Caernarfon Castle
caernarfon
Amenities
Summary
UNESCO Edward I castle in Gwynedd, venue of the 1969 Investiture, with polygonal towers.
About this location
Caernarfon Castle is a Cadw-managed UNESCO World Heritage Site castle in north-west Wales, built by Edward I from 1283 as the administrative capital of the new English principality. The castle is notable for its polygonal towers rather than the round towers used at other Edwardian castles, and the striped masonry of its walls. The Eagle Tower and the King’s Gate are among the most impressive surviving medieval structures in Wales. The castle is perhaps best known today as the venue for the Investiture of the Prince of Wales in 1969. Film and documentary productions have used both the castle interiors and the medieval town walls that extend from it.
Access for filming is coordinated through the site manager or relevant heritage body. The site offers strong visual potential for both aerial and ground-level camera work, and location scouts have visited the area for period and fantasy productions requiring authentic British heritage architecture. Production teams should contact the managing authority well in advance of intended shoot dates to ensure permit clearance.
Access notes
- Parking
- On-site parking available — confirm crew-vehicle capacity with the venue.
- Loading access
- Loading access not listed. Confirm access points, door widths, and lift availability with the venue before the day.
- Public transit
- caernarfon has mainline rail and regional bus connections. Check the nearest station and allow for equipment on-foot from transit.
Ask us about this location
Quick question before you enquire upstream? We often know day-rate ranges, permit lead times, or a direct-to-owner shortcut not shown on the source page.
On the map
caernarfon — drag to pan, scroll to zoom.
Access process
Cadw
Cadw is the Welsh Government's heritage body, managing 130+ castles, abbeys and historic sites across Wales.
- Lead time
- 4–6 weeks typical.
- Fees
- Generally lower than National Trust or English Heritage equivalents — day rates often in the £300–£1,500 range, subject to scale.
- Student productions: reduced rate on application.
- Most Cadw sites are open ruins or walled monuments — crew access relatively flexible.
FAQ
- Do I need a permit to film at Caernarfon Castle?
- Yes — filming on or around Caernarfon Castle typically requires a permit. Allow roughly 5–10 working days lead time for most UK councils. Interior shoots on private property may also need owner consent.
- Is parking available at Caernarfon Castle?
- On-site parking is available at Caernarfon Castle. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Caernarfon Castle?
- Caernarfon Castle sits in the ££ band. Typical UK film-location day rates range from under £200 for simple interior shoots to well over £1,000 for period properties and landmark venues. Confirm with the venue directly.
- What crew size is suitable for Caernarfon Castle?
- Caernarfon Castle can accommodate a large crew of 15+ including feature-film unit requirements, trucks, and extras.
- Has anything been filmed at Caernarfon Castle before?
- Caernarfon Castle appears on Filmshoot's UK location index because it has a documented track record or strong characteristics for film and photography. Specific production credits aren't displayed unless publicly confirmed by the venue — ask the venue directly or check ScreenSkills and IMDb Locations for verified credits.
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