About 9mi/14km southwest of Bangor is the county town of Gwynedd, Caernarfon (pop. 12,000), beautifully situated on the Menai Strait at the mouth of the River Seiont. It is a picturesque old town of narrow streets, with old town walls and a magnificent castle. The yachting harbor is also a favorite mooring place for smart sailing boats, and the town is a good base from which to explore the beauties of the Lleyn Peninsula.
The 13th C Caernarfon Castle was built for the first Prince of Wales by his father, Edward I. This impressive castle features 13 towers and is incredibly well preserved.
Opened in 1987, this museum portrays the aviation history of the region through displays of models, photos and documents. A number of significant aircraft are to be found at the museum, including two Vampires, a Sycamore helicopter and a Whirlwind helicopter.
Address: Caernarfon Air World, Caernarfon Airfield Dinas Dinlle, Caernarfon LL54 5TP, Wales
This is one of the 'sham' castles of the 19th C that were built to emulate magnificent manors and castles of a bygone age. Favorite draws of Bryn Bras, a fairytale castle, are its Louis XV suite, the drawing room and splendid galleries and ceilings.
Address: Bryn Bras Castle, Llanrug LL55 4RE, Wales
Tips: Open by pre-arrangement for groups.
Parking: Free
Facilities: Gift shop, On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
The Roman Fort Segontium, southeast of Caernarfon, has a museum containing material excavated on the site.
Address: Segontium Roman Fort, Llanbeblig Road, Caernarfon LL55 2LN, Wales
Hours:
12:30pm-4:30pm; Closed: Mon
Always closed on: New Year's Day (January 1), Christmas Eve - Christian (December 24), Christmas - Christian (December 25), Day after Christmas, St Stephen's Day, Boxing Day (December 26)
Tips: Last admission 1/2 hour before closing.
No dogs allowed. Note: in the guardianship of Cadw - Welsh Assembly Government's historic enviroment service. Museum not National Trust.
Parking: Free
Disability Access: Full facilities for persons with disabilities.
The stables offer the opportunity to see Snowdonia on horse-back. Numerous different rides through the Northern Wales countryside are available, ranging in length from one hour to a full day. Treks are designed for riders of all abilities. Instruction is also offered in dressage and show jumping.
The stables are approved by the Welsh Trekking & Riding Association.
Address: Snowdonia Riding Stables, Waunfawr, Caernarfon LL55 4PQ, Wales
Facilities: On-site accomodations, Restaurant or food service
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Caernarfon Castle
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Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon
Caernarfon
