NORTH WALES FROM ALL ANGLES
Practical Caravan|October 2024
Peter Baber finds Palladian splendour, mighty castles and fashionable hotspots on a tour of North Wales
Peter Baber
NORTH WALES FROM ALL ANGLES

IN THE ROLL call of great English monarchs, I don't know why Edward I isn't far better known. We never stop hearing about Henry VIII and Victoria, and even Charles II (aka The Merry Monarch) gets a frequent look in. But you could argue that the Plantagenet king, Edward, left just as much of a legacy on our small island as any of those rulers. Particularly when it came to relations between England and Wales.

Edward's immediate predecessor, Henry III, had recognised one Llywelyn ap Gruffudd as Prince of Wales in 1267. Ten years later, Edward reneged on that and invaded Wales, confining Llywelyn's authority to Snowdonia and Anglesey.

That wasn't enough, either, because in 1282, Edward invaded that region too, in a war that resulted in the death of Llywelyn and the capture and eventual execution of his brother Dafydd.

To cement his authority, Edward had a new castle built on an old Norman site at Caernarfon. Although this was attacked and burned during an uprising led by Madog ap Llywelyn in 1294, Edward recaptured it in 1295, firmly consolidating English rule from then on, with only one slight hiccup just over 100 years later, in the form of the nationalist leader Owain Glyndŵr.

Conwy and Caernarfon

I decided I wanted to explore this historic edifice on a trip to North Wales earlier this year. I had already been impressed by Conwy Castle, another of the four fortifications Edward built to show the locals who was boss. But Caernarfon somehow seemed to have an even greater allure.

I'd been past Conwy, with its impressive walls that you can walk entirely around, on my way to to my campsite. The A55 makes a great drive most of the time, but it's especially impressive on a sunny day, as it was when I visited.

Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Practical Caravan.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 2024-utgaven av Practical Caravan.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA PRACTICAL CARAVANSe alt
Uncooperative utilities
Practical Caravan

Uncooperative utilities

Gracious friends didn't mind using Penny with no water or electric for a weekend, but it was puzzling news to Nigel Donnelly

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting
Practical Caravan

PC GUIDE TO...The low-down on lighting

Good lighting makes all the difference to any caravan interior, but which type is best for you? Sammy Faircloth looks at options for upgrading

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS
Practical Caravan

STAY SAFE! TOWING AROUND VULNERABLE ROAD USERS

A poorly driven car and caravan can do a great deal of damage, especially around vulnerable road users. Here’s how to keep everyone safe

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
FORD KUGA
Practical Caravan

FORD KUGA

Ford has upgraded the Kuga SUV with improved hybrid powertrains, high-tech features and a better infotainment system.

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)
Practical Caravan

BAILEY PEGASUS MODENA (2016)

This fixed-bed layout offers ideal touring for two, says Andrew Jenkinson

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
How to buy SECONDHAND
Practical Caravan

How to buy SECONDHAND

There are brilliant used bargains to be had if you know where to look and how to avoid the pitfalls. Here's what you need to know, says former salesman Peter Rosenthal

time-read
10+ mins  |
November 2024
ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520
Practical Caravan

ELDDIS AVANTÉ 520

A sleek new profile graces the exterior of this compact two-berth and inside, there’s an impressive washroom

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA
Practical Caravan

COACHMAN LASER 845 XTRA

The opulent living space in this comfortable four-berth makes the 845 an ideal choice for a seasonal pitch

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
See the best of France
Practical Caravan

See the best of France

Enjoy a trip to the most beautiful regions of France with a stay at these brilliant campsites

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
48 HOURS IN...ST MALO
Practical Caravan

48 HOURS IN...ST MALO

Our regular series highlights top attractions and itineraries to help you make the most of a weekend visit

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024