Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay
Caernarfon · LL55
Amenities
Summary
A medieval walled town at the foot of the Menai Strait — the 13th-century town walls running intact around the Welsh-speaking old town, with the Slate Quay and a working harbour below the castle.
About this location
Caernarfon is a walled medieval town in north Wales on the south bank of the Menai Strait at the point where the Seiont river meets the strait. The town walls — built by Edward I as part of the Edwardian castle and town complex from 1283 — are almost completely intact, forming a circuit of around 800 metres with towers and gates. The interior of the walled town is a dense network of narrow streets, Georgian and Victorian commercial buildings, and an active Welsh-language community.
Below the castle, the Slate Quay (Y Maes and the Victoria Dock area) was the point of export for Snowdonian slate through the 19th century. The quayside and dock area retains some of the original port infrastructure and gives views across the Menai Strait to Anglesey. The castle (World Heritage Site, managed by Cadw) is adjacent to the town but separately managed.
For productions, the walled town gives a complete medieval town plan with Georgian infill — rare in Britain. The Welsh-language street signage and community character gives a specific Welsh identity that is difficult to substitute elsewhere. Gwynedd Council handles filming permits for public areas.
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 Town Walls and Slate Quay?
- Yes — filming on or around Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay 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 Town Walls and Slate Quay?
- On-site parking is available at Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay. Capacity varies — confirm crew-vehicle numbers with the venue before the day.
- How much does it cost to film at Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay?
- Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay 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 Town Walls and Slate Quay?
- Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay can take a medium-sized crew of up to around 15 — most commercial, music-video, and short-form productions fit comfortably.
- Has anything been filmed at Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay before?
- Caernarfon Town Walls and Slate Quay 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.
Own this property? Request delisting or claim this listing.