The Old Forge is a unique historic retreat in the heart of Caernarfon, just a short stroll from the castle, town walls, harbour, shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. Full of character, charm and atmosphere, it offers a memorable base for families, friends and groups wanting to enjoy North Wales from one of its most historic locations. Local legend links the ancient walls of The Old Forge to King Arthur and the forging of his mighty sword, Excalibur. The space The Old Forge is a spacious and characterful historic cottage in the heart of Caernarfon, rebuilt around 1800 and arranged over three floors, with the added bonus of a basement cinema room. It offers comfortable accommodation for families, friends and groups looking for a memorable stay close to Caernarfon Castle, the harbour, shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants. One of the most special features of the property is the private enclosed courtyard. The ivy-covered walls are home to many native birds, and guests are welcome to feed them using the bird feeders provided. Waking up with a coffee in the hot tub while listening to the dawn chorus is a genuinely magical experience. The courtyard has a relaxed Mediterranean feel, with a large decked area, outdoor seating, a summer house and a secluded hot tub. The summer house adds a lovely social space whatever the weather, while the hot tub provides a true all-weather activity. On sunny days, the courtyard becomes a beautiful sun trap, perfect for relaxing after exploring the castle, coast or mountains. Inside, the house is warm, homely and well equipped. The kitchen includes a large gas hob, two ovens and a wide range of appliances, making it suitable for both keen cooks and casual meals. The dining room has a long wooden table with seating for eight guests, with additional chairs available, making it ideal for shared breakfasts, family meals or evening celebrations. The sitting room offers comfortable sofas, a TV and a warming wood burner, creating a cosy space to unwind after a busy day. Guests can also enjoy the basement cinema room, which includes a TV and DVD player. Guests are welcome to bring their own games consoles to plug in and play. There are four comfortable bedrooms. On the first floor, there is a king-size bedroom with mirrored wardrobes and street views, plus a double room overlooking the courtyard and castle turrets. On the second floor, there are two further double rooms. One benefits from a private en-suite WC and basin, while the other enjoys views across the courtyard towards the castle. Bathroom facilities include a ground-floor WC with basin, a first-floor family bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC, and a second-floor en-suite WC with basin. Please note that the second-floor en-suite shower is not available for guest use. Guest access Guests have access to the whole property, including the house, private enclosed courtyard, decking area, summer house, hot tub and basement cinema room. The Old Forge is in the heart of Caernarfon, with the castle quite literally next door. The harbour, town walls, shops, supermarkets, pubs, cafés and restaurants are all just a short walk away, so guests can leave the car parked nearby and explore on foot. The waterfront is perfect for a relaxed stroll, crabbing, angling, or simply sitting on the harbour wall enjoying the view. Caernarfon is full of history, with narrow streets, Roman remains, independent shops and a picturesque dock. For days out, guests can enjoy the Welsh Highland Railway to Porthmadog, boat trips along the Menai Strait, or explore Snowdonia/Eryri, Anglesey, beaches, castles, walking routes and cycle paths nearby. Please note that the second-floor en-suite shower is not available for guest use. Guests have access to a ground-floor WC with basin, a first-floor family bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC, and a second-floor en-suite WC with basin. Other things to note The Old Forge is located in the heart of Caernarfon, on the corner of Castle Street and High Street, just 50 metres from Caernarfon Castle and less than a minute’s walk from the Menai Strait. Address: The Old Forge, 11 Castle Street, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SE The property is within Caernarfon’s historic town walls and a restricted parking zone. Guests may drop off luggage at the property before parking in one of the nearby public car parks outside the town walls. For nearby car parks, use postcode: LL55 1SR. If arriving by car, follow signs for Victoria Dock. There are several public car parks along Glan Môr and Balaclava Street, with the closest car park located behind the castle. The nearest train station is Bangor, around 4 miles away. Regular buses travel between Bangor and Caernarfon, or guests can take a taxi directly from the station. From Caernarfon bus station, walk towards Castle Square, keep the castle on your left, follow Castle Ditch, then turn right into Castle Street. The Old Forge is opposite the castle entrance, a short distance down the street on the right. The Old Forge is a historic listed property. Although it has been carefully modernised, any significant changes to the building require formal approval, so the original windows could not simply be replaced with modern double glazing. The windows are maintained, but they are not double glazed. The house is warm and well heated. Bathroom facilities include a ground-floor WC with basin, a first-floor family bathroom with bath, separate shower and WC, and a second-floor en-suite WC with basin. Please note that the second-floor en-suite shower is not available for guest use. The basement cinema room may sometimes be used as an additional bedroom by prior agreement and for an additional cost. Please note that it has no windows and bedding is only supplied for the main beds unless agreed in advance. The ivy-covered courtyard walls are home to many native birds. Guests are welcome to feed them using the bird feeders provided, but we kindly ask that no other bird food is used, as this helps avoid attracting seagulls. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, but they must stay downstairs and off the furniture. A baby gate is provided to help with this. Additional cleaning charges may apply if dog hair is found on furniture or bedding.