Property market
Caernarfon showcases a blend of traditional and modern properties. You’ll find charming Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses lining its streets, alongside more contemporary detached and semi-detached homes. The town also boasts unique character properties, including converted barns and chapels, along with waterfront apartments offering picturesque harbour views.
Currently, a number of development projects are underway to further revitalize Caernarfon. These include the regeneration of the waterfront area, providing new residential and commercial spaces, and improvements to public spaces to enhance the overall appeal of the town.
The average sold property price in Caernarfon over the past year sits around £230,000. Property values in Caernarfon have seen steady growth over the last few years, with 12% increase in property prices since 2019.
See the most recent house prices in Caernarfon here.
Things to do and see
Caernarfon, a historic town in Wales, offers plenty of interesting and activities to explore. The famous Castle and World Heritage Site is a must-see with its medieval design and impressive walls. You can also visit the Seiont River to admire the beautiful scenery or explore the vibrant markets. The town also boasts a number of museums, such as the National Slate Museum and the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum, as well as many other unique attractions.
Here’s a quick summary of some of the best places to visit in Caernarfon:
- Caernarfon Castle – A UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval fortresses, offering stunning views and rich historical exhibitions.
- Segontium Roman Fort – Ancient ruins of a Roman auxiliary fort, providing insight into the area’s Roman history with an on-site museum.
- Yr Hwylfan/The Fun Centre – A family-friendly leisure center featuring a swimming pool, gym, and various sports facilities for active residents.
- Doc Fictoria/Victoria Dock – A modern waterfront development with restaurants, shops, and a cinema, perfect for leisurely evenings and weekend outings.
- Gypsy Wood Park – A charming family attraction with miniature trains, farm animals, and woodland walks, ideal for nature lovers and young families.
- Galeri Caernarfon – A creative hub hosting art exhibitions, film screenings, and live performances, catering to the town’s cultural enthusiasts.
- Caernarfon Airworld Aviation Museum – A small but fascinating museum showcasing vintage aircraft and aviation memorabilia, appealing to history buffs and aviation enthusiasts.
- Lon Las Menai – A scenic cycling and walking path along the Menai Strait, offering beautiful views and connecting Caernarfon to nearby towns.
- Caernarfon Town Walls – Well-preserved medieval fortifications encircling the old town, providing an atmospheric walk through history.
- Plas Dinas Country House – A historic manor house turned luxury hotel, offering fine dining and a glimpse into the area’s aristocratic past, perfect for special occasions or afternoon tea.
Shops and amenities
Caernarfon boasts numerous museums, galleries, and other attractions as well as a wide range of shops and restaurants. For those looking for something more active, there is also plenty of green space for running and cycling as well as activities such as paddle boarding, kayaking, and rock climbing. On top of this, there are a number of supermarkets for your everyday needs, as well as plenty of independent shops to explore.
Transport Links
The A487 passes directly through Caernarfon, with Bangor to the north and Porthmadog to the south. In 2022 a new bypass opened – passing the town and Bontnewydd. As the crow flies, the summit of Snowdon lies a little over 9.6 miles to the southeast of the town centre. Caernarfon offers a good mix of public transport options alongside excellent road links, making it a well-connected place to call home. Here’s a breakdown of how you can get around:
- Car & Road: Caernarfon sits close to the A487 and the North Wales Expressway (A55), making it easy to get around by car. You can reach nearby Bangor in 19 mins, and Holyhead in Anglesey, and Porthmadog, in around 30 mins
- Bus: Regular bus services connect Caernarfon to nearby towns and villages. You can find timetables online or at the local bus station.
- Train: The nearby station in Bangor offers connections to various destinations across Wales and England.
- Cycling: The scenic landscapes around Caernarfon make it a great place for cycling. There are also dedicated cycle paths in the area.
- Walking: Caernarfon is a compact and walkable town, with most amenities within easy reach.
- Nearest Airport: The nearest airport to Caernarfon is Liverpool John Lennon Airport (LPL), which is approximately 60 miles away. However, Manchester Airport (MAN) may also be a good option, depending on your route and flight availability.
Plan your journey here if you need more guidance.
Useful to Know
Local people speak both Welsh and English and readily slip from one to the other. Over 80% of the local population speak Welsh in Caernarfon, making it a cultural hub which is only enhanced by the various cultural artefacts there. Caernarfon also has the prestigious distinction of featuring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Caernarfon Castle. This magnificent medieval fortress built by Edward I not only represents a significant piece of history but also attracts tourism that enhances the town’s economy and cultural vibrancy. Caernarfon Castle’s striking architecture and historical events hosted within its walls add a truly special, timeless quality to the town’s character.