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Caernarfon Castle features heavily fortified entryways and a nearly 0.5-mile circuit of town walls. King Edward I designed these structures to control access and defend the fortress.
The castle's defensive network took 47 years to complete. The surviving structures include elaborate gatehouses with murder holes and a sprawling wall system.
You can access the main gatehouses from the inner courtyard. The town walls are best viewed from outside the castle grounds.
15 minsLift access available
This heavily fortified main entrance features multiple murder holes and portcullises. It stands as the primary defensive choke point of the castle. If you have limited mobility, use the newly installed lift to reach the upper viewing areas.
10 minsElevated views
This incomplete gatehouse sits elevated high above the ground. Builders originally intended to add a large stone ramp for access. Prince Charles was presented to the Welsh people here during his 1969 investiture.
30 minsExternal viewing
This nearly 0.5-mile defensive circuit connects eight towers and two gateways. Walk along the external streets of the town for the best views. During summer, you can pick up a key locally to enter the Porth Mawr Tower.
