Caernarfon is a royal town and port in Gwynedd, North Wales, on the eastern shore of the Menai Strait opposite the Isle of Anglesey. Snowdonia fringes the town to the east and south-east. The mouth of the River Seiont is in the town, creating a natural harbour where it flows into the strait. Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands at the mouth of the river; one of the most famous Welsh castles. Its sheer scale and commanding presence easily set it apart. Caernarfon was constructed not only as a military stronghold but also as a seat of government and royal palace. The fortress, with its unique polygonal towers, battlements and colour banded masonry dominates the walled town.
The narrow streets of Caernarfon and stylishly redeveloped waterfront are well-worth visiting. The Romans left their mark too; 1000 years earlier they constructed their fort of Segontium on the hill above, and its foundations still exist. The story of the town is told in an exhibition at Oriel Pendeitsh, part of the Ein Treftadaeth. Other attractions include the Welsh Highland Railway, which runs for 25 miles to Porthmadog, Hwylfan Fun Centre, Redline Indoor Karting, scenic Lon Eifion recreational cycle route and RIB rides along Menai Strait. Waterside Doc Fictoria is home to Galeri, a contemporary arts complex with theatre and cinema.