Caernarfon is a fantastic base for exploring North Wales. Its historic castles, stunning landscapes, and rich culture make it an ideal starting point for a variety of tours. Whether you’re into challenging mountain climbs, interested in Welsh heritage, or eager to see the scenic sights, there’s something here for you. We particularly love the Snowdon via Crib Goch tour for its exhilarating scramble and stunning views, and the Private Snowdonia’s Mountains, Lakes & Mines for a deep dive into Welsh culture with a personal touch. These experiences offer a chance to see the best of what Snowdonia has to offer, with guides who know the terrain and stories that bring this corner of Wales to life.
What makes Caernarfon stand out is its mix of adventure, history, and culture. You can challenge yourself on Snowdon, explore ancient castles, or enjoy guided walks through the town’s streets. For travelers who want a balanced experience, options like the 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon provide a rich overview of the town’s past, while self-guided walks allow for a flexible exploration. Below, we break down the top five tours, highlighting what makes each one unique and worth considering for your trip.
1. Snowdon via Crib Goch
At number 1 on our list is the Snowdon via Crib Goch tour, a thrilling way to summit Wales’ highest peak. This 8-hour adventure is led by a fully insured mountain guide, ensuring safety while tackling the grade one scrambles and knife-edged arete of Crib Goch. It’s a challenging tour, perfect for those with some climbing experience who want more than just a walk up Snowdon. The highlight is reaching the summit with breathtaking views over Snowdonia and beyond, after navigating one of the most famous and formidable ridgelines in Britain.
What sets this experience apart is the small group size, which allows for a more personalized and supportive environment. Guests mention their guides as “supportive, patient, and fun,” especially praising Smurf for guiding safely across Crib Goch. The cost is around $87.92 per person, which is a fair price for a full-day guided climb that includes expert navigation and safety. If you’re a confident climber eager to challenge yourself, this tour offers an unforgettable way to conquer Snowdon’s most iconic route.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for climbers seeking a challenging adventure with expert guidance and incredible scenery.
2. Private Snowdonia’s Mountains, Lakes & Mines Tour
For a comprehensive and personalized exploration of Snowdonia, the Private Snowdonia’s Mountains, Lakes & Mines Tour ranks highly. This 9-hour experience takes you through the rugged landscape of Snowdonia National Park, starting from Llandudno with a round-trip in a 16-seat minivan. It’s an excellent way to see a mix of mountains, lakes, and historic sites while learning about the region’s culture and history.
The tour includes stops at Great Orme, where the drive along the longest coastal one-way road in the UK offers spectacular views of the cliffs, wildlife, and sometimes even dolphins. You’ll explore Conwy’s famous castle, admire the Welsh Dragon of Snowdonia, and learn about the area’s slate mining at the National Slate Museum. The tour is well-reviewed, with visitors appreciating the knowledgeable guides and the opportunity to ask questions during the trip.
Priced at $895.34 per group (up to 8 people), this tour provides excellent value for those interested in a deep cultural and scenic experience. It’s particularly suited for history enthusiasts and families who want a flexible, educational day out.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a full-day, private-guided tour packed with history, culture, and scenic drives.
3. 2 Hours Historical Tour of Caernarfon
If you’re after a short, focused introduction to Caernarfon’s rich past, the 2 Hours Historical Tour is a great pick. For just $35.66 per person, this tour offers a guided walk through the heart of the historic town, covering the castle, town walls, gates, and notable landmarks. Led by an experienced Wales Guide, the tour provides engaging commentary on Caernarfon’s significance from Roman times through Edward I’s castle construction.
Guests praise Neil for his knowledge and adaptability, even tailoring the tour to accommodate different needs, making it ideal for those with limited time or mobility concerns. A highlight is the detailed visit to Castell Caernarfon, where you’ll learn about its symbolic importance and architectural features. The walk also takes you along the town walls, offering views of the Welsh Highland Railway and the Victoria Dock.
This tour is perfect for history lovers who want a personalized, intimate experience without breaking the bank. Entrance fees for the castle are extra, but the guided insights are invaluable.
Bottom Line: A compact, informative tour suitable for anyone interested in Caernarfon’s medieval and modern past.
4. Caernarfon And Its Castle: A Self Guided Walking Tour
For those preferring a self-paced exploration, this self-guided walking tour is an affordable option at just $9.99. Starting at Castle Square, you’ll stroll through cobbled streets, passing historic buildings, the Black Boy Inn, and the Gwynedd Council offices. The tour takes in the castle, town walls, and other key sights, with detailed descriptions and maps to guide your way.
While it doesn’t include entrance fees, this tour offers the flexibility to explore at your own pace, making it ideal for independent travelers or small groups who enjoy wandering and learning as they go. Walking along the Pont Yr Aber bridge and passing the St Mary’s Church gives a comprehensive view of the town’s architecture and local stories.
Tourists appreciate the value and the chance to customize their visit, making this a good option for budget-conscious travelers or those who like to soak in the atmosphere without a strict schedule.
Bottom Line: A budget-friendly, flexible way to get to know Caernarfon’s streets and stories at your own pace.
5. Holyhead: Portmeirion, Snowdonia, and Llanberis Day Trip
Rounding out the list is a full-day trip combining some of the most iconic sights of North Wales. The Holyhead: Portmeirion, Snowdonia, and Llanberis Day Trip lasts about 7.5 hours and includes stops at Portmeirion’s colorful Italianate village, a photo stop at Caernarfon Castle, and scenic views of the Llanberis Pass with Mount Snowdon in sight. Key highlights also include exploring Llanberis lakeside and crossing the Menai Straits.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a taste of everything—from quirky architecture to mountain vistas—without the hassle of planning. It’s especially convenient for those staying outside Caernarfon, as it provides transportation and a guided overview of the region’s highlights. The tour’s flexibility and variety make it suitable for families, first-time visitors, or anyone with limited time but a big curiosity.
While the reviews aren’t listed, the combination of scenic stops and cultural points makes this a well-rounded option for a comprehensive day in North Wales.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting an all-in-one experience with scenic and cultural highlights, with the convenience of guided transport.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Caernarfon
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and time availability. If climbing Snowdon is your top priority, the Snowdon via Crib Goch tour offers an adventurous challenge with expert guidance—perfect for confident hikers and climbers. For those interested in culture, castles, and scenic drives, the Private Snowdonia tour and the Caernarfon historical walk give you a deeper connection to the region’s past and landscape.
If you prefer flexibility and budget-friendly options, the self-guided walking tour is a smart choice, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Meanwhile, for a full-day excursion covering a variety of sights, the Holyhead day trip provides a well-rounded taste of North Wales.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak summer months, as popular tours fill quickly. Consider your preferred pace, whether you want a challenging adventure, an educational experience, or a relaxed sightseeing day, and choose accordingly.
To sum it up, Caernarfon offers a rich collection of tours suited to different tastes and travel styles. For the active, the Snowdon via Crib Goch tour is a must for thrill-seekers. History enthusiasts will appreciate the 2 Hours Historical Tour, while those wanting flexibility can opt for the self-guided walk. And for a full experience of North Wales’ diverse sights, the Holyhead day trip is a reliable choice. Whichever you choose, early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences.
