Business Details
Your Historic Retreat in Caernarfon, North Wales
Established in the early 16th century, the Black Boy Inn stands as one of North Wales' oldest inns, offering guests a unique blend of historic charm and modern comfort. Our family-owned establishment, nestled within Caernarfon's ancient town walls, provides 47 individually styled guest rooms across five distinct properties, each maintaining the character of its historic origins while offering contemporary amenities. The inn's restaurant, awarded a Visit Wales Bronze Award, showcases locally sourced Welsh ingredients in dishes crafted to highlight regional culinary traditions. Our team prioritises personalised service, drawing on deep local knowledge to enhance guests' experiences of Snowdonia and Anglesey. The building itself, with its 1.5-metre thick walls and intriguing archaeological features, serves as a living testament to Wales' rich history.We maintain strict quality standards through annual 4-star grading by both Visit Wales and the AA. While preserving our historic character, we ensure modern accessibility with designated easy-access rooms and facilities. Our commitment to guest satisfaction extends to flexible booking policies and transparent communication about our unique operational constraints, including the absence of lifts due to the building's listed status.
Services
Accommodation
Restaurant
Bar
Gift Vouchers
Loyalty Scheme
Highlights and features
- We offer 500 years of hospitality experience within a historic listed building
- Our 4-star graded accommodations combine period features with modern comforts
- Award-winning restaurant showcases locally sourced Welsh cuisine
- Expert local knowledge for exploring Snowdonia and Anglesey
- Family-owned establishment maintaining traditional hospitality values
Associations and certifications
- Visit Wales
- AA
Services
Accommodation
Our historic properties offer 47 uniquely styled rooms across five distinct buildings, maintaining original features while providing modern comforts. Each room includes private bathrooms, free WiFi, and period-appropriate decor reflecting our 16th-century heritage. We accommodate special requirements with four accessible ground-floor rooms featuring walk-in showers.
Restaurant
The award-winning restaurant serves locally sourced Welsh cuisine using ingredients from regional producers. Our menu combines traditional recipes with contemporary presentation, featuring dishes crafted to showcase North Wales' agricultural bounty. The dining experience takes place in historic surroundings with original architectural features preserved throughout the space.
Bar Services
Our bar offers a selection of local ales, Welsh wines, and traditional spirits in authentic historic surroundings. Guests can enjoy drinks by the roaring fireplace or in our courtyard seating area. The bar maintains its traditional character while providing modern service standards and a carefully curated drinks menu.
Gift Vouchers
We provide gift vouchers for accommodation stays, dining experiences, and special packages. These make ideal presents for special occasions, offering recipients a choice of experiences within our historic properties. Vouchers can be purchased for specific amounts or pre-defined packages.
Loyalty Scheme
Our loyalty programme rewards repeat guests with exclusive benefits and special offers. Members receive preferential treatment for bookings, access to limited availability periods, and recognition for their continued patronage. The scheme maintains traditional hospitality values while incorporating modern customer appreciation practices.
Questions
What historical significance does the Black Boy Inn hold?
Dating from the early 16th century, our inn has thick stone walls and original architectural features. It was once known as the King's Arms and retains historical elements like four exterior signs showing black boy and buoy motifs.
Are pets allowed at the inn?
We do not accept pets in any part of the buildings, except for registered assistance dogs. This policy helps maintain our historic environment and respect for all guests.
What parking options are available?
We offer chargeable car parking at £5 per day next to the inn, with free spaces for Blue Badge holders. Early arrivals may receive free permits for Slate Quay car park subject to availability.
How can I book a room?
Reservations require a credit/debit card through our secure booking system. We recommend booking directly via our website for best rates, with cancellation policies varying by rate type.
What accessibility features exist?
We have four ground-floor accessible rooms with walk-in showers in Black Jacks and Ty Dre properties. Due to our listed building status, lifts aren't available but staff will assist with luggage where possible.
What dining options are available?
Our award-winning restaurant serves breakfast from 7am-9:30am weekdays and 7:30am-10am Sundays. The menu features locally sourced Welsh ingredients in dishes that combine tradition with contemporary presentation.
Reviews (7)
Michael A. Green
Dec 26, 2021
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Nice atmosphere , brilliant traditional pub, nearly 500 years old . Good service , and lovely food . Would recommend to visitors of caernarfon
Ainis Huzars
Dec 26, 2021
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Amazing Hotel.Staff was very friendly and helpfull.Rooms was very clean.Huge Welsh breakfast. Will visit again.
Claire-Marie Hosein
Dec 15, 2021
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Face masks required for staff & guests in public areas. Hand sanitiser available to guests. Socially distanced dining tables. Floors marked for social distancing. Very busy place for a Thursday evening; which shows its popularity. Good service, to order food go to the bar. Welsh & English spoken. Very close to the castle.
Pamela Kenworthy
Nov 28, 2021
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Plenty of places to sit and eat, atmosphere is welcoming on a cold day, a log burner was a lovely sight. Food good, especially the chips, but if you are not a fan of pepper, give the coleslaw a miss, it was home made (brilliant) but it had pepper in (not brilliant).
Natalie Mills
Nov 17, 2021
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Interesting, comfortable and clean surroundings, friendly and efficient staff. The best steak and ale pie anywhere, ever! Will definitely be back.
Florent Aupert
Nov 04, 2021
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My sticky toffee pudding never arrived after waiting for an hour. After the first 20 minutes, I reminded the waiter about my order, who said it was on the way. Then another waiter brought the cutlery after about 30 minutes, then nothing. In the end, I just left because I had lost my appetite (and 4 pounds in the process).
Last Official Channel
Nov 02, 2021
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Staff were friendly. The crispy hot wings and white bait starters were extremely nice. The double burger was tasty but gets saltier the more you bite into it (must be the blue cheese sauce). The scampi felt like a starter. The chips on both were crispy and moist.
