The historic surroundings of Caernarfon offer several points of interest: Roman military history, an Iron Age hillfort, and a pilgrim way to Bardsey. These themes lead to different places and give your trip a clear focus.

Segontium: Roman History on the Edge of Town

Segontium is a Roman fort on the edge of Caernarfon. Its remains lie on a hill east of Castell Caernarfon; the layouts of many buildings are still discernible. Both its military function and its recognizable layout are among the site’s defining features. The fort was designed to accommodate an auxiliary infantry regiment of 1,000 men. The Romans occupied Segontium until around AD 394—longer than any other fort in Wales. In Roman times, it was the military and administrative centre of northwest Wales. This means the fort’s history can be considered both in terms of its garrison and in its wider regional context.

Guided tours of Segontium are offered each year on selected dates from May to August. If you plan to take a tour, check the dates in advance.

Tre'r Ceiri and the Iron Age Perspective

Close to Caernarfon is Tre'r Ceiri, an Iron Age hillfort on the easternmost summit of Yr Eifl. The site is dated approximately to the period from 800 BC to AD 74. Two clear differences make it suitable for comparison with Segontium: Tre'r Ceiri is classified as an Iron Age hillfort and defined by its summit location; Segontium is a Roman fort with a documented military and administrative role. Visitors interested in fortified sites can compare different types of structures and historical periods.

Pilgrim History and Places on the Llŷn Peninsula

The area’s history of religious journeys is another theme. St. Aelhaearn’s Church lies on the pilgrim way to Bardsey. Pilgrims stopped there after visiting St Beuno’s Church in Clynnog. The sequence of stops is important to this theme: it connects the church with the route to Bardsey and with the earlier stop at Clynnog. Alongside the forts and defensive structures, this offers another kind of historical connection between places.

Llanaelhaearn is also close to Caernarfon. It is a village and community in the Welsh county of Gwynedd on the Llŷn Peninsula. This geographical connection adds a distinct perspective on the peninsula to the historical themes. During your stay, you can therefore consider not only the differences between Roman and Iron Age history, but also religious routes and Llanaelhaearn’s geographical setting.

If you are looking for a hotel in Caernarfon, your preferred theme can help focus your trip planning: Segontium represents Roman military and administrative history, Tre'r Ceiri an Iron Age hillfort, and St. Aelhaearn’s Church the pilgrim way to Bardsey. Consider which of these perspectives interests you most and use it to shape your trip’s focus.

Discover more destinations: Llandderfel, Arthog, Bangor, Llandwrog, Fairbourne, Sarn Meyllteyrn, Llangian, Tywyn

For the main travel overview: Gwynedd.