The Oval - Caernarfon FC
- Chris Tuck
- 6 hours ago
- 4 min read
Photos by Chris Tuck, Stadium Journey
Stadium Info FANFARE Score: 3.43
The Oval Marcus Street
Caernarfon, Wales, LL55 2HT
Year Opened: 1888 Capacity: 3,000
Mixing Modernity with Tradition
Civic pride and sporting anticipation are on the rise in the royal town of Caernarfon. Their imposing waterfront castle, built to keep people out, is now looking forward to welcoming new visitors from across Europe.
As the town's football club achieves European qualification for the 26/27 season, the summer will first see their Oval stadium receive a modern makeover to host the prestigious UEFA U19s European Championships.
It’s not just the town and its football team that should entice visitors. The drive to Caernarfon via the A4086 is a simply stunning route. Drivers are advised to concentrate on the road whilst passengers get to witness the majesty of the Pen Y Pass, Swallow Waterfalls and the gargantuan Mount Snowdon.
Food & Beverage 2
Before entering the stadium, pop into the adjacent supporters’ club... A traditional experience to meet weathered locals and buy a cheap pint of beer.
Inside, the food outlet is in the northwest corner of the ground. A limited selection was available at the U19 championships: tea and coffee (£2), sweets (£1), and a pot noodle (£2)!
No trip to Caernarfon is complete without looking up the Smoothie King @SwigSmoothies catering van. Parked in the stadium for special matches, a variety of delicious smoothies were available at £5 each.
Atmosphere 4
Local fans have had a one-season break from attending home matches at the Oval as major renovations took place during 25/26. The improvements now provide a safe and well-appointed new look whilst retaining the unique charm and atmosphere the ground is famous for.
With an elevated side of The Oval necessitating a built-up inner wall, there’s a coliseum-like intensity to matches that can see visiting teams shrink. Built on a hill, the home end has a delightful tilt which has only lost some of its character since new seats were added.
The refurbished main stand and changing rooms dominate the lower side of the ground with new seats installed in the Eisteddle Hendra stand at the southern end of the stadium.
A UEFA-compliant pitch, floodlights and dugouts complete the smart new appearance of this famous old ground.
Neighborhood 5
Cafi Maes in the main square, opposite the castle, is a gem with an excellent food menu and good coffee.
The Siopau shops are an attraction worth visiting. Housed in the old customs house by the harbour, it has a variety of artisan offerings from local creatives.
Some excellent street art can be seen across the city. At the end of Garnon Street, there is an excellent Welsh football mural featuring star footballer Gareth Bale.
Worth noting there’s a high percentage of Welsh language speakers in Caernarfon so you may want to learn a few local sentences. These two would be a good start:
Un peint o gwrw oes gwelwch yn dda?
Pa ffordd i’r stadiwm?
The Visit Caernarfon website provides all the information you need to explore this attractive riverside town
Fans 3
The Canaries, nickname of CTFC, have some loud and passionate fans. The club averaged over 450 fans at home games in 26/27. A huge 1,212 attended the Italy v Serbia U19s match in June 2026, a recent figure only matched by a Christmas fixture v Colwyn Bay in December 2025.
Local rivalries include feisty encounters with Bangor City, Rhyl, and Porthmadog.
Founded in 1937, the club has enjoyed much success over the years. An FA Cup run in 1986/87 is still fondly remembered. The Canaries achieved European qualification with a thrilling 3-0 Welsh Cup Final win over Flint Town United, their first ever success in this famous old competition.
Access 2
Located in the far north west corner of Wales, the town is 100 miles from Manchester Airport.
Train services from Manchester reach as far as Bangor, with the T2 bus service available to complete your journey.
Arriving by car allows an unforgettable meander through Snowdonia, slower than the expressway A55, but awe-inspiring! Street parking is available near the stadium. The closest public car park is Penllyn Multi Storey Car Park, LL55 1NN
Note the hillside location makes accessibility into the Oval a little bit more challenging for wheelchair users. Contact the club in advance to make necessary arrangements.
Return on Investment 4
Prices in the area are often higher in the holiday seasons. Accommodation prices are certainly cheaper ‘out of season’. Prices in the Cymru Premier League are reasonable, and this is not a stadium journey that will leave large dents in your budget. Prices for the European campaign in 26/27 are £25 for adults and £17.50. Purchase via the CTFC ticketing website.
Extras 2
Caerhun Farm provides value for shepherd hut accommodations just ten miles from the Oval stadium. You will find a warm welcome and an invitation to help feed the goats and donkeys too!
After viewing the excellent Gareth Bale mural, grab a pint of the Eagle Hotel opposite, one of the nearest pubs to the ground and a chance to speak to local Canaries fans.
Final Thoughts
A visit to the Oval in Caernarfon, North Wales is recommended. Friendly locals, excellent local attractions and the wider area should definitely be explored. Achieving a modern twist on an old stadium is rare, but the Canaries now have a nest to be proud of.
