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The Black Boy Inn

Boutique Hotels
High Medieval to Renaissance
4-Star
Northgate Street, Stryd Pedwar A Chwech, Snowdonia, Caernarfon Town Center, Caernarfon, United Kingdom, LL55 1RW
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$114.00 /night for 2 adults View Deal

Highlights

One of the oldest surviving inns in North Wales

Popular Amenities

  • Bar
  • Restaurants
  • English
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Overview

The Black Boy Inn in Caernarfon has been welcoming travelers since 1522, starting as a simple stop for rest and growing into a lively local hub. Carefully restored in the early 2000s, its thick stone walls, timber beams, and classic Georgian touches keep history alive. Today, it stands as one of North Wales’ oldest surviving inns, proudly retaining its independent, family-run spirit. It serves hearty, seasonal meals and local drinks that draw both visitors and locals alike. Grab a drink, soak in the family-run vibe, then step outside to explore Caernarfon Castle, Snowdonia trails, or the coast. History, great food, drinks, and a bit of adventure make the Black Boy Inn a lively spot to hang out and explore.

Superb 9.1
47 reviews
map Northgate Street, Stryd Pedwar A Chwech, Snowdonia, Caernarfon Town Center, Caernarfon, United Kingdom, LL55 1RW
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Local Info

Dinas Dinlle Beach
(12.2 km)
Segontium Roman Fort
(1.6 km)
Plas Newydd House and Garden
(16.0 km)
Nearest Airport
(38.6 km)
Nearest Railway Station
(14.0 km)
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History

Located on Northgate Street in the Royal Borough of Caernarfon, the Black Boy Inn has evolved alongside the town for centuries. What began as an early resting place for travelers gradually became a popular spot for food, drink, and conversation, woven into everyday life within the town walls. Before 1828, the building was known as the Black Boy and later operated as the King’s Arms. When the neighboring Fleur de Lys joined the property, the spaces were combined to form the Black Boy Inn as it is known today. Still owned by an independent family business, it remains a rare free house, preserving its local character.

The building itself tells this long story. Its load-bearing stone walls, up to one and a half metres thick, were built for strength and insulation in a busy medieval town. Northgate Street, once called Stryd Pedwar a Chwech, was lively and rough-and-tumble. Today, it offers clear views of the town’s sentry walls, towers, and stone staircases, with a 19th-century archway marking the entrance to the old town. Beneath the inn, archaeological finds such as clay pipes, animal bones, and a child’s shoe reveal everyday life from centuries past, while local tales of a nun linked to a nearby former nunnery remain part of the inn’s shared history.

History
Centuries-old inn at the heart of Caernarfon Booking

Design and Architecture

The Black Boy Inn follows traditional Welsh architecture with Georgian touches, giving it a strong and classic look. Outside, local stone walls, soft-painted surfaces, tall sash windows, and a steeply pitched roof with stone chimneys create a timeless appearance. The building has load-bearing walls up to one and a half metres thick, and four exterior signs, each showing a black buoy on one side and a black boy on the other, reflecting the inn’s long history. The façade is simple but elegant, with the balanced symmetry typical of Georgian design. In the early 2000s, the inn was carefully restored, repairing the stonework, roof, and timber while keeping all the original features intact.

Inside, the inn keeps its historic feel alive. Exposed wooden beams stretch across the ceilings, and fireplaces in the main rooms still hold a warm glow. Low ceilings in some areas and small nooks create a sense of intimacy, while the combination of stone walls, timber floors, and muted décor keeps the space grounded and welcoming. Period features like old doors, wrought-iron fittings, and classic furniture were carefully restored, making each corner feel authentic and connected to the building’s long history. The inn is also thoughtfully designed for all guests, with a lower bathroom sink, a toilet with grab rails, and full wheelchair access, making it accessible without compromise.


Hotel image
Traditional Welsh building with Georgian design touches Agoda
Hotel image
Strong stone walls and elegant traditional design Agoda

Amenities

Popular Amenities

  • Bar
  • Restaurants
  • English

Dining

The Black Boy Inn Restaurant

The on-site restaurant at the Black Boy Inn is a family-run pub in Caernarfon, and they serve proper hearty meals with ingredients that come from around here, mainly Gwynedd and Anglesey. Everything follows a field-to-fork approach, so each dish is seasonal, fresh, and full of flavor. The menu has all the classics, including starters, mains, desserts, grills, nibbles, sides, and light bites.

Their roasts are worth trying with lamb, beef, turkey, mixed meat, or a nut roast served with seasonal vegetables, mashed and roast potatoes, red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, and Yorkshire pudding. They also have vegetarian and vegan options that are just as satisfying and full of taste. The drink selection is wide, with local ales, ciders, wines, and spirits to pair with whatever you are eating. They are also allergen-aware and happy to answer questions about the ingredients in any dish. It has won praise in the Telegraph and Daily Post, and it is easy to see why.

Opening hours:
Monday - Thursday: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Friday - Saturday: 12:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Dining
Hearty meals at the on-site restaurant Agoda

Craft Bar

The Bar at the Black Boy Inn is a real spot for anyone who enjoys a good drink. It has 20 rotating taps pouring cask and keg beers from independent breweries, so there is always something new to try. Purple Moose, Cwrw Llyn, Bass, and Tiny Rebel are just a few of the breweries you might find.

It is not just beer, either. There is a wide selection of ales, ciders, lagers, whisky, and wines, many from local suppliers in North Wales. Every drink is chosen for quality and variety, so it is easy to find something to suit your taste or to pair with your meal. You can enjoy a roast with a cold ale or a light bite with a glass of wine. The staff are friendly and happy to guide you through the choices.

Opening hours:
Monday- Thursday: 11:00 am to 11:00 pm
Friday- Saturday: 11:00 am to 11:30 pm
Sunday: 12:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Hotel image
Enjoy a range of drinks from North Wales Agoda

Events & Experiences

Cultural and Outdoor Experiences

From adventure to culture, North Wales is easy to explore from the Black Boy Inn. For adrenaline lovers, Zip World and Go Below are popular choices and easy to reach. Zip World is all about speed and height, sending you across dramatic landscapes on long zip lines. Go Below offers a very different kind of thrill, with underground caverns and trampolines hidden deep inside old mines. On the water, Rib Ride on the Menai Strait delivers fast-paced boat trips and sea spray, operated in collaboration with Bear Grylls.

History is never far from Caernarfon. The Caernarfon Castle is just a short walk from the inn and gives a glimpse of the town’s medieval past. Beaumaris Castle and Penrhyn Castle are easy half-day trips and worth the time. If you are curious about the local industry, Sygun Copper Mine and the National Slate Museum in Llanberis offer a hands-on look at how the region once worked.

Events & Experiences
Caernarfon Castle overlooking the harbour Herbert Ortner

Cultural experiences are easy to find, too. Galeri Caernarfon hosts films, exhibitions, and live performances throughout the year. King Arthur’s Labyrinth adds storytelling and myth to a boat journey underground, while the Woollen Mills in Trefriw offer a slower look at traditional Welsh craft. Families and indoor explorers have plenty of options, including The Fun Centre in Caernarfon and the Beacon Climbing Centre. Airworld Aviation Museum at Dinas Dinlle is another good stop, with historic aircraft and RAF rescue stories, especially on rainy days.

For scenic days outdoors, Snowdonia offers walking and climbing routes for all levels, while Coed y Brenin is well known for its cycling trails. Bike Hire Beics Menai makes it easy to explore at your own pace. For guided experiences, Menai Cruises and Celtic Tours let you enjoy the landscape without driving. A little further afield, Anglesey Circuit brings motorsport excitement, the Great Orme in Llandudno offers cable car rides and sweeping coastal views, and the Electric Mountain in Llanberis takes you inside a working hydroelectric dam. The Inigo Jones Slate Works rounds out the experience with a closer look at Wales’s slate heritage.

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Snowdonia’s walking and climbing routes Timothy Hewitt llandrillo

Other Celebrations

For other celebrations, the Black Boy Inn may also be able to accommodate smaller private or corporate gatherings, depending on the nature of the event. Smaller celebrations and work gatherings may be possible at the Black Boy Inn, subject to availability. The setting suits relaxed occasions, from personal milestones to informal corporate meals. To understand what can be arranged, it is best to contact the team directly to discuss your plans, guest numbers, and any specific requirements so they can advise on what is possible and help organize the details.

Book Venue
Hotel image
A cozy corner for special occasions at the inn Agoda

Local Info

Dinas Dinlle Beach

12.2 km

A peaceful sandy coast with wide views of the sea. Perfect for walking, relaxing, enjoying sunsets, or having a quiet picnic by the water. (15-minute drive)

Segontium Roman Fort

1.6 km

An ancient military site where you can explore well‑preserved walls and ruins from the Roman era and learn about life nearly two thousand years ago. (3-minute drive)

Plas Newydd House and Garden

16.0 km

A historic house with lovely gardens overlooking the Menai Strait. Visitors can explore the rooms, stroll through landscaped grounds, and enjoy the calm, scenic surroundings. (20-minute drive)

Nearest Airport

38.6 km

The closest airport to The Black Boy Inn Hotel is Anglesey Airport, around 30 minutes away by car.

Nearest Railway Station

14.0 km

Bangor Railway Station is the closest major train station to The Black Boy Inn Hotel, around 20 minutes away by car.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Customer Reviews

Location

Great location friendly staff great food.

Amenities

Beautiful, clean and spacious room. Excellent service.

Price

It was totally worth the price!

Dining

The food was amazing (breakfast and dinner) and the history of the place was great.