Car Hire Caernarfon

Caernarfon, Wales: A Motorist's Guide When Hiring A Car

Overview: Caernarfon is a royal town situated in Gwynedd, North Wales. Overlooking the Menai Strait, the town is most renowned for its stunning medieval castle, Caernarfon Castle, which is a World Heritage site. This historic town is brimming with character, narrow streets, and charming buildings, making it a must-visit when in North Wales.

Driving in Caernarfon:

• Narrow Streets: The town's historic nature means several streets, especially within the town walls, are quite narrow. Approach with caution and be prepared for tight squeezes in some areas.

• Parking: The town can become busy, especially during the tourist season. It's advisable to arrive early to find parking close to the town center or consider using designated car parks.

• Rural Areas: The surrounding countryside may have single-track roads with passing places. Always be on the lookout for sheep, especially when closer to Snowdonia National Park, as they can be on the roads.

Road Signs:

• Road signs in Caernarfon, as with most of Wales, are bilingual, with Welsh appearing on the top and English below.

• Some Welsh terms to familiarize yourself with include:

  • "Esgid" means "Exit".
  • "Dim Mynediad" means "No Entry".
  • "Canol y Dref" means "Town Centre".

Recommended Places to Visit and Distances by Hire Car:

1. Caernarfon Castle: The town's crown jewel, this medieval fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-visit when in Caernarfon.

2. Segontium Roman Fort: Located just outside the town, this ancient Roman fort provides insights into the Roman occupation of Wales.

3. Gypsy Wood Park: About 3 miles (5 minutes by car) from Caernarfon, it's a family-friendly attraction with animals, mini-trains, and play areas.

4. Dinas Dinlle Beach: Roughly 6 miles (10 minutes by car) from Caernarfon, this beach offers beautiful views, especially during sunset.

5. Snowdonia National Park: Starting just a few miles east of Caernarfon, this vast national park boasts stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and Snowdon, the highest peak in Wales.

Nearest Airport:

• Anglesey Airport is the nearest airport, located around 23 miles (roughly 35 minutes by car) from Caernarfon. The primary route would be the A487 and A55.
• The nearest international airport to Caernarfon is Liverpool John Lennon Airport in England.  The drive from Liverpool John Lennon Airport to Caernarfon typically takes around 1 hour and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The route is straightforward, utilizing mainly the M56 and A55 roadways.

Driving Tips:

• Always remember to drive on the left.

• While manual transmission cars dominate in the UK, if you’re not familiar, ensure you hire an automatic.

• The region often sees rain, making roads slick; drive cautiously, especially on unfamiliar roads.

Emergency Number: For emergencies, dial 999 or 112.

Discovering Caernarfon by car allows you to truly embrace the town's charm, history, and the surrounding natural beauty. Stay mindful of local driving customs, and you're set for a memorable Welsh adventure.