The Black Boy Inn, set deep in the evocative Royal Borough of Caernarfon, has been a welcome retreat for weary travellers for centuries. Built circa 1522, it is one of the oldest inns in North Wales. Formerly the 'King's Arms' and the 'Fleur de Lys', one landlord bought the other out and created the Black Boy Inn as it is today. Prior to 1828, the 'King's Arms' was known as the 'Black Boy'.

Located in Northgate Street, the Black Boy Inn is one of the few remaining free houses owned by an independent family business in the United Kingdom. It has load bearing walls of 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.

There are at least three theories to explain the origins of its name. One relates to a black boy brought into the country on a ship, another suggests it is related to a navigational buoy which existed in the harbour in the early days of the Inn, and the third refers to the nickname given to Charles II by his mother and the fact that Royalists met here secretly at that time.

We now offer fourteen beautifully restored rooms that perfectly blend the features of this 16th century Welsh inn with the requirements of a modern guest. Offering luxury and relaxation, each room has its own style.

We are proud to be associated with The Good Beer Guide and delighted to be featured as one of the United Kingdom's top real ale venues for 2010. Selling great real ales always has been – and continues to be, a real passion.

At the Black Boy Inn, we have made a conscious commitment towards sustainable hospitality . We are working towards providing for the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. To date the Black Boy Inn has taken the following environmentally sensitive steps to save energy, save water, help the environment, and help our community.