Campsites near Caernarfon with horseback riding

Caernarfon is best-known worldwide for its castle—undeniably ranking among Great Britain’s finest mediaeval buildings. The fortress and town walls are a Unesco World Heritage Site also encompassing King Edward I’s other formidable fortifications at Harlech, Beaumaris and Conwy. But there is more to this town on the Menai Strait: primarily, its proximity to show-stopping nature. Snowdonia National Park brushes Caernarfon’s edge, with Snowdon, loftiest peak in Wales or England, close by, and a dreamy expanse of coastline rims the Llyn Peninsula just south and continues over on nearby Isle of Anglesey. A few miles from the castle are a handful of campsites offering dependable, convenient pitching.

One of the UK’s most popular outdoor destinations—and Britain’s highest land south of the Scottish Highlands—Snowdon commands attention from any North Wales-bound visitor. The gateway village, from where trails and rails run up the peak, is Llanberis, eight miles inland from Caernarfon. While it’s busy up Snowdon, plot a hike away from it and you’ll find glorious mountain country with ample trail space to yourself.

Weather varies wildly between the coast and the high peaks of Snowdonia National Park. You can usually depend on some wind and rain during your stay, even in summer. Caernarfon does get crowded during July and August school holidays: come outside these months if possible. May’s Caernarfon Food Festival, and mediaeval re-enactments in Caernarfon Castle during May and August, are atmospheric times in Caernarfon itself.