Exploring the majestic Caernarfon Castle in Wales

[@t.a.k.palfrey3882]

Once again, my American cousins, you're evoking fond memories of my childhood visits to my school roomie's home in Gwynedd. You failed to mention that the first English Prince of Wales, Edward II is said to have been born here. Of course, King Charles was invested as Prince here in 1969 and the new addition you noted was the place where he was presented to the crowds following his investiture. There's a museum in the tallest tower, Eagles Tower, which is dedicated to that event and to the history of the title Prince of Wales. The great, circular slab of slate at the centre of the Upper Ward is where the Investiture took place. The striped walls you mentioned were designed to replicate the walls of Constantinople, as legend has it that Constantine's mother came from Caernarfon, at that time called Segontium. The remains of this fort are still there and is the site of the westernmost legionary fort in the whole of the Roman Empire. The parish church is actually built on the foundations of the Roman temple to the god of Roman soldiers, Mythras. All these royal connections: iron age fort, Roman fort, Welsh castle, English castle, constituency of British WWI prime minister David Lloyd George, etc, results in Caernarfon being the only town in Wales with the designation of Royal Town.

[@MacandBlair]

So much history! I will pin your comment.

[@Boogledigs]

Many years ago, we visited Harlech Castle. Built close to the beach, it was amazing, even though it was ruined. We went to the gift shop. While we were there, the phone rang. The gentleman kept saying no to the caller over and over. In the end, he got exasperated. " Sir, this is a ruined castle. We do NOT need double glazing! " It makes me smile to this day.

[@MacandBlair]

😌

[@jackieellison4304]

I have been meaning to post, comment and say hi to you all. I love your family - your zest for adventure , knowledge and just plain exploration of the world around you. I am a single black woman grandma who has travelled to England many times over last 20 years. Mostly London and bus tours. But your information shows what’s possible for people of color from the US if you just relax and explore. Thank you , thank you , thank you. Oh and your wife she is a gem and a super star.🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤all God’s blessing to you and yours. Hope to meet one on my London travels. Grandma of 4 Ages 27, 23, 18, 16 Born in Philly Live in Cali ❤ is in London Kind regards to you and your beautiful family Jackie Ellison

[@MacandBlair]

Thank you so much. Your words are heartwarming...

[@pampennyworth]

I’ve said it before. Your style of filming and documenting is done brilliantly. The National Trust would use your footage too. 👍

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks again!

[@davidsweeney4021]

So glad you enjoyed your visit to Wales. My father was English but brought up in Wales and could speak Welsh. Cymru am Byth!

[@josephtaylor7756]

You and the family are doing great work for tourism in the UK! I visited Caernarvon Castle with my parents over 60 years ago. North-west Wales is beautiful, so scenic and soaked in history. May I recommend Porthmadog and the Ffestiniog Railway. Small steam engines, originally used for hauling slate down to the coast. As a little lad, I loved it. Best regards to you and your extended family.

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks for sharing!

[@maxiemills6982]

Mac, I don't have a family like yours but your family makes me smile. Thank you.

[@elynedyoung7206]

I think I’m in love. No one else that I know has visited Caerno

[@wildwine6400]

Love old castles when they aren't in ruin and you get to explore. Helps paint a picture what itd be like at time. Definitely a case of "if these walls could talk"

[@maryhbilling1812]

Wow that is some Castle, Nice video! I. Know everyone enjoyed this.

[@brentwoodbay]

I feel honoured that you took your family from the US to visit my little country. Diolch yn fawr!

[@viper7869]

Loved the video. I look forward to them being released, always a good watch! You have a lovely family! ... ❤

[@MacandBlair]

Thank you so much!

[@ginibelle1416]

This was a cool video, you give so much information, like a pro. The babies are so well behaved and getting so big. I love your family, nice to see you all out together . Love and blessings to you all ♥♥♥

[@MacandBlair]

Thank you so much!

[@seeker1432]

I've never been to this one. Looks amazing. Always fascinating to me to think that people from so long ago touched and saw what you where walking around. Peoples whole lives may have been lived within the passageways and spaces you walked through. Amazing there still here really.

[@isabellevince5174]

Great video! Those lovely babies! How cuddly and gorgeous they are. I really recommended Portmeirion village for a visit. It's amazing!

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks for the tips!

[@G1NZOU]

This was fantastic to watch, my parents are Welsh so school holidays every year were visiting my grandparents and almost always visiting a castle or two, especially Caernarfon or Conwy, I haven't been in over a decade so it was lovely to see the inside again.

[@fmcb269]

After several visits to Caernarfon, I've realised that the best thing about the castle is that it's really close to that wonderful Italian ice cream parlour on the opposite side of the street!

[@angelcoops511]

It’s lovely to see you showing your family around different places in Britain. I like the idea of the chairlift, great idea.

[@bluepeter128]

Wow that lift, is interesting.

[@flyingfox7854]

My wife’s sister and her husband live in New Jersey and have 3 children …. 2 boys and one girl … they are all in their early twenties now, but when they were little kids they used to visit almost every summer with their parents … we used to take them out visiting places of interest but especially castles …. They had a wonderful time exploring Caernarfon Castle … also Conway Castle …. We always ended up in the gift shop 😂 ….

[@MacandBlair]

Good times. 👍🏾

[@Kevin-mx1vi]

So glad you got to visit Caernarfon Castle, it really is a magnificent building. My own kids (2 boys) were "castle mad" when they were young so we visited all the castles in North Wales while on holiday there. I remember them running around the passages in the walls, having a great time & scaring the heck out of the other visitors :) Incidentally, the walls were intentionally built with bands of different coloured stone, mimicking the walls of Constantinople (formerly Byzantium, now Istanbul) to emphasize the king's power, so you were right about them copying Roman buildings.

[@cathyb46]

Looks like you had yr own battlion at the castle 😊

[@MacandBlair]

😊

[@antonycoan9424]

Another great video. I love your laid back but informative style, and your enthusiasm is obvious

[@MacandBlair]

I appreciate that!

[@PearlGourami]

Another magical day for you all. Certainly quite the maze! Just imagine what those walls have seen

[@ticketyboo2456]

I remember going to Caernarfon Castle in the late eighties. It is indeed magnificent, they really wanted to keep us Welsh out😂. That night they held a concert within the walls. They used special fx lights and blasted the music. Core memories for me🙂.

[@meronr74]

My ancestor, Owain Glyndwr, tried and failed a few times to take the castle. He lived in Harlech Castle after taking it from the English. Also worth a visit.

[@MacandBlair]

Such great family legacy.

[@noeonoohno4219]

And does Owain??

[@HyperDaveUK]

This is my favourite castle in the whole of the UK.

[@jacklomas7773]

Thank you once again I enjoyed your day out 😊.

[@MacandBlair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@janebaker966]

That's a VERY impressive fortification. Thanks for such an extensive view of it. Imagine trying to sword fight up those narrow,twisty stairs. This King was one of our particularly martial ones.

[@shaunwild8797]

You are a lucky man to have such a wonderful family. God bless you all.

[@MacandBlair]

You are so kind

[@sandrapaterson8678]

Wow what a beautiful impressive castle and great narration Mac...looked like the family had a fabulous day 😊

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks so much

[@Lemmi99]

When I was a kid I was obsessed with castles, everytime we went on holiday I insisted on visiting a castle, you're never very far from one in this country. I've never been to Caernarfon and would love to go. Unfortunately my wife has mobility issues so I'd have to wander around on my own. I think Wales has more castles than any other country in the world.

[@alexrafe2590]

I visited Caernarfon and Northwest Wales many years ago. It is amazing. I love the beauty of Wales. The town of Conwy, and it’s Conway Castle is not too far away is also well worth visiting. And the Island of Anglesea at the northwest corner of the country is magical. And to top it all Snowdonia National Park is a fantastic place to visit, though it might be a challenge with infants along. You chose a very special place to take your extended family👍🏻

[@1346crecy]

Well done you lot lovely video! Been there a few times ,one time drunk after watching the Rugby in a local pub. It's a quick way to sober up!

[@dingleford1611]

Our choir sang in the castle grounds as part of our tour of North Wales in May 2018. One of the basses sprained their ankle tripping off the investiture mound and an alto broke her foot looking round the castle between performances. Who would have thought choral singing could be so dangerous! So do take care when you visit.

[@MacandBlair]

🤕🤕

[@bobbyboko6317]

Always worth watching , great job 😊

[@MacandBlair]

Thank you so much 😀

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanks for sharing 😊

[@MacandBlair]

My pleasure 😊

[@DavidCalvert-mh9sy]

I've watched you over time, and I can see the change in you and your family. You will always be proud Americans, but you now belong to Great Britain, and to the world. When you go back to were you are from, it will be for visits. I know, I am a Canadian who grew up in America, who now lives in Australia. I have been back to both countries for visits. But Australia is the land and soil to which I belong. You have done the best by your children. They will grow to be complete adults, of whom you will have great pride.

[@timglennon6814]

The exit to these places always bring you out into the souvenir shop. 😁

[@MacandBlair]

So true!

[@Maerahn]

Yaaaay, you did Caernafon castle - what great taste you have! 😀 I took my teenage son there this summer, and he loved it too - got to immerse himself in all his historical knight fantasies. There's a ton of stuff to see, isn't there? I don't think we even did everything it had to offer, and we were there for a good six hours or so. My son did make me laugh when we saw the catapult by the door though - he immediately said "Is that a kid's swing? Looks a bit high!" We then had some fun imagining it being used to catapult kids over the walls - yeah, our sense of humour is a little dark... 😉

[@milliewilkie1969]

last went there in 1969 with my boyfriend we havnt been back since we moved from Liverpool to Cambridge in 1977 but you have inspired us to revisit

[@RollerbazAndCoasterDad]

So many of us watching can remember how it felt to pound up those steps and run the battlements as kids...... and how it feels to lumber up as an adult 😂. Hope you enjoyed it.

[@Jqteadventures1659]

Awesome! Beautiful castle! Thanks for the video glad you enjoyed yaselfs!

[@MacandBlair]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Jqteadventures1659]

@@MacandBlair I honestly love the channel and glad you have made the uk your home and you and your family are a most welcome edition.

[@jjsmallpiece9234]

Harlech Castle about 20miles down the coast is also pretty good to visit. Also a good beach there, to walk along as well, especially in the summer.

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks for the tip.

[@That_one_british_mapper]

I passed the Castle every day yesterday there was sky beams from the castle like a party

[@suesmith9047]

You always seem to have sunny days for your trips 😊

[@MacandBlair]

Me and the sun go way back... 👍🏾🌞

[@archiebald4717]

Amazing!

[@Red-hr4gw]

Bamburgh castle is probably the best. Warwick castle is great for the kids. They can do archery and watch the life size trebuchet fire cannon balls. Madame Tussaud’s owns the interior now but it’s brilliant- expensive but brilliant 😄 hope you all had a great day . Castles are one of my favourite things . Love to all of you

[@susanrichards7291]

Have you ever been to Bamburgh Castle in Northumberland that also is spectacular with great views over the sea

[@MacandBlair]

I will put it on our list...

[@wildwine6400]

That's a great choice to visit! I also recommend a visit to Chirk castle , thats on the Welsh border, and Conwy castle. Theres a trout farm and smokery near Chirk Castle too that smokes fish and sells various smoked foods, really good to go to

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks for the tips!

[@douglasdeans2839]

History all around you in Britain. There are more castles in Wales than anywhere else.

[@RoyCousins]

Great video. It's an impressive building. I haven't been there for many years. BTW: Arrow slit = Loophole.

[@MacandBlair]

Thanks for the info!

[@Biketunerfy]

So it took 47 years to complete that castle and 47 years back in those days was a lifetime so it took a life time to build that castle. When you think about the work carried out from digging the foundations to quarrying the stone and then stone masons having to work each stone by hand and the roar materials having to be processed to make the quick lime mortar all by hand it is a marvel of engineering. Even the insides of the castles were plastered had carpets. Just think about it and imagine how grand that castle looked when it was in use. There was nothing easy done back in those days.

[@KevPage-Witkicker]

You had me at the correct pronunciation of Caenarfon.

[@V.C.S69]

Portmeiron and Zip World next Mac? As usual great video!

[@MacandBlair]

Zip world looks awesome!

[@V.C.S69]

@@MacandBlair …it is! Also do visit Portmeirion.

[@Aliciae411]

Oo I was there last year 😊

[@CarolWoosey-ck2rg]

Ruined by that big wheel next door- whose idea was that? 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@MacandBlair]

One time I didn't want to see a ferris wheel...

[@maxmoore9955]

I'm From Midlands of England bit Further North than you.Derbyshire. But I Love Wales I've been Mountain biking several times .Its Mountain Bike Heaven.

[@BasicBeachCommunity1]

Swansea is amazing also.🌴

[@haveringpish]

That would have been an expensive day.

[@robbrady4649]

Hey Mac, during your visit to Caernarfon did you get the chance to cross the Menai Strait to Anglesey? Some lovely little harbour towns, bays and beaches there.

[@MacandBlair]

We didn't on this trip. Hopefully in the future.

[@ginger3269]

Your elder daughter is losing her American accent! 'It's a dead end that way' made me smile.

[@robertomoi2044]

Most majestic English castle deep in the heart of WALES. Now, there's a contradiction if I ever heard one.

[@cymro6537]

But completely accurate.

[@NTLBagpuss]

You didn't mention the Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum which is housed in the castle, did you get a chance to visit? If you are visiting castle in Wales it is well worth getting CADW membership, it will quickly pay for itself if you are planning on visiting several sites in within the year (particularly if you have a lot of kids as on the family membership all under 18's are included). If you already have English Heritage membership, you can also get discounted or free entry to CADW sites. You mentioned Conway, they are the most intact, but you have Beaumaris over on Anglesey, then Denbigh and Rhuddlan, all still with standing towers right nearby. If you include all the ruins you can visit there are far too many to mention in that region. A personal favourite of mine is Ewloe Castle which unlike most castles doesn't stand on a hill but hidden in a forest in Wepre Park, feels really magical to be walking through a woods then suddenly come across a small castle among the trees.

[@MacandBlair]

All great suggestions! Thanks.

[@peckelhaze6934]

Imagine how dangerous and unpleasant that must have been in winter. Any slip on those stone steps and battlements would probably result in broken bones. Then you are seriously in trouble without modern day medical treatment.

[@MacandBlair]

So true.

[@tonywilkinson6895]

Don’t forget Conwy mate.✌🏼

[@MacandBlair]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6magqSHo511gbc

[@melkin3549]

The privy or the garderobe as its called, was indeed a toilet. The waste products exited the building via a shaft from the seat through the wall and often into the moat if there was one. They hung their clothes in the garderobe in the hope that the amonia in the air would kill fleas in their clothes. Garderobe/wardrobe 😊

[@MacandBlair]

Oh...🤢🤢🤢

[@somthingbrutal]

if you get the chance i think you would like stirling castle in scotland

[@marcl3763]

great ( but sad too)to see people from America enjoying historical buildings and British culture more than most people living in G.B

[@webwobarwla]

My hometown! Lle gora'n y byd

[@noeonoohno4219]

Hey Mac, what does 9B4M stand for?

[@MacandBlair]

LoL it was really confusing... so we changed it. Mac & Blair Family Adventures. What do you think?

[@noeonoohno4219]

@@MacandBlair Oh wow! In fairness there were quite a few times I went to look up your channel but had forgotton how it was spelled or what it was exactly, so this should be easier to find. I did like it because it was "slick" sounding but it also didn't feel very cozy which I think it more your family's vibe. I like it!

[@michaeldoolan7595]

I just hope the prices don't stop you. I am ashamed sometimes of the prices to see British landmarks and buildings. Then you have the price of a drink or something to eat on site. We should be more generous to visitors to our country .

[@maxmoore9955]

Although it's a Welsh icon one must Remember it was built to suppress the Local people who spoke Welsh?

[@MacandBlair]

So true.

[@lindaelizabethjones7875]

Its a welsh castle now not english 😊

[@elynedyoung7206]

C