'Colourful' town with ancient castle and cobbled streets full of shops has royal link

Voted by the Guardian as the third happiest place to live in the UK in its 2025 rankings, this little royal Welsh town with its ancient castle and cobbled streets lined with independent shops is home to just under 10,000 people.

Located on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait, just across from Anglesey Island, the charming town is best known for the historic castle situated within its walls, but that’s not all it has to offer.

Caernarfon in Gwynedd, Wales, is a major tourist centre yet it hasn’t lost its quaint charm to the throngs of holidaymakers.

The popular town is renowned for its charming atmosphere, as well as its proximity to the stunning nature of North Wales. The property prices in the area are also surprisingly affordable considering the beauty of this part of the world.

With a castle that’s touted to be one of the best buildings from the Middle Ages, a bustling town centre, a gamut of seaside activities and tons of highly rated restaurants and pubs — Caernarfon is a traveller’s paradise, making it the perfect weekend getaway destination for Brits.

The town's crowning glory is undoubtedly Caernarfon Castle, an awe-inspiring building that dominates the harbour. Constructed in the 11th century under the orders of King Edward I, this remarkable castle is globally renowned as one of the best structures of the Middle Ages.

The castle is widely acknowledged as the largest and most formidable of the ring of castles built by Edward I following his conquest of north Wales. The castle remains in superb condition to this day nearly 750 years later.

With its robust walls and angular towers, the castle is often likened to the city walls of Constantinople. Today, it's a public attraction ideal for a day of exploration.

The castle boasts exhibitions, museums and naturally, a gift shop, perfect for securing souvenirs of your visit.

In total, the castle's construction spanned 47 years at an estimated cost of £25,000. Despite this, it was never fully completed after the King became preoccupied with the invasion of Scotland.

While the castle may be the Royal town's claim to fame, this delightful village offers more than just historical intrigue.

The high street is brimming with shopping streets, and you certainly can't overlook the vibrant Caernarfon Harbour. The breathtaking views from Caernarfon's harbourside are only amplified by the nearby castle.

With one side of the town facing the Snowdonia Mountains and the other overlooking the Menai Strait towards the Isle of Anglesey, it's a feast for the eyes in every direction.

The town's hub, Castle Square — or Maes as it's known to locals — also hosts a captivating market every Saturday, offering everything from clothing to fresh produce to books, while the winding, narrow streets are lined with quaint shops and cafes.

One of the top activities for a weekend trip here is to embark on a boat tour. These depart from the harbour and provide stunning views of not only the castle but also Snowdonia and the Isle of Anglesey.

A splendid day trip to consider is a visit to Anglesey Island, specifically Traeth Llanddyn. This stunning Blue Flag beach offers a beautiful stretch of sand perfect for a leisurely stroll. You can amble along the beach to the lighthouse — just be mindful of the tide to avoid getting stranded.

If you're travelling with youngsters, a trip to Gypsy Wood Park is a must. Here, fairies are said to lurk around every corner. Children can hunt for fairies, pet ponies and ride the miniature railway while adults can appreciate the breathtaking scenery and wetlands of the area.

In conclusion, Caernafon provides an incredible weekend getaway for people of all ages — it's easy to understand why it's one of the UK's happiest places.