Exploring Caernarfon Castle with Kids
Caernarfon is one of the most famous castle in Wales and is somewhere I have wanted to visit for some time.
During our holiday to North Wales, we stayed in a beautiful cottage in Anglesey which is a short drive from the town of Caernarfon, so we had the perfect opportunity to visit.
Caernarfon is a walled town, making it a beautiful walk as you head towards the castle itself.
Caernarfon Castle is looked after by Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, but as English Heritage members we got discounted entry to the castle.
Entry to the castle is along a newly built walkway and through the massive gatehouse.
The kids were given activity sheets and then were free to explore at our leisure.
It is only as you head inside that you realise the huge scale of the castle and you have to make the decision whether to turn left or right.
We headed left and the first thing that the kids wanted to do was climb the huge Polygonal towers.
The stone, spiral staircases are quite steep and narrow, but the views from the top made the climb worth it.
We were lucky to visit on such a clear day and enjoyed views up to the mountains of Snowdonia, across to Anglesey and out to sea, as well as of the castle itself.
In one of the rooms we learned all about the ancient myth that surrounded Caernarfon. The Roman legend of Macsen Wledig recounts the dreams of a Roman Emperor, travelling to a faraway land where he was greeted by a beautiful maiden and a magnificent, multicoloured castle.
The castle is also the birthplace of the first Prince of Wales and has subsequently seen Edward VIII granted his title in 1911 and Prince Charles his in 1969. You can even head out of the Queen’s Gate and wave to your adoring crowds below as Prince Charles would have done.
The castle is so huge it hosts many exhibitions and within the Queen’s Tower, you will find the Museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
The exhibition houses uniform, guns, medals and memorabilia from the 300-year heritage of this Welsh regiment.
Another exhibition is one of the castles history and who played key roles in its construction and upkeep, from William I to Edward I and beyond, all cleverly laid out like a game of chess.
Caernarfon Castle is a brilliant place to visit with the kids and your entry ticket allows you to come and go as you please for the day, so you can explore at your leisure.
A family ticket costs £28.90, with English Heritage members getting a half price discount and Cadw members get in free.
Micaela Levachyov
I walked around the outside of Caernarfon Castle once but never went inside, it looks like I should take another trip!
Rebecca Smith
The family ticket sounds very affordable! Caernarfon Castle sounds like a great place to explore with the family.
Rhonda Albom
Fabulous castle. We spent six weeks driving a loop through the UK. We loved so many places, and kept adding days here or there, and by the time we got to Wales, we had no time to stop. Maybe one day we will get back there.
Treasure Every Moment
Oh wow what beautiful views from up on the top! I would certainly love to visit here with my family one day 🙂
Cristina Petrini
What an enchanting place, giant chess is what has most illuminated my imagination … a medieval romantic atmosphere!
Romeo
Wow, this place looks incredible. There’s so much to do and see there! Looks like a brilliant place to take the whole family
Becca Wilson
This looks like it would be such an amazing experience. I love being able to take my kids to places like this that will stimulate their minds.
Patrick
One wonders if both sides had had a chance to play in the playground..how many battles would have been prevented? The castle looks to be in incredible shape….
Jasmine Hewitt
what a neat place to explore! a great family experience!
Anne Fraser
I went to university in Bangor so this brings back memories. I remember some friends trying to climb the wall after a night out. A great place to explore.
Anosa
Last year when we visited North Wales we made a visit to Caernarfon and had a lovely experience.
Sarah Bailey
What a beautiful looking castle! It seems like there is so much to do and see there. I have to admit I do love getting to see historical sites.
Ashlee
Caernarfon Castle is amazing! I’d love to visit it and just run around all day! Castles intrigue me, they are so huge and you can feel the history in those walls.
Catherine
Wow what a great activity for the whole family…I’d love to explore this castle!
Laura - Dear Bear and Beany
We love to visit castles and this looks a great one. Lots to do and a great price!
Tracey Kifford
I love this castle! It’s my second favourite (favourite being nearby Kidwelly Castle)
Chelle Dizon
Oh wow this must be really exciting not just for kids but for the whole family. I hope we can go here as well someday.
Natural Beauty And Makeup
I love visiting castles and now have included this one in my wishlist! Beautiful pictures and loved reading this post ☺
Fatima
I’ve been to Wales but haven’t explored this part of the region yet. Sounds so much fun!
fashionandstylepolice
We love exploring castles. The kids love them.
Kirsty
£28 is a great price for a family ticket. I love the views from the castle. Having studied history at university I love wandering around old castles. I need to book a trip to Wales now to have a visit!
Heather
What a cool place, looks like you guys had a ton of fun!!!
Alex Vitte
This castle is beautiful! Ive always wanted to visit one. Hopefully I get to sometime soon!
Laura Dove
Oh we loved it here too! One of our favourite places actually, fab pics!
Brianna Watson
wow I’ve never heard of this castle but it’s beautiful! I love how photogenic it is!
Eva Katona
Oh this looks such a great outing! My kids would enjoy this – must visit this
Sarah | A Few Favourite Things
So much history seeped into those walls, I love that this is family-friendly allowing the children to access all the historical details and get involved too
Jenni
It looks incredible and you did get a great a day with the weather. It’s really good you get half price with the English heritage pass too, I’ll look into getting one of those
Kiwi
How lucky are the kids to visit a real castle. I am an adult and I dont think I have visited a real castle yet.
Jackline A
Looks like it was a fun time for the whole family and it looks like there’s so much to do and see there!
Super Busy Mum
I absolutely LOVE exploring places like this with my family and this place looks AMAZING! So much to see & do {my kind of place!}
Elizabeth
What fun! I do love exploring castles – and I bet my kids would LOVE a visit here one day! So much history!
Jess Howliston
WOW what a beautiful castle and fantastic place to explore. My son loves castles and this one is definitely going to go on our family to do list!