The Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon, North Wales, is a centuries-old coaching inn that offers a warm welcome, comfortable rooms and hearty food – as well as being the perfect base for exploring the town and its surrounds
With its exposed beams, crackling hearths and age-old charm, this ancient coaching inn provides the ideal launching pad for discovering one of North Wales’ most captivating towns.
Tracing its roots to 1522 and nestled within Caernarfon’s medieval fortifications, the Black Boy Inn’s very structure breathes history.
Its robust stone construction, wooden features and twisting stairs tell the tale of over five centuries in Caernarfon, formerly a thriving harbour and trading centre.
These days, the establishment serves dual purposes as both accommodation and watering hole, drawing punters equally for its beverages and cuisine as for the opportunity to experience somewhere that marries contemporary conveniences with traditional appeal.
According to Tripadvisor reviews, the Black Boy Inn is hailed as “full of character” and “the best place to stay” in Caernarfon, reports the Express.
Patrons regularly highlight the cordial reception and exceptional team as the venue’s crown jewel.
One guest, who arrived following a lacklustre evening at another establishment, remembered: “As soon as we walked through the door we breathed a huge sigh of relief. We had a wonderful welcome and immediately felt at home.”
The culinary offerings represent another standout feature.
The establishment delivers generous servings of regionally influenced fare, whilst its twin bars boast an remarkable selection of Welsh brews.
Moreover, the ambience has earned acclaim as “friendly” and “welcoming.”
The Black Boy Inn’s prime location is another reason for its enduring popularity. Tucked away within the ancient town walls of Caernarfon, the inn is a stone’s throw from the majestic 13th-century Caernarfon Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site erected by Edward I.
Visitors can wander around its formidable towers, battlements and museums before heading to the harbour or exploring the shops and eateries nestled in the historic streets.
Caernarfon itself is one of Wales’ best-kept secrets. Home to just under 10,000 residents, it sits on the Menai Strait opposite Anglesey, with Eryri (Snowdonia) looming to the east.
The town boasts a high percentage of Welsh speakers – around 87% – and a rich Royal history, having been the site of the 1969 investiture of the Prince of Wales.
As a starting point for adventures, it’s unbeatable. The Welsh Highland Railway departs from Caernarfon, offering steam train trips deep into the mountains.
The Menai Strait offers boat cruise opportunities, while walkers and cyclists can take the Lon Eifion trail for panoramic views across the landscape. Dinas Dinlle beach, with its golden sands, is just a short car journey away.
For those who prefer to stay local, Caernarfon has plenty to offer. Afternoon tea at The Old Courthouse, boutique shopping at Cei Llechi, and seafood dinners by the harbour at the Anglesey Arms all make for unforgettable days out.
At the Black Boy Inn, evenings are best spent by the fire with a pint in hand, soaking up the unique atmosphere that only centuries-old pubs can provide.
One satisfied guest summed up their three-day stay by saying: “It is a beautiful historic building which has been most sympathetically updated… The pub is also a very popular eating place. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and highly recommend.”