The Beautiful Market Town of Conwy, North Wales
Conwy is a walled market town situated along the picturesque River Conwy in North Wales. This beautiful market town has an extensive history dating back to the 13th century, when English King Edward I built Conwy Castle to fortify Conwy.
View of the waterfront of Conwy, North Wales
Conwy Castle, also known as Castell Conwy, still stands today as one of the most iconic medieval castles in North Wales, gaining UNESCO World Heritage Site status. This stunning fortress with its eight towers and inner wards emphasizes the area's historical importance and architectural beauty.
The Welsh town has become known for the castle walls and its unique atmosphere. Let's explore all that Conwy has to offer and guide you through this beautiful Welsh town.
Explore Conwy Town and Walls
The charming walled town of Conwy is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow cobbled streets. It's a small town, but it's full of historic buildings like the 14th-century Aberconwy House and the 16th-century Plas Mawr town house. Walking through the cobblestone streets and observing the medieval architecture of this resilient fortified Welsh town is the best way to experience its medieval charm.
Town centre street in Conwy, North Wales
The town walls should certainly be included within any walk around Conwy. These fortified walls are over three-quarters of a mile long and feature 21 towers as well as 3 gatehouses. The walls date back to medieval Britain during the 13th-century, when fortifications were built after King Edward laid foundations in Conwy. While they have been slightly damaged throughout time, they are still very well preserved to this day.
View of the waterfront and town walls in Conwy, North Wales
The walls offer stunning views of the Conwy River and provide visitors with a medieval adventure with an ancient atmosphere that is hard to find elsewhere. Here you can discover a part of the town’s rich history and culture, including its role as a key part of the ‘iron ring,’ a series of fortresses built around Snowdonia in the 13th century by King Edward I.
The town also has a lively atmosphere, with its many shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it makes a great place to have lunch or enjoy some coffee at a local cafe. The historic architecture with the old town nostalgia provides the perfect place to soak up the environment of this medieval Welsh town.
Visiting Conwy Castle: A World Heritage Site
Conwy Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of late 13th-century military architecture in Europe. The castle was built in the 13th century by King Edward I, an English king that had captured a series of Welsh towns and designed fortifications around them. Edward’s conquest of Wales influenced the entire region, and Conwy Castle was just a small portion of the English Kings influence.
Conwy Castle architecture
Visitors can explore the medieval castle interior and climb up the towers, which offer unique vantage points of the River Conwy. The interior of Conwy Castle is just as well preserved as the town walls and offers an insight into one of the best military structures of medieval Britain.
Conwy Castle is a testament to medieval military architecture and a key part of the ‘iron ring’ of fortresses built by King Edward I. This iconic structure, with its imposing towers and well-preserved interiors, offers a glimpse into the strategic importance of Conwy in the 13th century.
Medieval architecture of Conwy Castle in North Wales
While the town walls are free to roam, the castle is not. The tickets do come at a reasonable price, and the opening times are 09:30 am–17:00 pm. This gives plenty of time to visit, but if you're visiting during public holidays, be sure to check opening times through the Conwy Castle website.
Historic Landmarks in Conwy County
Conwy County is a treasure trove of historic landmarks that beautifully narrate the region’s rich past. One of the most prominent sites is, of course, the previously mentioned castle. But beyond Conwy Castle, other recommended attractions in Conwy Town include the Smallest House in Great Britain, Plas Mawr, and the Conwy Suspension Bridge.
View of the Conwy Suspension Bridge and the River Conwy in North Wales
Just outside of Conwy Town, the county is dotted with charming villages and ancient sites. The picturesque village of Llanrwst, nestled in the Conwy Valley, is home to the historic Gwydir Castle, a Tudor mansion with beautifully restored gardens. This site provides a serene escape and a peek into the opulent lifestyle of the Welsh gentry.
Another must-visit is the town of Colwyn Bay, where you can explore the Victorian-era architecture and the stunning Eirias Park. This park is not only a recreational hub but also a place of historical significance, reflecting the town’s development during the Victorian period.
For those interested in ecclesiastical history, the St. George’s Church in the village of St. George is a hidden gem. This ancient church, with its beautiful stained glass windows and tranquil churchyard, offers a peaceful retreat and a connection to the spiritual heritage of Conwy County.
Visit Llandudno
Visiting the nearby Welsh resort of Llandudno is one of the best ways to enjoy a day trip from Conwy. This seaside town has beautiful beaches, Victorian and Edwardian architecture, and an abundance of incredible nature.
View of the Welsh seaside resort of Llandudno
Bundling both towns within one weekend would be a great idea, as they are located within a short drive of each other. Both Conwy and Llandudno are small towns and neither require too much time to explore, however, Llandudno does have a bit more to see than Conwy.
Outdoor Activities in Conwy, North Wales
Aside from majestic castles and cobblestoned streets, Conwy has a variety of outdoor activities to offer. The Conwy Valley offers plenty of opportunities, including hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
Conwy Mountain (Mynydd y Dref) is another nature destination in Conwy, with its stunning views and Iron Age hillfort. This is a great mountain for those who would like to experience a relatively easy hike near the town of Conwy but do not have the time to visit the large Snowdonia peaks. There are multiple trails, and the views are beautiful.
View of the Conwy Marina in North Wales
Exploring the scenic Conwy Marina with its picturesque views and walking trails is another wonderful way to experience the nature of Conwy. The marina is located within 10 minutes walk of the castle and offers nature lovers a place to explore nature while being conveniently located near the town centre.
Visit the RSPB Conwy Nature Reserve, with its diverse wildlife and scenic views. This RSPB nature reserve is one of the best in the area, and birdwatchers often visit the area to see the unique species of birds and wildlife.
Cultural Attractions
Visit the Royal Cambrian Academy of Art, one of the best art galleries in Conwy, which features exhibitions from a variety of local artists. This unique academy dates back to 1881, and it has come a long way since then, today it hosts workshops, functions as a charity, and constantly aims to represent Welsh artists.
Art lovers might want to include the Potters Gallery as part of their visit. It is a small shop in the town center of Conwy dedicated to showcasing local art and crafts. Conwy is also home to a number of unique festivals and events, including the Conwy River Festival and the Pirate Festival. Overall, there is a great variety of cultural and artistic attractions in Conwy, especially for such a small town.
Food and Drink
Enjoy local cuisine, including fresh seafood and traditional Welsh dishes. Visit the Albion Ale House for a traditional cozy pub. It has a wide range of local beers and ales and fits perfectly with the medieval atmosphere of Conwy.
Many cafes and restaurants offering a range of international cuisines line the streets of the Conwy and provide visitors with a great variety of food.
Beer drinkers can visit the Conwy Brewery, with its range of local beers and ales.
Getting Around
Visiting Conwy by car is of course convenient if you drive, as there is easy access from the A55 and B5106. For those who would like to take the train to Llandudno Junction or Conwy Station, with regular services from major cities.
Buses are also a convenient way of visiting the town, with bus service providing regular routes from Llandudno, Bangor, and Caernarfon.
Alternatively, visitors could actually walk to Conwy depending on where in North Wales they stay. Conwy has a variety of scenic coastal paths and picturesque countryside, and a walk from Llandudno to Conwy only takes around 1 hour 30 minutes.
Accommodation
If your visiting Conwy, you could choose to stay in Conwy town, with its range of hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodation. Alternatively, visit the popular seaside resort of Llandudno, which also has a range of accommodation options. There are also a variety of hotels in the Conwy Valley, which offers scenic countryside and a range of accommodation options.
You could choose to stay in a holiday cottage, apartment, or hotel. However, when visiting towns in North Wales, it's important to remember that there are not many modern hotels as the architecture is quite old and well preserved. Towns like Conwy tend to have more B&B-type options or apartments.
During the summer holidays, Conwy can get busy, so if you're visiting during that time, it would be wise to book in advance.
Planning Your Visit
Upon planning your visit to Conwy, it is best to prepare in advance. Check the opening times and prices for Conwy Castle and other attractions. Booking accommodation and transportation in advance, especially during peak season, is also a good idea as the town can get crowded.
Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, especially if you're planning to visit any of the outdoor sights.
Summary
Conwy is a must-visit destination in North Wales, with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Exploring the town’s historic landmarks and attractions, like Conwy Castle, is one of the best ways to experience Welsh history. Walking the town walls is great fun and gives you visitors a sense of medieval Wales. Conwy Castle, its town walls, cobblestoned streets, and scenic River Conwy are all places to remember and should be a top priority when visiting North Wales.