Caernarfon Castle's 10 Top Must-Know Facts

 Caernarfon Castle

Caernarfon Castle has become one of Wales' most popular tourist attractions and it's one of UK's most awe-inspiring castles. What makes it so extraordinary? The whole small fishing town of Caernarfon sits within the castle's great stone walls. The castle which lies in front of the castle as though to protect it, is quite large, remarkably restored, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. Here's my list of 10 top must-know facts that make Caernarfon Castle so unique and truly worth visiting.

1.  It's situated in the royal town of Caernarfon

Caernarfon Castle lies in the town bearing the same name in Gwynedd in the northwest of Wales. It was erected on the right bank and close to the mouth of the River Seiont as a great strategic site.

The town itself is situated on the eastern shore of the Manai Strait, which is some 16 miles long extent of water dividing the island Anglesey from Wales' mainland.

2.  A Roman fortress stood near the modern town

A Roman fort called Segontium was erected in 80 A.D. not far from the modern city's walls. The Romans lived in the area and utilized the fortress during their conquest of Britain till they abandoned it in 382 A.D.

The Roman fort's ruins, which remain to this day, can be seen only hundreds of meters to the east of Caernarfon Castle's location.

3.  William the Conqueror constructed the original castle

Following the conquest of England by the Normans in 1066, William l set up many castles across Britain. Robert of Rhuddlan was the first Norman to receive control of the area, however, the Welsh killed him in 1088.

A stronger motte-and-bailey type of castle was erected which enjoyed the defense of a wooden keep as well as defensive walls. Later, the motte became part of today's castle, though none of the original building survives. 

4.  Edward l built the stone castle in 1283

The Norman occupation didn't last long in Gwynedd since the Welsh reconquered the area in 1115, and the castle fell into the Welsh princes' control. But this only lasted as war started with England in 1282, resulting in Edward l capturing the area a year later.

He constructed many castles in Gwynedd to reinforce control and cement his power as their new ruler. The stone castle indeed was one of most stunning castles which were erected at the time.

5.  The castle represented a much bigger building program

To state that Edward l was quite serious, that he meant business, would be a huge understatement. He not only constructed a vast stone castle but also thoroughly fortified the small town of Caernarfon by erecting town walls as well as constructed a quay to guarantee the town can be replenished promptly with supplies via the river. 

Edward l was not a big believer in wasting time, for the construction went into effect as soon after he took over the area. There's a notation that a ditch got dug to divide the castle and the town on the north side.

6.  Both the future English King & Prince of Wales was born here

Caernarfon rapidly grew to be Northern Wales' most important town, which was accentuated by all the men taking turns in protecting the castle 24/7, varying between 20 and 40.

What gave the castle stature was the fact that England's future king, Edward ll, is thought to have been born here in 1284. In addition, he became Prince of Wales in 1301.

The tradition that the monarch's eldest son would become the Prince of Wales still is in effect today. 

7.  A rebellion left both the castle & Caernarfon in ruins in 1294

8.  Edward l invested a lot of money in his castle construction in Wales

The majority of the defenses as well as the town walls were finished in the 1280s. One account claimed it was 1292, but by then, he had already spent $19,558,914 based on today's inflation.   

By the year 1330, when the accounts ended, the money invested had nearly doubled and soared above the costliest castle at that time, Dover Castle.

9.  The castle was never completed

Although a large sum of money was poured into its construction, it never saw total completion. For example, the rears of the 2 central entrance gates were left unfinished.

10.  Its octagonal towers give away its lofty stature

There's little doubt that the castle was intended for greatness from its very beginning: its 12 outstanding, multi-angled towers suggest that it was a castle to rise way above the rest. Moreover, the towers' style is very different to the usual gentler and more rounded feature of the towers common on Edward l's other castles constructed in the same era.

10 Best Tips to Save Money for a Trip to England

7 Top-Rated Must-Do Things in Cape Tribulation

 Cape Tribulation

Although Cape Tribulation is small, you most certainly won't get bored. Cape Tribulation is really a little village among the rainforest and Daintree National Park but is growing in popularity as a destination to stop by during your stay in Caims.

A word of caution: it's not the ideal place to party; yes, here you can relax and achieve a certain amount of peace away from all the usual hustle and bustle of city life. However, that does not mean you have nothing worth doing.

7 top-rated must-do things to do in Cape Tribulation

1.  Ocean Safari

Come out and start exploring the Great Barrier Reef. You'll go to two different snorkelling sites and have the chance to observe incredible marine life very close. Checking out the Great Barrier Reef from Cape Tribulation is highly recommended since it's far less crowded than journeys from the Whitsundays or Cairns. There's nothing wrong with basic tours offered there, but in Cape Tribulation you'll truly feel the calmness in and out of the water.

2.  A Night Stroll

Wildlife here could be rather intriguing. Cape Tribulation is home to species of all types crawly and creepy which not only can be observed rarely in Australia but can't be seen during the day. So you have to become adventurous, cover yourself up warm and grab a flashlight.

You could try taking a night walk through a guided night walk, and for two hours or so you'll explore the rainforest differently, in the dark and on and off the path. Along the way, attempt to catch rainforest frogs, skin-shedding spiders, bugs, and rainforest birdlife. It's a real experience to learn what we happen to share the rainforest with.

3. The Bat House

Only to clarify, The Bat House is a structure you enter to donate and is home to a few flying foxes. So lower your expectation of finding a house filled with many bats. However, knowing this beforehand, you'll realize that while here you are having a rather remarkable little experience. The Flying Foxes here originate from close by Bat hospital for various reasons and are both wonderful and sweet. Sammy, for example, is a 16-month-old flying fox which stinks but this is because it's going through puberty.

You can even shake Sammy by the hand, and it may demonstrate how much it likes itself.

4.  Explore the Dubuji Boardwalk

On account of the tropical rainforest housing several native creatures and plants, they created the Dubuji boardwalk to help reduce the overall impact of visitors in the area. The boardwalk still offers you the opportunity to observe the rainforest quite close and without crushing rare plants or alarming the animals which reside there. You may be very fortunate to see a whole family of snakes actually slithering together. It's a truly fine and must-do walk that won't disappoint. 

5.  Jungle Surfing

This is the other flying fox alternative in Cape Tribulation! Jungle Surfing is a course consisting of 5 zip lines that you get to fall below, all in the Daintree Rainforest. This Cape Tribulation is both an adrenaline-loaded activity and extremely exciting. Shout like a girl, laugh at yourself and turn upside down. Jungle Surfing is really fun and just another creative and cool way for exploring the rainforest.

6.  Eat breakfast on Cape Tribulation Beach

At about 8:30 to 9:00 am the beach lacks other tourists and is thus a wonderful spot to just sit and relax. This beach is exceptionally unique and unlike most beaches you'll experience on Australia's East Coast; that explains why Cape Tribulation is growing increasingly a more popular destination for tourists.

Make time to take a nice stroll along the beach and observe the charming mangroves.

7. Go on a Backpacking Trip

There's simply no better place than for backpackers to have a great experience. Load up your backpack and explore the environment more in depth. The natural wonders you'll come across will reward you continuously. Be sure to bring a couple of water bottles to keep yourself hydrated.

7 Top Money-Saving Tips for Traveling to Australia