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The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
How Edinburgh became Scottish capital truly fit for a king
Fittingly I am concluding with our capital city, telling the story of Edinburgh in ancient times, ie before 1800, ending with the Jacobite Rising of 1745-46 and the greatest missed opportunity in Scottish history. Last week I showed how Edinburgh began to develop from a small settlement through the trinity of a fortification, religious institutions and royal patronage, as happened with all our eight cities. READ MORE: This is how the grandeur of Edinburgh began with a rock Despite the fact that much of Scotland's ancient records were stolen and destroyed by various English invaders from Edward I to Oliver Cromwell, archaeologists and historians have been able to put together a record of Edinburgh's history from the earliest times. There are gaps in our knowledge, for sure, but we do have a fairly coherent history of Edinburgh, especially as the second millennium wore on and the city became the nation's capital. Before that status was achieved, however, in the 12th and 13th centuries the castle and Holyrood Abbey were the principal drivers of the growing economic prowess of Edinburgh, but it was other foundations under the royal patronage of King David I, King William I the Lion (or Lyon), and their successors which really boosted Edinburgh. As I wrote last week, in 1143 David had given the Augustinian monks at Holyrood the right to found a burgh, the Canongate, between their church and 'my burgh', ie Edinburgh, and it is thought that he also began the long process of developing Edinburgh as a centre of mercantile trade, particularly through the establishment of 'tofts' – strips of land to either side of the High Street and Canongate allocated to merchants as long as they built a house and conducted their business in the burgh. King David is also said to have founded the parish church of Edinburgh dedicated to St Giles, but no trace of that original church remains today. The current St Giles Cathedral building was started in the 14th century. King Alexander II also favoured Edinburgh and often stayed in the castle and Holyrood Abbey. In 1230 he handed over a manor which he owned to the Dominican order, the Blackfriars. They erected a large monastery in the area south of the High Street and as with all such institutions, it added greatly to the local economy. So, too, did the monastery of the Franciscans, the Greyfriars, which was established two centuries afterwards on the site of Greyfriars Kirk. By the final years of the 13th century, Edinburgh had grown in importance, but was still not the capital, though it had been made the seat of the sheriffdom of the Lothians more than a century before. When Edward I ('Longshanks') carried out his devastating invasion of Scotland in 1296 in response to the Scots signing the Auld Alliance treaty with France, the castle was an obvious target and just days after vanquishing the Scottish army at Dunbar, his forces marched on Edinburgh and besieged the burgh and castle for five days, using mighty siege engines and 'Greek fire' – a deadly incendiary substance – to break Scottish resistance. It was the first of 26 sieges, a European record for any castle. Longshanks became the first English monarch to capture Edinburgh Castle and he promptly stole one of Scotland's greatest treasures, the Black Rood of St Margaret, from either the castle or Holyrood. Supposedly a relic of the true cross on which Jesus Christ was crucified, it was ranked alongside the crown of Scotland in importance and its capture was a devastating blow to Edinburgh and Scotland. It was taken south – Longshanks is said to have kept it in his own private chapel – but was repatriated in 1328 as a consequence of the Treaty of Edinburgh-Northampton which recognised Scottish nationhood. The Rood was captured again by the English at the battle of Neville's Cross in 1346. It was then lost in Durham during the Reformation in the 16th century. Always one for documenting his misdeeds, The official English Court record stated that Edward took, 'Unum scrinium argenteum deauratum in quo reponitur crux que vocatur le blake rode', which translates as 'A silver-gilt casket in which lies the cross called the Black Rood'. The English also took other items of regalia and a huge cache of royal records which were never recovered. READ MORE: Becoming a royal burgh was a huge development in Glasgow's history As he did with several other castles, Edward installed a garrison in Edinburgh Castle. With an average garrison size of 300 soldiers, the English occupied the castle until 1313 when Robert the Bruce's great ally and general Sir Thomas Randolph captured the castle in a daring night raid. He led just 30 men up the cliffs and over the walls to take the castle from within. Today there is a plaque on the castle to record the deed. It states: 'To commemorate Thomas Randolph, Earl of Moray. A distinguished soldier and diplomatist who recovered this castle in 1313 after it had been for 20 years in the hands of the English.' As I have shown previously, King Robert the Bruce always demolished recaptured castles in order to deny any future use to the English and Edinburgh Castle suffered the same fate. He did, however, make a huge contribution to Edinburgh – However, shortly before his death in 1329, he confirmed Edinburgh's status as a royal burgh and gave its leaders major trading advantages, including supervision of the port of Leith. The next English king to capture the castle was Longshanks's grandson, Edward III, who backed the attempted coup d'etat by Edward Balliol in 1334. Another English garrison was installed and Edward III paid for new castle walls, but that great warrior knight, Sir William Douglas of Liddesdale, recaptured it in 1341. The city's relationship with the garrison was shown by the fact that after Douglas disguised his men as merchants, they opened the castle to allow the Edinburgh citizenry inside, where they slaughtered the English, decapitating most of them and flinging their bodies over the walls. On his return after 11 years' imprisonment in England, King David II rebuilt the castle entirely, with David's Tower later being named after him. He died there in the royal apartments in 1371. He was succeeded by his uncle, Robert II, High Steward of Scotland and founder of the Stewart dynasty under which Edinburgh flourished and did become the capital. All this time the burghs of Edinburgh and Canongate were developing and North and South Leith also grew, with the former becoming an important port after the 1334 capture of Berwick by the English. Leith became famous for exporting wool and hides and importing Scotland's 'other national drink' of the period: claret wine from France. Edinburgh and almost all of Scotland suffered grievously when the Black Death arrived in 1349. Perhaps a third of the burgh's population died, and plague would recur on numerous occasions until the 17th century. In February 1356, the invasion of southern Scotland by Edward III of England saw much of Edinburgh razed to the ground in what became known as the Burnt Candlemas. A further invasion by the English under the teenage King Richard II in 1385 saw the town burned again. It would take many years for Edinburgh's population and economy to recover from both plague and fire, though the burgh expanded in area when the lands of Restalrig were bought from the Logan family. After the assassination of James I at Perth in 1437, the Stewart dynasty made Edinburgh Castle their principal fortress and residence. Just a year later the first meeting of the Estates of Parliament took place in the Old Tolbooth, administrative centre of the burgh. James II loved artillery and imported the giant cannon Mons Meg from the Continent – it stands in the castle to this day, despite having burst in 1681. Then James III formally decreed that Edinburgh was his capital, and during his reign the burgh's guilds, also known as crafts, began to form with the king giving them their famous banner, the Blue Blanket, in 1482. His successor James IV built Holyrood Palace as his main residence and also constructed the Great Hall at the castle that still stands much as it was. Edinburgh became a recognised European capital during his reign, which ended at Flodden Field in 1513. After that disaster, the people of Edinburgh hurriedly built the Flodden Wall in anticipation of an English invasion. READ MORE: Glasgow 850? It is one of the most ancient areas of Scotland In the meantime, the crafts and merchants were thriving – as were lawyers, the Court of Session being founded as the principal court of the land in 1532. In 1544, the forces of Henry VIII led by the Earl of Hertford burned down Holyrood Palace and Abbey and laid siege to the castle during the 'Rough Wooing' in which the English were trying to force a dynastic marriage on the infant Mary, Queen of Scots. She escaped to France, however, and married the Dauphin, the Crown Prince of France. While she was abroad, the Protestant Reformation took place. John Knox was appointed minister of St Giles in 1559, a major step towards the Reformation that was confirmed by the Scottish Parliament in 1560. After her first husband's death, Mary returned to Edinburgh in 1561 and the young Catholic queen frequently debated religious and political matters with Knox while living in the Palace of Holyroodhouse. After the murder of her secretary David Rizzio by nobles linked to her consort, Henry Darnley, the pregnant queen moved to the castle for safety Here she gave birth to her son James on June 19, 1566. Edinburgh was thus at the beginning of the Union, as James VI became James I of England in 1603, after which his royal court moved to London. While still in Edinburgh, James VI approved the town council's request to establish a university, Scotland's fourth, in 1582, and even after his move to London he still considered Edinburgh as his Scottish capital and had the palace restored for his sole visit home in 1617. Parliament House was constructed during the 1630s at a time when Edinburgh was truly prosperous, with the university leading the study of medicine which became a world-leading facet of Edinburgh. Merchants became responsible for the building of stone tenements on either side of the High Street, creating the Old Town we can still see today. Brewing, printing, and the manufacture of clothing goods were strengths of Edinburgh. The New Model Army of Oliver Cromwell occupied the town and castle following his invasion of Scotland in 1650, and again Holyrood Abbey and Palace were the objects of English ire. The Parliament barely survived Scottish anger over the Act of Union in 1701, and in common with other cities, the townspeople rioted in a vain bid to preserve Scotland's independence. After the astonishing victory of the Jacobites at Prestonpans in 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart based himself at Holyrood and 'cancelled' the Union. If only he had taken the advice to stay in Scotland and consolidate his rule here – but he didn't, a huge opportunity was missed, and the result was Culloden. Still to come was the Enlightenment and the Industrial Revolution, even the sport of golf – it was in Edinburgh, not St Andrews, that its rules were first promulgated. That will be a story for a different time and different place, however, for today I am retiring from journalism for the foreseeable future, largely on health grounds as I will be undergoing heart surgery soon. It's the end of 10 years working for The National and Sunday National, and as Hamish MacPherson I have been given the fantastic privilege of telling the history of Scotland – a unique achievement by The National which no other Scottish newspaper can rival. If you've enjoyed my work and found it informative then I've been Martin Hannan, and if not then I've been the other fella… Saor Alba, farewell.
Daily Mail
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Will Young makes the shock discovery he's related to King Edward I as he breaks down in tears over his late grandfather
Will Young has revealed that he's a distant relative of British royalty. The Pop Idol star, 46, was left stunned by the discovery, which features in an upcoming episode of Who Do You Think You Are?. In the episode, Will learns that Edward I is his 20 times great grandfather, with the monarch ruling from 1272 to 1307. After discovering the royal link, Will says: 'No? Edward the First! No? You are joking? You have made it up. That's unbelievable. This is just amazing. 'I cannot believe it. It is wonderful. Being related to a king, will it change my behaviour? I mean the short answer is Yes. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'What you are beholding is essentially a future despot. You see Mr Nice Guy. Now get ready for Mr Nasty.' The royal link is revealed at the very end of the episode, which sees Will learn about his 18 times great grandfather was Hugh Le Despenser, considered one of the most prominent political figures of the 14th Century. Hugh and his wife Eleanor de Clare were nobles during Edward II's reign, with the latters mother being Joan of Acre, The Countess of Hertford and Gloucester. Joan's parents were King Edward I and his first wife Eleanor of Castile, making Eleanor de Clare the granddaughter of King Edward I. Hugh became a key political figure in the King's Court, and in 1318 he was appointed the King's Chamberlain, becoming known for his evil and greedy reputation. After England was invaded in 1326, Hugh was captured and beheaded. Will said: 'I don't think he deserves it from me but I might offer up an apology to the people that he harmed. 'So I have an 18 times great grandfather and I didn't know I was related to him and he is so well known in late medieval history as being an evil person. 'He changed the shape and direction of the country during his time. I suppose that counts for something. At least he made his mark. 'I have learned about a man who has done horrific things in his life yet through his wife's connections in her family, they are kind of erasing history in a way like.. yeah it's alright you can still have a tomb. It is almost propaganda isn't it?' During the episode, Will also learns about his more recent family history, including his late grandfather. Digby Young became a prisoner of war during the Second World War, but knew little else about his life as he passed away before Will was born. Will discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, in Poland. After the war ended, the British servicement marched through the winter, with Digby using 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' to amputate a Nazi soldier's leg when they developed frostbite, according to a fellow Prison of War's account. Will breaks down in tears as he reflected on his grandfather's life, saying: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' 'An extraordinary man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father.' 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Will went onto reveal that he has had a tattoo of plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. It comes after Will revealed he is 'enjoying dating again' and has 'rediscovered his libido' during an intimate chat on Jamie Laing's Great Company Podcast. The Pop Idol star who came out as gay publicly in 2002 age 23 at the time, said he was always afraid of falling in love again, in case he got his heart broken. But the hitmaker has now shared he is 'met someone really nice' and is having fun 'opening his heart' up again. Will - who just released his ninth album Light It Up - said: 'I am dating someone quite nice at the moment, which, by the way, is quite a new experience for me because I have a very closed heart in relationships. 'So, [relationships] have not been a pleasure for me at all.' 'Are you a sexual person?', Jamie asked. Will replied: 'Oh I love sex, I have rediscovered it again. I had a bit of a drought but we all do. The libido is back!' The singer also admitted he is 'dreadful' in relationships because of past heartbreak that has caused him to shut off. He said: 'Give me something to be successful at and I'll knock it out of the park but relationships are my kryptonite because my heart has been closed. 'I think my heart is opening, which is quite a new experience for me… which is nice at age 45. I am enjoying dating for the first time.' Will also shared that being alone has helped him find happiness within himself, rather than staying in a 'lonely' relationship. He added: 'The real thing is, you've got to be happy with yourself and that has taken me a long time. 'There's nothing more lonely than being in the wrong relationship. That is the loneliest place in the world.'
Daily Mirror
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Will Young gets new tattoo after startling discovery about his grandfather
After finding out his royal relation, former Pop Idol winner Will Young, 46, cried: "You are joking? You have made it up. That's unbelievable. This is just amazing. I cannot believe it. It is wonderful" Will Young has traced his family tree back to the 14th century and discovered he has a distant relative in the royal family. The former Pop Idol winner discovers Edward I is his 20 times great grandfather on BBC 's Who Do You Think You Are? The 14 century royal ruled from 1272 to 1307. King Edward I had a granddaughter Eleanor de Clare who was married to the Hugh Le Despenser whose story features more heavily in the show. After finding out his royal relation, Will, 46, says: 'No? Edward the First! No? You are joking? You have made it up. That's unbelievable. This is just amazing. I cannot believe it. It is wonderful. 'Being related to a king, will it change my behaviour? I mean the short answer is Yes. 'What you are beholding is essentially a future despot. You see Mr Nice Guy. Now get ready for Mr Nasty.' The revelation comes at the end of the episode after Will has been learning about his 18 times great grandfather was someone called Hugh Le Despenser. He is regarded as one of the most important but controversial political figures of the 14 th century. Hugh and wife Eleanor de Clare were nobles during Edward II's reign. Eleanor's mum was Joan of Acre, The Countess of Hertford and Gloucester. And her parents were King Edward I and his first wife Eleanor of Castile. This makes Eleanor de Clare the granddaughter of King Edward I. Hugh was a key player and manipulator using nefarious means at the king's court. In 1318 he was appointed the King's Chamberlain and became known as someone who was evil and greedy. No one could approach the king without his say-so. Many thought he controlled Edward as he 'had his ear' and exploited the power he had been given and usually he made visitors give him large gifts to gain access to the royal. Although everyone else hated Hugh, the king loved him and called him 'a favourite'. After England was invaded in 1326 Hugh ended up being captured and beheaded. Will said: 'I don't think he deserves it from me but I might offer up an apology to the people that he harmed. So I have an 18 times great grandfather and I didn't know I was related to him and he is so well known in late medieval history as being an evil person. 'He changed the shape and direction of the country during his time. I suppose that counts for something. At least he made his mark. I have learned about a man who has done horrific things in his life yet through his wife's connections in her family, they are kind of erasing history in a way like.. yeah it's alright you can still have a tomb. It is almost propaganda isn't it?' Will also learns more about some family members from much more recent times and is especially proud of his grandfather. He knew that Digby Young was a prisoner of war during the Second World War, after moving from Australia, but did not know many details of his life before taking part as he died before Will was born. Digby joined the RAF full time aged 23 and took part in World War Two. Young discovers that Digby, a bomber pilot, was hit by fire and suffered engine failure, survived and was taken as a prisoner to the Luftwaffe-run camp, Stalag Luft III, in German-occupied Poland. As the war ended, the British servicemen were marched in winter, and when a Nazi guard got frostbite, Digby used 'alcohol and a few kitchen knives' for an amputation, according to a fellow PoW's account. Young said his grandfather saving the life of his captor, makes him a 'very remarkable man', adding: 'There is a sadness that comes with it, is that I think he was perceived as a bit of a loser after the war, by some of the family, this is the proper telling of a really decent man.' 'An extraordinary man, I don't think has passed down to me through my father, and hasn't for my father,' he also said, breaking down. 'So this means so much to me and my dad, sorry, I feel quite emotional about it.' Young also said he feels 'like (family) history has been a bit unkind to him, so it's nice that history is being kind'. His grandfather escaped because the Russian head of a camp 'liked his liquor', and was bribed with a Rolex watch, and Digby was able to take off with a friend on a bike to where the American soldiers were. After the war, he was a Squadron Leader flying jets, which Young says 'makes me really happy, because I think he really did find his vocation'. 'It's completely not how I saw him at all,' he added. 'I didn't know he went on to do any of this.' 'Now I feel like I've got another grandfather,' he added. 'I didn't feel like I had a right, really, to claim another grandfather, because I didn't know him. 'All he was was a picture and an early death, of which it was potentially quite sad circumstances. And now the picture and the death is not even part of his story.' Later he shared that he got a tattoo of a plane and Digby's squadron number to remember him. He says: 'I have tattoos all over my body and a lot of them are related to family members and I wanted to get a tattoo for Digby so I got his plane and his squadron number. What's lovely is that it is next to my first tattoo I ever had.. the first tattoo I ever had… the Young motto 'Sans Peur' which means without fear and I think Digby certainly showed no fear. So thank you so much.' Summing up his experience, Will said: 'I am not joking but this experience has been one of the most eye opening and fulfillingm and soul nourishing experiences I have ever had. I didn't expect it. My 20 times great grandfather was Edward I. That's just bonkers. And then we move to the man, the myth, the legend, the horror that is Hugh Le Dispenser who is just an absolute monster of a man. And then my grandfather was an amazing and emotional man. He was such a dude and that's a real gift.' Young has scored four UK number one singles and four UK number one albums since winning Pop Idol during its inaugural series in 2002.
The Irish Sun
26-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
From Go Ape to Henry VIII: A relaxing stay at England's famous ‘Castle of Queens'
FROM calm terrace views over the lake to manic Go Ape adventures, the Lakeside Lodges at Leeds Castle are ideal for all ages with different ideas of fun. Leeds Castle is best-known as the UK's 'castle of queens', thanks to its connections to six medieval queens. 2 The cosy rooms have lake-side views The property was first built in 1119, but was subsequently used by King Edward I to house his Queen, Eleanor of Castile, and Henry VIII also turned the castle into a home for his first wife, Catherine Of Aragon. Where is the resort? The estate is seven miles east of Maidstone in Kent. Hop off at Junction 8 of the M20. Being only an hour from London it is perfect for a quick staycation for you Londoners. Travelling by train from the North may be tricky, but Southeastern trains run into Hollingbourne or Bearsted stations with an extra 5-minute taxi ride. What is it like? Introduced last year, the Grade I-listed Castle has four luxury lodges built on the lake's edge surrounded by 500-acre grounds where guests can roam around after hours. Right next to the tranquil Great Water Lake, you can relax in your cabin or from your private deck. What are the rooms like? No expense has been spared with the décor, comfy beds, and quirky outdoor bath. But the highlight was the huge sliding glass doors which opened onto a paradise for bird-lovers. Most read in News Travel The lodges are from £245 per night – rather pricey but great for all the extra adventures offered – for two adults, B&B. What is there to eat and drink there? Hearty food such as roast chicken and beef bourguignon is offered at the You are not limited as there are also great pubs in the surrounding area. What else is there to do at there? The list is endless. You will get free entry to the castle which is worth the visit to see the grand rooms or if sport is more your style, enjoy a round of There is a Go Ape high ropes adventure course for both children and adults, a huge playground, and adventure golf, plus a large maze. Time your visit right, and you could see seasonal attractions – fireworks night or the Christmas lights. Is Lakeside Lodges family-friendly? All lodges are adult-only, but the Leeds Castle has two B&B family-friendly rooms. There are lots of activities available at the castle that are great for children. Read more on the Irish Sun Is there access for guests with disabilities? Yes, in the Castle and grounds, but call the lodges for specific room requirements. Looking for a place to stay? For more hotel inspiration click here. 2 The Great Water Lake in front of the lodges
Wales Online
21-05-2025
- Wales Online
Wales' 'happiest town' has our most famous castle, exciting foodie scene and a pub with the best beer garden
Wales' 'happiest town' has our most famous castle, exciting foodie scene and a pub with the best beer garden Almost 56 years on, the town of Caernarfon has grown far bigger than the legacy of Prince Charles' investiture or even the castle itself, it is known for its plethora of independent shops, bars and restaurants, and its close-knit community Caernarfon has been crowned one of the happiest places to live in the UK (Image: NWP Gwynedd North ) Caernarfon. The only town in Wales where you'll be greeted by a swear word as a term of endearment, where the mountains meet the sea, where a royal history meets a proud, Welsh-speaking way of life. This Gwynedd town was recently named as one of the "happiest" places in the UK by The Guardian, coming in third after Evesham in Worcestershire in second place and Berwick-upon-Tweed in Northumberland in first place. For some, the first thing they think about when it comes to Caernarfon is its castle. Built between 1283 and 1330, the castle was "born out of bitter war with Welsh princes", according to CADW. The fortress-palace on the banks of Afon Seiont, was designed to withstand assault and cost a staggering £25,000 to be completed. It is grouped with Edward I's other castles at Conwy, Beaumaris and Harlech as a World Heritage Site and today is regarded as one of the greatest buildings of the Middle Ages in the world. Edward I's son was followed by 19 princes under English crown rule until it reached Prince Charles who had his investiture at Caernarfon Castle in July 1969. But the event divided a nation that was seeing a rising sense of discontent after the drowning of Capel Celyn and the declining of the Welsh language. Article continues below The castle may have put the town on the map, but Caernarfon has developed into something bigger than its royal history (Image: Daily Post (Wales) ) On the day in 1969, the weather was overcast, with grey clouds looming over the ceremony in Caernarfon Castle. A stage set in the centre of the grounds was surrounded by around 2,500 personnel from the three Armed Forces and some 4,000 guests, around 3,500 of which were people who lived and worked in Wales. The investiture itself went off without a hitch, leaving Charles as the then Prince of Wales. But it was the events surrounding the day that created controversy, with some taking to direct action in protest at the ceremony. Two hours before the event was due to begin, two men set out to plant a bomb near a railway line near Abergele, the same track which was carrying the young prince to the ceremony. Prince Charles with the Queen and Prince Phillip at his investiture as the Prince of Wales These two men, Alwyn Jones, 22, and George Taylor, 37, were described as members of extremist group Mudiad Amddiffyn Cymru (MAC), with claims they had also bombed a country club near Caernarfon. This attack did not succeed though, as the bomb went of prematurely, killing both, after which they were dubbed the "Abergele Martyrs". This incident almost led then Prime Minister Harold Wilson to cancel the investiture at Caernarfon Castle. Almost 56 years on, the town of Caernarfon has grown far bigger than the legacy of the investiture or even the castle itself. The town is known for its independent shops, good pubs and bars, trendy restaurants, quaint streets, and more importantly, the close-knit community as its beating heart. Here in Caernarfon, you could easily spend the day just mooching around its shops and cafes as there's plenty to choose from. Its High Street is home to a popular women's clothes shop, Mirsi, which has all the latest trends and stylish attire. Nearby, you'll find Palace Street or Stryd y Plas as it is known in Welsh, which is brimming with all kinds of shops and cafes. Stryd y Plas or Palace Street in Caernarfon (Image: Daily Post Wales ) For quirky or nostalgic antiques head over to Siop Manon, or for a special gift for a special someone you can head over to Lotti & Wren, Siop Iard Caernarfon, Tin of Sea or Siop Siafins. Go to Palas Print for your books or vinyl records and a sweet or savoury pancake at Scoops, where you can also get some delicious ice cream. Head over to Y Wal for a proper fry-up breakfast, pizza at Tan Woodfired Pizza, scone and jam at Caffi Betty's or the traditional favourite cakes at The Bakehouse. Towards the end of the road you'll find the castle and its square or Y Maes as it's more commonly known. Here you'll find the aptly named Caffi Maes, a great place to have a cup of tea and watch the day go by, and behind this cafe, you will find the smallest bar in Wales - Bar Bach. Y Maes, right at the centre of town, near Caernarfon Castle (Image: Ian Cooper/North Wales Live ) When the sun's out, grab a pint from here and head over the road to sit on the mount of grass under the castle walls. Back on Y Maes, more towards Castle Ditch, you'll find Bonta Deli - a favourite amongst the locals and visitors alike. This delicatessen arguably sells the best scotch eggs, pork pies and sandwiches in the area. Down by the quays, there's Cei Llechi opened a few years back as an ambitious regeneration project. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . Once a cluster of derelict buildings behind the Harbour Office, Cei Llechi has been transformed into workspaces for local artisan and craft manufacturers. A trip to Caernarfon for here alone is worth taking. Go to La Marina if you're looking for small plates dining, Melys for a lovely lunch and the best cheesecakes in north Wales, and Crefft Arian to buy handcrafted, unique jewellery. Now we couldn't discuss Caernarfon without discussing the town's restaurant and pub scene. By far, it has the most exciting and lively nightlife in the county, a place worth going during its food festival - Gwyl Fwyd Caernarfon, just for its atmosphere alone, for any hen do or stag do, bank holiday weekend or Boxing Day outing. There's nothing quite like. As mentioned, La Marina is a good place for small plates, but if you are looking for fine dining, pop over to Sheeps and Leeks on Eastgate Street. While this restaurant may be small, it is big in character and has rightfully made it onto the Michelin guide. It prides itself on using locally sourced ingredients and "imaginative dishes" which uses classic techniques and subtle global flavours. For a seven course tasting menu, it will cost you £99.50. For a pint with a hearty meal, especially for a pub classic dish, head over to the Black Boy Inn. Built in 1522, The Black Boy Inn is the oldest pub in Caernarfon (Image: WalesOnline ) This pub is centuries old and is more popular than ever. You can read our review here. Elsewhere, Osteria is the perfect place to try authentic Tuscan cuisine, Caernarfon Tandoori for an award-winning curry, and although a bit out of the town centre, Bwty Clwb Golff at Clwb Golff Caernarfon, Sunday Lunch is said to be the best around. And if you fancy a decent pint, there's plenty to choose from, such as Four Alls, Yr Alex, Twthill Vaults, The Crown and Castle. You can end your night at Copa, or if there's a live gig, go to Market Hall. But if you are looking for somewhere to stay all night and has the best beer garden in town, head to Anglesey Arms. Situated right near the waterfront, under the shadows of Caernarfon Castle, overlooking Afon Seiont and Ynys Mon, this place attracts hundreds of pub-goers when the sun is out and it's easy to see why. This place is so popular it even has a song written about it. During the summer months, there's no better place to experience the beauty of the town than here. But if drinking is not your thing, then there are plenty of places to explore through a walk. From the harbour near Galeri Caernarfon, you can walk all along the castle walls, pass Anglesey Arms and over the bridge, which takes you to Coed Helen. Anglesey Arms in Caernarfon has the best beer garden which overlooks the River Seiont (Image: ) From here, you can look back and see the castle and the town that dwells in and around it in all its glory. While you'll need a car to get here, Dinas Dinlle is your nearest beach and is a great place to visit. Here you'll have views of Yr Eifl and Anglesey across the sea, and a cosy beachside cafe called Braf, which you can read more about here. Article continues below But if you fancy a longer trek, Lôn Eifion Cycleway goes alongside the Welsh Highland Railway, from Caernarfon to Bryncir, which is around 12 miles.
