Local Attractions

Step out of the Black Boy Inn and into a wonderland of adventure. No need to venture far, Caernarfon and beyond brims with treasures for every heart:

• A minute’s stroll takes you to Wales’ iconic Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO gem built by Edward I in a medieval power move.
• 900 yards further, the Welsh Highland Railway chugs to life, offering a steam-powered journey aboard one of the world’s mightiest 2ft gauge locomotives.
• A short drive reveals the majesty of Snowdonia National Park, home to Wales’ highest peak, or Anglesey Island, where Beaumaris Castle, the last and largest in Wales, stands sentinel.
• You will find a little further away (but less than an hour) are 3 Zip World locations ideal for a bit of fun in the heart of Snowdonia.

  Stay at the Black Boy Inn and let your wanderlust begin!

Caernarfon Castle and the Town Walls

You genuinely can’t miss it – Caernarfon Castle dominates the skyline just around the corner from the Inn. Built from 1283 as the centrepiece of Edward I’s Iron Ring, it’s one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Britain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town’s medieval walls, which the Black Boy Inn itself sits within, are still walkable almost in their entirety, giving you views over the Menai Strait as you go. If you want the full story of the castle’s turbulent history, we’ve written about it in more depth in Caernarfon: A History of Battles.

All Aboard the Welsh Highland Railway

A short walk from the Inn, the Welsh Highland Railway runs some of the most scenic narrow-gauge steam journeys in Wales, threading through Eryri’s mountains and valleys on its way toward Porthmadog. It’s a relaxed way to see Snowdonia’s scenery without lacing up your boots, and makes for an easy half-day out.

Snowdonia National Park (Eryri)

Home to Wales’ highest peak, Snowdon (Yr Wyddfa), Eryri offers everything from a gentle train ride to the summit to serious mountain walking. Closer to town, the Menai Strait and surrounding countryside offer easier coastal and woodland walks if you’d rather keep your feet on flatter ground.

Anglesey and Beaumaris Castle

Cross the Menai Strait and you’re on Anglesey, with its own coastline, beaches, and Beaumaris Castle – the last and largest of Edward I’s Welsh castles, and technically the most sophisticated in design even though it was never fully finished. It’s an easy day trip from Caernarfon and pairs well with a stop at one of the island’s beaches.

Zip World: Three Ways to Get Your Adrenaline Fix

Less than an hour from the Inn, Snowdonia’s slate quarries and mountainsides have been turned into some of the fastest zip line experiences in the world, alongside underground trampoline courses strung through old slate caverns. Whichever of the three locations you choose, it’s a full day of genuine adrenaline against a backdrop of Snowdonia’s mountains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Caernarfon Castle from the Black Boy Inn?
About a minute’s walk – the Inn sits inside the same medieval town walls as the castle.

Can I do Zip World and Snowdon in the same trip?
Yes, though it’s worth treating them as separate days if you want to properly enjoy both – Zip World is a half-to-full-day activity on its own, and Snowdon deserves the same.

Do I need a car to reach these attractions?
Caernarfon Castle and the Welsh Highland Railway are both walkable from the Inn. Snowdonia, Anglesey, and Zip World are easier with a car, though local buses and organised tours also run to the main sites.

Ready to make the Black Boy Inn your base for exploring it all? Browse our rooms or check our latest offers.