Premier Inn Caernarfon

Yes, Caernarfon is absolutely worth a visit, especially if you're interested in history, coastal scenery and Welsh culture. Its biggest draw is Caernarfon Castle, a 13th-century fortress built by Edward I, which is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle’s towers and walls dominate the town and provide fantastic views from the top. Beyond that, the town has a beautiful waterfront along the Menai Strait and a well-preserved old town area with cobbled street. There’s also a marina, a mix of restaurants and cafes, and regular local events, making it a great base for exploring the region.

Caernarfon doesn’t have a sandy beach, but there are a few pebbly shoreline spots where you can take a waterside walk or sit and enjoy the view. If you’re after a traditional beach day, the nearest proper beach is at Dinas Dinlle, around a 15-minute drive away. It has a long stretch of sand and shingle, perfect for walking, paddling and relaxing with views across the water to the Llyn Peninsula. It’s also a good spot for watching planes from nearby Caernarfon Airport. Other nearby beaches include Newborough Beach on Anglesey, which is just across the Menai Bridge.

Caernarfon is located on the coast, but it’s not a typical seaside town with arcades and a promenade. Instead, it's a historic port town overlooking the Menai Strait, with a small marina, old stone quays and a scenic harbour that’s popular for walking and boat-watching. While it doesn’t have a central beach, its coastal position gives you lovely waterside views, especially at sunset and easy access to nearby beaches and outdoor adventures in Snowdonia.

Caernarfon doesn’t have a traditional pier like you’d find in seaside towns. However, it does have a historic waterfront area and harbour walls where you can stroll, sit by the water or watch boats come and go. There’s also a redeveloped dockside near the marina, with places to eat and relax, especially on a sunny day. While not technically a pier, the harbour area still gives you that nice coastal feel.

Two of the best-known attractions near Caernarfon are Caernarfon Castle and GreenWood Family Park. Caernarfon Castle is one of the most iconic castles in Wales. Built by King Edward I, its striking design was inspired by the walls of Constantinople, and it once served as both a royal palace and military fortress. Just a short drive away, GreenWood Family Park is ideal for a fun day out with kids. This award-winning woodland adventure park features a forest theatre, treetop towers and Wales’s longest sledge run.

There’s lots to keep you busy in Caernarfon. The star attraction is Caernarfon Castle, where you can climb towers, explore exhibition rooms and learn about the town’s royal history. Nearby, the Caernarfon Town Walls are still largely intact and worth walking along. For families, a day at GreenWood Family Park just outside town is a big hit—it’s packed with outdoor adventures like a forest roller coaster, sledge runs, and a treetop tower. You can also take a boat trip from the harbour, visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum inside the castle, or walk or cycle along the Lon Las Menai path, which follows a scenic route to Y Felinheli. The town also hosts regular food markets, live music and cultural events throughout the year.

Entry to Caernarfon Castle is ticketed, with prices depending on the type of ticket you need—there are standard rates for adults, with discounts for children, students and seniors. The price covers access to the castle grounds, towers and exhibits inside. It’s a large site with plenty to see, so it’s worth setting aside a couple of hours for your visit. Prices can vary slightly depending on the time of year or any special events, so it’s a good idea to check in advance.

Caernarfon has a good mix of independent shops, especially in the town centre and along Palace Street. You’ll find everything from local crafts and souvenirs to boutique clothing and Welsh food products. There’s also a small indoor market and regular outdoor market days featuring local produce and handmade items. While it’s not a major shopping destination, it’s a good place to browse, especially if you like discovering unique or locally made goods. 

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels. 

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location. 

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind. 

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access. 

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.