Conwy
CONWY is a compact medieval gem on Wales’s north coast, wrapped in storybook walls and crowned by the mighty Conwy Castle. Together, the castle and town walls form part of the UNESCO-listed ‘Castles and Town Walls of King Edward in Gwynedd’, celebrated as some of Europe’s finest late-medieval military architecture.
The castle itself is a show-stopper: eight soaring towers, rugged curtain walls and remarkably complete royal apartments that transport you straight back to the 13th Century. Managed by Cadw, it’s one of Britain’s most evocative fortresses – climb the battlements for big-sky views over the estuary and mountains.
Encircling the old town is an almost unbroken circuit of walls – about 1.3km long – with 21 towers and three original gateways. You can walk sections of the ramparts, peering down onto narrow lanes, slate roofs and the bustling quay. It’s an unforgettable way to grasp the town’s scale and strategic setting.
By the water, Thomas Telford’s elegant 1820s Suspension Bridge threads into the castle like a piece of engineering theatre. Now cared for by the National Trust and open to pedestrians, it’s a graceful reminder of the age when north Wales became a vital road route to Ireland.
Conwy’s quayside also hides a delightful oddity: the pint-sized, bright-red Smallest House in Great Britain. Just 72 inches wide and 122 inches high, it was lived in until 1900 and today welcomes curious visitors for a peek at its tiny interior.
History fans can keep time-travelling at Plas Mawr, a lavish Elizabethan townhouse whose plasterwork and period rooms make it one of the best preserved in Britain, and at Aberconwy House, a 14th-Century merchant’s house under the care of the National Trust. Both sit within minutes of the castle.
Nature and gardens are on the doorstep. The Conwy Valley rises quickly into Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park – reachable by the scenic Conwy Valley Line from nearby Llandudno Junction – while Bodnant Garden, a National Trust showpiece famed for seasonal colour, sits a short drive upriver.
Foodie tip: look out for traditional, hand-raked Conwy mussels from the estuary – protected for their heritage methods and distinctive flavour. They’re a local staple when in season and a delicious way to taste the town’s maritime past.
Why visitors love Conwy
- Walkable wow-factor: Castle, walls, quay and landmarks lie within a few cobbled streets – perfect for short breaks and day trips.
- Layered heritage: From medieval defences to Victorian engineering, the town is a living timeline you can explore on foot.
- Gateway to big landscapes: Mountains, estuary and coast are all within easy reach for hiking, boating and wildlife.
- Character in spades: Independent cafés, pubs and boutiques fill the old streets, and sunsets from the quayside are magic.
Whether you’re clambering up turret stairs, strolling the ramparts, crossing Telford’s bridge or sampling mussels by the harbour, Conwy delivers a punch-packing mix of history, scenery and small-town charm – everything great about north Wales in one irresistible bundle.
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