Splendours of Snowdonia

The Isle of Anglesey (Ynys Môn in Welsh) is situated off the north-west coast of Wales near the beautiful Snowdonia mountain range. It is separated from the mainland by the Menai Strait, which is spanned by two picturesque bridges, the Menai Bridge and the Britannia Bridge. Anglesey was known as Mam Cymru ('Mother of Wales') during the middle ages because its fertile fields formed the breadbasket for the north of Wales.    

Betws-y-Coed originated around a small monastery during the sixth century and, until the rise of lead mining in the nineteenth century, was a small village with an agricultural economy. Full of traditional stone-and-slate houses, this delightfully picturesque village is considered the getaway to Snowdonia. The village, which is now within the Snowdonia National Park, stands in a valley near the point where the River Llugwy and the River Lledr join the River Conwy.

Caernarfon Castle is recognised around the world as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages. Caernarfon Castle was primarily built in the 13th century by Edward I as part of his campaign to conquer Wales. Probably the most famous of all the many castles in Wales, and for good reason – its sheer scale dwarfs the others, and the town walls are still remarkably intact. Tourists can walk along a small part of the walls, which offers some fantastic views over the town. It also houses the museum of the Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This fortress-palace on the banks of the River Seiont is grouped with Edward I’s other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site. But for sheer scale and architectural drama Caernarfon stands alone. Here Edward and his military architect Master James of St George erected a castle, town walls and a quay all at the same time. This gigantic building project eventually took 47 years and cost a staggering £25,000. The castle was born out of bitter war with Welsh princes. So of course its immense curtain walls and daunting King’s Gate were designed to withstand assault.  But the polygonal towers, eagle statues and multi-coloured masonry sent a more subtle message. Some historians believe that the design of Caernarfon Castle was influenced by the walls of Constantinople, as Edward I may have wanted to associate his castle with the Roman Empire’s imperial history. Even after 700 years it still stirs the imagination like no other Welsh castle. Mighty Caernarfon is possibly the most striking medieval monument in Wales.  In modern times, the castle is known for being the site of the investiture of Prince Charles, the then Prince of Wales, in 1969.  The castle dominates the landscape of the town of Caernarfon. The town itself has its origins as a Roman fort and has a rich history that predates the castle.  The town walls, also built during Edward I’s reign, are well-preserved and can be explored by visitors.