After our visit to the Lake District, we headed to Wales where we stopped briefly in Conwy for a quick bite to eat - unfortunately I forgot my notebook on the coach, so I was not able to record what eatery we went to. It's not a place you would want to go to anyway readers, as the staff was quite rude. Anywho, we got the chance to check out the castle walls around the city, and I picked up a small souvenir flag before we headed out.
Cedric and I at Conwy Castle
After Conwy we headed to Caernarfon which was a GREAT town. We went straight to the castle for a tour and it was really cool! For those of you who don't know, Caernarfon is where the Prince of Wales (aka, the next King of England) has his coronation - they have the special throne and everything there on display. Prince Charles was the last one to be crowned but it won't be too much longer before Prince William gets the title! So, why is the future King of England called the Prince of Wales? Legend goes that, after he led a particularly nasty invasion into Wales, King Edward I of England promised the Welsh people that he would name "a prince born in Wales, who did not speak a word of English". Well, he did keep his word but good ol' Edward was quite the trickster - he named is his son, Edward II, Prince of Wales after his son was born. Edward II was in fact born in Caernarfon and did not speak a word of English, but he also went on to be one of the most embarrassing rulers in history. After his wife betrayed him, he was imprisoned at Kenilworth Castle (look for a later blog post about that!) and eventually he was executed - reportedly by having a fire poker shoved up his bum. Regardless of how Edward II ended up, however, that is why the future King of England is first dubbed the Prince of Wales.
Caernarfon Castle - that grey circle in the ground is where the Prince of Wales is dubbed!
Cedric and I on the wall of Caernarfon Castle
Inside a cannon at Caernarfon Castle - WATCH OUT!
After the tour of the castle, we also did a brief walking tour of the city. I really wish that we were able to spend more time there, but by the time the tour was done it was already getting dark and we had to return to our bed and breakfast. We stayed at a fabulous B&B in Caernarfon! The rooms were nice, the proprietors were very friendly, and the food was fabulous! Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of the place, however I do have it written down somewhere, so be sure to check back later for updates (hopefully it will be updated by the end of the summer). We had a fabulous view though!
This is the view from the B&B - the photo doesn't do it justice, the sea was RIGHT THERE and we had a great view!
The very next morning we packed up and headed out to go back to England, but on our way we went through Snowdonia National Park, which was GORGEOUS!
Mountains in Snowdonia National Park
And then we also stopped at Swallow Falls, which was worth the stop, but the stairs down there were VERY slippery!
Swallow Falls
Swallow Falls
I'm sorry that I don't have information on where to stay or where to eat, but hopefully I will be able to update that information soon. As far as what to see in Wales, I recommend taking it all in! Conwy was lovely to visit, Caernarfon was fascinating and fantastic, and Snowdonia National Park was absolutely breathtaking! I certainly hope to return again one day soon!
Happy travels!
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