Firstly, it’s super atmospheric with creaky floors, wood beams (that are thought to come from old sailing ships!) and stone walls. Secondly, it’s one of the few remaining free houses owned by an independent family business in all of the United Kingdom. Thirdly, it’s just an amazing place to get to know locals and have a good rare welshbit!

How old is the Black Boy Inn?

It’s widely believed that the Black Boy Inn is one of the oldest surviving inns in North Wales with indications that it dates back to 1522.

Caernarfon was a major port-town back then. It’s ideally positioned on the mouth of Menai Strait, defending it from the exposed open water of the Irish Sea. It was also used as a navy base to access the North and West Coasts of Wales, as well as the Anglesey passage.

Needless to say that sailors enjoyed the particularly warm welcome in Caernarfon. The street on which the Black Boy Inn still stands today was called Northgate Street in English. The Welsh version, however, tells a different story; Stryd Pedwar a Chwech essentially translates to “4 and 6 street”. As such, the Black Boy Inn was at the core of the village’s red light district so to speak. Legend has it that for the exact sum of 4 shillings and 6 pence, sailors would get a room, a bottle of gin and a lovely girl to spend the night with.

Today, the pub is a listed Grade II building. That can be explained by the fact that it still retains some original interior details from the 17th century.

Why is it called Black Boy Inn?

There are many theories to explain the name of this historic pub. Mind you, some more frivolous than others, and two that seem a bit more believable.

The first one says that the relates to a navigational buoy that stood in the harbour in the 17th century. The second one refers to King Charles II; his mother coined the nickname “Black Boy” because of the darkness of his skin and eyes. Some records show that the Welsh pub was a secret meeting location for Royalists at the time.

Is the Black Boy Inn a hotel?

Thinking of staying in Caernarfon a bit longer than just a day? You can indeed spend the night at one of the loveliest pubs in Wales. The building consists of two distinct floors: downstairs is the pub and upstairs is a series of 47 guestrooms spread across four buildings.

For the rooms with the most character (think sloping ceilings and original beams), make sure to book in the Black Boy Inn building. There are other cute rooms in other sections, especially if you’re after a medieval-looking four-poster bed! The Black Boy Inn as well as Black Jack’s buildings both have such beds.

The post Black Boy Inn, one of the prettiest pubs in Wales appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Although it’s currently used as a tourist attraction and a museum, it was originally built to be used as a fortress by military forces.

The history of Caernarfon Castle

Located on the outskirts of the coastal town Caernarfon, the impressive Caernarfon Castle sits back from the sea under striking cliff faces. Its history goes back to 1120 when King Henry I ordered a huge Norman castle to be built in order to control the strategic location of this area; in 1283 it changed hands with Edward I who then started extending the stronghold until it became one of most heavily defended in Britain with huge towers and fortifications.

Caernarfon castle is a must-see for any history fan. It’s amazingly well preserved and interesting to explore, especially if you have an interest in medieval architecture, or Welsh culture and history.

Caernarfon Castle is a well-preserved medieval fortress in Gwynedd, Wales. It’s located on the River Seiont, overlooking the town of Caernarfon. It’s been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle was built by Edward I in 1283 after he conquered Wales during the late 13th century. Edward had a strong desire to make an impressive statement about his power and authority over this area so designed the castle with this in mind. It has several towers which are widely considered to be some of the best examples of military architecture in Britain!

If you’re a history buff, then you’ll love Caernarfon Castle. It’s a fascinating spot to visit, especially if you have an interest in medieval architecture, or Welsh culture and history.

The legend of King Arthur at Caernarfon Castle

Rumour has it that King Edward I of England strongly believed in King Arthur. He even went as far as using the legend to strengthen his own claim to the throne at Caernarfon Castle.

In essence, the legend of King Arthur was extremely popular in Wales during the reign of King Edward I of England.

Most locals believed in the prophecy of a messianic king returning from the dead to banish enemies from their land and living in a unified Wales. Edward I leveraged this common belief to his advantage. He shamelessly claimed Wales would indeed live freely and peacefully under English rule. This was further on adopted by all Plantagenet kings until the 15th century.

Royal Family at Caernarfon Castle

Did you know? The castle has a long association with the title of Prince of Wales. The Prince of Wales is, still to this day, the next-in-line to the throne of the United Kingdom. Why? Because Edward I’s first son was born at Caernarfon Castle, making him the very first Prince of Wales.

It was the location in 1911 for the investiture of Prince Edward as the Prince of Wales who would later become King Edward VIII. He is most famously known for being one of the shortest-reigning British monarchs to date. With just 236 days on the throne! King Edward adbicated because of his love for American divorcee Wallis Simpson, who was deemed unsuitable to become queen by the British people.

He later became the Duke of Windsor, as depicted in the Netflix series The Crown.

More recently, the investiture of Prince Charles as the Prince of Wales took place here on July 1, 1969. It was televised around the world and watched by millions. And while William is the new Prince of Wales, there are no plans for an official investiture ceremony any time soon.

Useful Wales travel tips

Where to stay in Caernarfon

I stayed at the stunning traditional pub in the heart of Caernarfon village, 400-year old Black Boy Inn. I recommend dining in the wildly atmospheric, Tudor-looking pub downstairs before heading up to one of the charming rooms with four poster beds.

Welsh language

The Welsh language has its own unique set of sounds. As such, it can be difficult to understand if you’re not used to hearing it spoken regularly—and there are many words in Welsh that don’t have direct translations into English.

But it’s worth learning some basic phrases before your trip. You’ll be able to communicate with locals at least somewhat effectively as soon as you arrive. Or in any case, even just show off your appreciation for one of their most famous exports).

Getting to Caernarfon

The castle is easy to get to, by either road or public transport. There are regular buses from Caernarfon town centre and the railway station which stop nearby.

Caernarfon Castle is a popular tourist destination, so services are frequent and reliable during peak season (April-September). You may want to check timetables if you’re planning on visiting outside these months. If you don’t have a car, there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding area. Visiting Llandudno beach or exploring Penrhyn Slate Quarry are good options!

Visiting Caernarfon Castle

The castle is open year-round with varying schedules, but mostly between 9:30 am and 5 pm. Tickets cost £11.10 per adult and £7.80 for children aged 5-17.

The post Visiting stunning Caernarfon Castle and village in Wales appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.

Who was King Arthur?

Surprisingly enough for someone of such notoriety, very little is known about the heroic Romano-British warrior chief. Aside, of course, from literary inventions and romanticised folklore tales gleaned and slightly embroidered from the Annales Cambriae and the Historia Brittonum. That’s not to say he’s entirely made up; a fearless warrior chief might have very well existed in early medieval Britain.

But the chances that he slew dragons and bloodthirsty giants — much less defeated —  as a hobby are, from a rational standpoint, rather slim.

King Arthur is said to have led the defence of Britain against Saxon invaders in the early 700s. He established an empire over not only Britain but also Norway, Gaul, Iceland and Ireland, aided by his mystic sidekick Merlin, his knights of the round table and his beloved wife Guenievre.

It’s unclear whether he was Welsh or English as neither present-day countries were formally established at the time, but the first-ever references to the character were written in Welsh; and some 1500 odd years later, Arthurian legends are unequivocally stronger in Wales, still.

Mount Snowdon

With its rocky outcrops and inexplicably mystical atmosphere, Mount Snowden is truly a gem. It’s no surprise Wales’ and England’s rooftop, at 1080 metres, is intrinsically associated with Arthurian legends!

The daring warrior reputedly fought and vanquished the mountain’s fearsome resident, a murderous giant named Rhitta. His dearest yet impossibly morbid project was to create a cape out of his enemies — basically anyone bold enough to pay him a visit — beards. Yet only one man was able to slay him: King Arthur. He hurriedly covered the corpse with massive boulders atop the mountain the giant once ruled. Legend says that Arthur’s knights, who unfortunately did not survive the battle, still sleep beneath the surface.

Make your way atop Mount Snowden to tread along the very location of perhaps the most famous Arthurian tale. Hike up the 1080 metres if you’re up to the physical challenge or get to Clogwyn with the historic Snowdon Railway.

Caernarfon Castle

Rumour has it that King Edward I of England strongly believed in King Arthur; he even went as far as using the legend to strengthen his own claim to the throne at Caernarfon Castle. The fortress is built on the ruins of a Norman motte and bailey castle and, even before that, a Roman fort; it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And you would be right to think it looks like it means business, as this was Edward I’s whole point: to make Caernarfon Castle intimidating and pompous in order to scare off enemies.

Did you know? The Prince of Wales is, still to this day, the next-in-line to the throne of the United Kingdom because Edward I’s first son was born at Caernarfon Castle, making him the very first Prince of Wales. This is where investitures take place, including that of HRH Prince Charles.

Dinas Emrys

Dinas Emrys is one of the most significant King Arthur locations in Wales. Why? For the sole reason that this is where the infamous meeting between Vortigern and a young wizard named Merlin took place.

See, the warlord fled to Wales to escape Anglo-Saxon invaders. For months on end, he had his men build a fortress only to find the masonry collapsed the next morning. Vortigern needed a culprit; a boy, whose real name was Myrddin Emrys, was procured but closely escaped death. The warlord had planned to sacrifice the boy in order to be rid the supernatural powers that prevented him from building a much-needed hillfort. However, Merlin’s wit prevailed; he promptly recognised the source of the unrest, claiming it was a hidden underground pool where the White Dragon of the Saxons and the Welsh Red Dragon were engaged in an epic battle.

The red dragon won and is now Wales’ national symbol.

Nant Gwynant Pass

Overlooking Llyn Gwynant 600 feet above, this panoramic point off the A498 deep in the mountains of Snowdonia is one of the most pivotal King Arthur locations in the Legend of the Sword. It truly is a spectacular and very special place! It offers unparalleled views of remarkable Snowdonia landscapes shaped by glaciations thousands of years ago.

Llydaw, Dinas and Ogwen Lakes

Although no one can pretend to know the precise resting place of Excalibur, Arthur’s legendary sword, it’s always been said that it’s hidden somewhere deep in the lakes of Snowdonia.

Lakes Llydaw, Dinas and Ogwen are the most obvious contenders — one of them has got to be the right one! Plus, they’re all quite close to each other. Consequently, it’s very doable to see all of them on the same day and analyse the likeliness of the mystical sword resting at the bottom. The lakes are rather widely featured throughout the movie.

Betws Y Coed

This is where the cast and crew of King Arthur: Legend of the Sword movie stayed during filming.

In addition to being one of the most beautiful villages in Wales, Betws Y Coed is historically rather significant. Firstly, as the main coaching centre between eastern and western Wales. Secondly, as a major stop along the Irish mail route from London. Do not miss the beautiful Pont-y-Pair Bridge and River Llugwy! Betws Y Coed, the gateway to Snowdonia, is a great base for exploring Northern Wales.

Maen Huail, Ruthin

This is a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it kind of Arthurian attraction! But it’s well worth a visit nonetheless, if only for an overnight at the village’s Ruthin Castle. The limestone block that sits right next to Barclays Bank in the town centre is said to be the very stone on which King Arthur beheaded his rival Huail. You see, the young warrior had the fatal idea to raid Arthur’s lands and nick one of his mistresses, resulting in his inevitable death.

Llanberis

The second largest slate quarry in Wales was most recently used to film a scene in the King Arthur: Legend of the Sword movie. The king is seen jumping off a dizzying cliff in the Dinorwic Quarry into the dark waters of the lake below. These are the coordinates.

If you’re an avid scuba diver, know that the lake is so deep that it’s now one of Wales’ top diving centres.

Ullswater

Moving on from Wales to northern England’s Dark Lake, where Arthurian legends are also quite vivid. A cruise on mythical Ullswater Lake aboard a centennial steamer — one of the oldest working passenger vessels in the world. Nearby Dunmallard Hill at Pooley Bridge is believed to be the burial mound of Sir Tristian, one of the Knights of the Round Table.

Additionally, another noble Knight of the Round Table named Sir Eglamore lived at the ancient castle of Baron Lyulph nearby. The boat even has a King Arthur app highlighting the stories and myths in each location.

King Arthur’s Round Table

Turns out that King Arthur’s round table isn’t an actual table with chairs and a pendant light. In reality, it’s a Neolithic earthwork henge dating back 4000 years. It’s believed to be King Arthur’s jousting arena, consisting of a low circular platform surrounded by a wide ditch.

Although the exact purpose of this henge remains unknown, legend supposes that this is where King Arthur met with regional rulers to trade and talk politics.

Carlisle Castle

Welcome to the original Camelot! Or, at least, what is said to be Camelot. Indeed, Carlisle Castle is rumoured to be the location of King Arthur’s headquarters, with both him and his advisor Merlin making great use of the Roman fortifications. Camelot is the place where Arthur and Guenievre were married and lived.

Whether or not you believe in the Arthurian legends doesn’t matter. Carlisle Castle is fascinating in its own right! William Rufus built it in 1092; it later on served as a prison for the infamous Mary, Queen of Scots’. And given the proximity of Carlisle to the Anglo-Scottish border, it’s also the most sieged castle in England.

The post The legend of King Arthur: the most significant locations in Wales and England appeared first on To Europe And Beyond.