Black Boy Inn

The Black Boy Inn is one of the oldest inns in Wales, built in 1522 and tucked inside the medieval town walls of Caernarfon, moments from the castle and harbour. Full of beams, character and atmosphere, with a popular bar and restaurant, it is a memorable, dog-friendly place to stay in the heart of this historic royal town at the gateway to Snowdonia and the Llŷn.

A historic inn within Caernarfon’s town walls

There is genuine history here. Dating from 1522, the Black Boy Inn is full of exposed beams, low ceilings and centuries of character. The rooms are spread between the historic inn and adjacent town-wall cottages, each en-suite and full of character, many with exposed beams. There is a traditional bar and a restaurant serving hearty Welsh food, a warm welcome for dogs, and the castle, the Welsh Highland Railway and the Menai Strait all on the doorstep.

Character, food and a great location

With its history, atmosphere and popular bar and restaurant, the Black Boy Inn is as good for a meal and a drink as it is for an atmospheric overnight stay, right in the heart of Caernarfon’s old town.

At a glance

• Built in 1522 — one of the oldest inns in Wales
• Characterful en-suite rooms within the town walls
• Traditional bar and restaurant serving Welsh food
• Dog-friendly; moments from the castle
• Steam railway and harbour close by

Where it is

The Black Boy Inn sits within the medieval town walls of Caernarfon, crowned by its UNESCO World Heritage castle — Edward I’s mightiest fortress — with a walled old town of independent shops, pubs and good food behind it. You can browse more places to stay across the area on our Snowdonia accommodation page.

Things to do nearby

Caernarfon is a wonderful base for north-west Wales. The mighty castle and the harbour are a short stroll from the inn, and the Welsh Highland Railway steams from here into the heart of Snowdonia towards Beddgelert and Porthmadog. The Menai Strait offers boat trips and watersports, the western paths up Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) start a short drive away, and the beaches of Anglesey and the Llŷn Peninsula are also within easy reach.

Who it suits

With its history, atmosphere and on-site bar and restaurant, the Black Boy Inn suits couples, history lovers and anyone who appreciates a characterful, traditional place to stay in the heart of Caernarfon. The dog-friendly welcome and central location make it easy to explore the town and beyond.

Good to know

Being right within the town walls, you can leave the car and explore Caernarfon on foot, with the castle, harbour and railway all close by. The bar and restaurant are popular in their own right, so it has a lively, welcoming atmosphere. Staying somewhere with five centuries of history, within the town walls and moments from the castle, is a real experience, and the dog-friendly welcome means the whole family can come along. You can enquire with the owner using the Contact Host button, or use the Book button on this page for live availability and instant booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the inn? It dates from 1522 — one of the oldest in Wales.

Is there food? Yes — a traditional bar and restaurant serving Welsh dishes.

Are dogs allowed? Yes — the inn is dog-friendly.

Where is it? Within Caernarfon’s medieval town walls, moments from the castle.

What is nearby? Caernarfon Castle, the harbour, the Welsh Highland Railway and the Menai Strait.

The Black Boy Inn is a characterful, historic choice for a stay in Caernarfon. Use the Book button for live availability, or the Contact Host form to enquire with the owner directly.