Page 155 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

DRIVE 14: Through Snowdonia National Park 153

turreted gateway, Caernarfon Castle is
a fine example of late 13th- and early
14th-century military architecture. The
colour-banded masonry was inspired
by Constantinople’s walls. King Edward
wanted the castle to be a royal resi-
dence and seat of government for
north Wales. Its symbolic status was
emphasized when Edward made sure
his son, the first English Prince of
Wales, was born here in 1284. It was
more recently used for the investiture
of the present Prince of Wales in 1969.
On the A4085, on the edge of town,
stands the Roman fort of Segontium
(open daily) dating from AD 77–78.
The large fort was built to control the
approach to Anglesey and see off Irish
seaborne raiders. It was in use until AD
395 and its internal layout is still visible.
ª Leave by A487 to Bangor. Take the Above left Caernarfon Castle, built to recall the
A5 left across Menai Suspension Bridge ceiling and lancet windows. However, walls of Constantinople Above top right A train
(1826). Take the A545 right to Beaumaris. the money ran out before the fortifi- at Llanberis, on the Snowdon Mountain Railway
Park by the pier or opposite the castle. cations had reached full height. Above right Cosy Beau’s Tea Room, in a historic
Seafaring types can take a cruise building close to the castle, Beaumaris
8 Beaumaris to see seals and puffins, or go wreck
Anglesey; LL58 8AP fishing. Book with Starida Sea Services EAT AND DRINK
With medieval, Georgian, Victorian and (01248 810 251; www.starida.co.uk).
Edwardian buildings and a wide range Take the coastal road north to the MOUNT SNOWDON
of shops, Beaumaris is an attractive tranquil tip of Anglesey, to Penmon Caban Cyf inexpensive
town for visitors. See the Church of Priory at the entrance to the Menai Near Llanberis, this restaurant uses
St Mary for the carved tomb of Joan, Straits. Founded in the 6th century, organic produce from its own garden.
Llywelyn the Great’s wife. The main it was destroyed by the Danes in the Yr Hen Ysgol, Brynrefail, LL55 3NR;
01286 685 500; www.caban-cyf.org;
draw here is Beaumaris Castle (open 10th century. The present St Seiriol’s open 9am–4pm daily
daily), a military masterpiece and the church dates from around 1140. Inside
last and largest of Edward I’s Welsh are some beautiful early stone Welsh Snowdon Mountain Railway Station
Café & Caffi y Copa at Hafod Eryri
castles. Built in 1295 with concentric crosses. The well, outside, is believed inexpensive
symmetry and four lines of defence, to to be part of the original 6th-century The café at Hafod Eryri on Snowdon’s
a design by Master James of St George, building, which would make it the summit offers baked savouries from the
it was meant to control the Menai oldest ecclesiastical site in Wales. Village Bakery, while the café at Llanberis
serves all-day brunch, snacks and tea.
Straits and there are great views of ª Leave on B5109, turn right onto the Snowdon Summit/Llanberis,
Snowdonia. The low-lying castle has A5025, turning right for Moelfre. Drive LL55 4TY; 01286 870 223;
16 towers and a chapel with a vaulted on to the seafront car park. www.snowdonrailway.co.uk
Heights Bar and Grill moderate
This traditional restaurant serves up
burgers, jacket potatoes, baguettes
and more substantial offerings.
74 High Street, Llanberis, LL55 4HB;
01286 238 235; www.castell-
caernarfon.co.uk
BEAUMARIS
Beau’s Tea Room inexpensive
This is the place to fill up on tea and
fresh bara brith served on antique
bone china. In a cosy 400-year-old
building, the café also sells hot meals.
30 Castle Street, LL58 8AP; 01248
811 010
Left Beaumaris Castle, the largest of
Edward I’s Welsh fortifications
Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under £25; moderate, £25–£50; expensive, over £50

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