The historic royal town of Caernarfon in Gwynedd has been named one of the 'UK's prettiest places to live' by estate agents Aston&Co. The town, which sits on the edge of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), is known for its towering 13th-century castle and waterfront views.
A medieval fortress and global recognition
Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site overlooking Anglesey and sitting on the banks of the River Seiont, is widely regarded as the most famous castle in Wales. Built by King Edward I in 1283, the castle features striking polygonal towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry, earning it global recognition as "one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages", according to the palace-fortress website. The castle was later used as the site of Prince Charles's investiture as Prince of Wales.
The magnificent castle draws in thousands of visitors every year and has served as a backdrop for the major Netflix series, The Crown. Series three of the TV series was filmed at Caernarfon Castle, with episode six, 'Tywysog Cymru', offering a look back at the royal ceremony held in 1969.
Waterfront charm and old town lanes
Beyond the castle, Caernarfon has a pretty waterfront by the Menai Strait, and an Old Town with beautifully preserved medieval walls and cobbled lanes lined with independent shops, galleries, cafes, and traditional pubs, including the historic Black Boy Inn and The Anglesey Arms.
Following a visit to Caernarfon, one holidaymaker hailed it as an 'enchanting Welsh town' on TripAdvisor. They commented: "Beautifully preserved, relaxing and friendly town by the sea. A great escape from the everyday hustle and bustle of city living. A breath of fresh air with everything you need on the doorstep."
Gateway to Eryri National Park
Elsewhere, the town has previously been highlighted by The Guardian as one of the 'happiest towns in the UK'. It also serves as a gateway to Eryri National Park, also known as Snowdonia, with its majestic mountains within easy reach of the town. Visitors can catch the scenic Welsh Highland Railway from the town into the heart of Eryri, making it easier to explore the largest national park in Wales.
