Caernarfon

The mighty battlements of Caernarfon Castle dominate the skyline and form the central attraction of this historic, lively Welsh town.

The castle itself, which was started in 1283 as part of Edward I’s conquest of Wales, was built as a seat of government and royal palace and was thought to have been modelled on the walls of Constantinople.

The town was in the running to become the capital of Wales in 1955 but lost somewhat heavily in the vote. Despite not achieving its capital ambitions, the town remains proudly Welsh and is demographically the most Welsh-speaking community in Wales, with over 86 per cent of the residents speaking the Welsh language.

Like so many Welsh coastal towns, Caenarfon boasts a Blue Flag beach for its safe, clean waters and the view from the town’s small harbour across the Afon Menai is well worth a look. Caernarfon is a popular place amongst watersports fans, who take to the ocean as well using the National Watersports Centre at nearby Plas Menai.

Hill runners enjoy the dramatic landscapes of Caernarfon’s countryside, zipping their way past bird spotters at the Foryd Nature Reserve on the Menai Strait.

Other attractions include the rare shrubs and woodland of Crug Farm and the 19th Century country estate at Glynllifon Park.