After years of planning, Cadw has announced the completion of a three year project at its principal gatehouse at Caernarfon Castle. The King’s Gate, the castle’s main entrance, has transformed into an accessible visitor centre which includes a lift to all upper levels and a new rooftop deck.

The Kings Gate includes:

  • The first ever level access in any similar UK World Heritage site through a lightweight glazed lift to the upper embattlements.
  • Developing imaginative, interactive and immersive experiences.
  • A modern artistic interpretation presenting the history of the castle with a different perspective.
  • An unique snack and light refreshment space within the tower.
  • Significant conservation works to the gate.
  • Educational and event space.
  • Accessible toilet facilities.
  • Increased and improved retail space within the King’s Gate Tower area.
Seating area by a window in a castle.
A glass lift inside a castle.

Caernarfon Castle

© Judith Newton

© Judith Newton

We look forward to welcoming visitors of all abilities to experience this area of the fortress for the first time in centuries, and hope that our new interpretation will provide new ways for visitors to understand the Castle’s story."

Gwilym Hughes, Head of Cadw

Gwilym Hughes continued to add "The hands that built the Castle’ interpretation will encourage visitors to do just that, by focusing on the community and workers of the Castle, whose stories are often footnotes rather than the focus of historical interpretation. This new interpretation will demonstrate the skill and knowledge that went into building the castle that is now a World Heritage Site. It also provides a context that will allow a fuller understanding of a time of intense conflict between the indigenous Welsh princes and the English monarchy."

Caernarfon Castle was built by Edward I in 1283 and the current Prince of Wales’ Investiture was held here in 1969. Today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with Edward I’s other castles in North Wales - Conwy Castle, Harlech Castle and Beaumaris Castle.

Visit our tourist passes and discounts page for information about tickets to Cadw and other attractions in Wales.

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