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Reviewed on 21 Sep 2020
Reviewed on 23 Oct 2020
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2020
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2020
Reviewed on 30 Sep 2020
The royal town of Caernarfon lies along the eastern shores of the Menai Strait, just a stone's throw from the Isle of Anglesey. It is, perhaps, best known for its castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dominates the centre of town. It looks particularly dramatic at night, when it's lit up from below. This medieval town is made up of narrow, winding streets lined with a jumble of 19th-century terraced cottages, though there's a modern waterfront district that was redeveloped in recent years. If you've nabbed one of the Caernarfon bed and breakfasts down by the harbour, you can wake up to views of yachts and colourful fishing boats, bobbing in the water. If you're a fan of the great outdoors, not only are you right on the coast, but you'll only be a short drive away from the magnificent Snowdonia National Park, which offers almost limitless possibilities for outdoor adventures.
Caernarfon bed and breakfasts have long been the staple accommodation of choice for visitors. The cosy atmosphere and friendly owners attract guests back year after year. Plus, many are a fraction of the cost of the hotels in town, leaving you more cash to spend on the attractions and places to eat. If you book a B&B, be sure to spend some time chatting with the owners, many of whom have been running their properties for years and can offer advice on the best things to do and see. Sold on a B&B? You can always find your perfect property on Expedia, which lists every B&B, along with detailed descriptions of the features and candid photos. If you fire up the site, all you need to do is search by location, date and budget, scan through the B&Bs and book in just a few clicks. Whether you are visiting on a family getaway or a romantic weekend break, you'll always find one that fits the bill. Some are traditional terraced B&Bs which, charmingly, haven't changed all that much over the years and offer plenty of bang for your buck. Alternatively, consider scoring one of the boutique properties, whose interiors and furnishings look like they jumped straight out of the pages of an interior designs magazine. You'll even find a few country cottages just outside the town, if you'd rather be closer to the national park. Whichever you pick, you'll always have a comfortable stay when you book through Expedia.
The guestrooms often come equipped with all the things you would expect from a hotel, like a kettle for making hot drinks, a flat-screen TV on the wall and a comfortable double bed wrapped in freshly pressed sheets. Free WiFi is a given, but if you pick right, you could score a room with a desk and swivel chair, which you can use to catch up on a few emails. All but the most budget guestrooms will have ensuite bathrooms, stocked with fresh towels, toiletries and a hairdryer. You'll even find pet-friendly rooms, should you want to bring the dogs on your Welsh break. Come daybreak, you can fuel up for the day on a proper Welsh breakfast, or lighter options, like fruit and porridge. If you're looking for a completely different type of break, consider a few nights in the capital, and experience activities in Cardiff instead.
The only difficulty when you stay in a Caernarfon bed and breakfast is knowing what to do first. Of course, if you're a newbie to town, it would be unthinkable not to visit the famous Caernarfon Castle to see the well-preserved battlements and visit the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum. Next, you could try the nearby Quarry Hospital Museum – don't miss the restored operating theatre – and the National Slate Museum, for an insight into the history of the industry. For more history try Segontium, the ruins of a huge Roman fort dating from around 77AD.