus agg.) |
| Bar-Headed Goose (Anser indicus) |
| Blue-Winged Teal (Anas discors) |
| Common Sandpiper (Actitis hypoleucos) |
| Dark-bellied Brent Goose (Branta bernicla subsp. bernicla) |
| American Wigeon (Anas americana) |
| Black Brant (Branta bernicla subsp. nigricans) |
| Brent Goose (Branta bernicla) |
| Common Swift (Apus apus) |
| European White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons subsp. albifrons) |
Tap here for more birds found in and around Caernarfon
Fish found in Caernarfon
There have been 36 species of fish recorded in the caernarfon area.
| Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) |
| Brook Lamprey (Lampetra planeri) |
| Brown/Sea Trout (Salmo trutta) |
| Bull rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius) |
| Butterfish (Pholis gunnellus) |
| Black sea-bream (Spondyliosoma cantharus) |
| Brown Trout (Salmo trutta subsp. fario) |
| Bull Huss (Scyliorhinus stellaris) |
| Bullhead (Cottus gobio) |
| Common Goby (Pomatoschistus microps) |
